PROSECUTOR: Before me, James R. Jackson, prosecutor for the Parish of Orleans, sits Marguerite Charles, who is acquainted with the defendant, Jonathon Thiroux, and has been duly sworn and charged to answer all the questions the court presents before her in this case. Mrs. Charles, how long have you known the defendant?

CHARLES: For one year.

PROSECUTOR: In what capacity did your relationship originate?

CHARLES: We met at a ball through mutual friends. I believe it was at the Huntsworths’ house, but I cannot remember for certain. Anyway, in the course of polite conversation, it was made known to me that Mr. Thiroux is an artist. I expressed interest in his art, and we fostered a social relationship.

PROSECUTOR: Did you see one another outside of large social gatherings?

CHARLES: Yes. I began to model for Mr. Thiroux for his sketches. He sketches in pencil, then paints in oils.

PROSECUTOR: Were you alone with him during these artistic sessions? Where did they occur?

CHARLES: Yes, we were alone. They were in his studio on Royal Street, where he currently resides.

PROSECUTOR: Did you pose in costumes, or gowns?

CHARLES: Sometimes in costumes or gowns. Other times they were natural poses.

PROSECUTOR: On those “other times,” are you implying, forgive me if I am making an incorrect assumption, but are you saying that by natural poses you mean you disrobed during these drawing sessions?

CHARLES: Yes. John did at least three nudes of me. He was interested in capturing the physical form of a more voluptuous woman and I was flattered to do so.

PROSECUTOR: Indeed. Why did you stop posing in this illustrious manner for Mr. Thiroux?

CHARLES: Because during our final session, which was last June, he threatened me with a knife when I complained that I was stiff and required a break.

PROSECUTOR: Threatened you with a knife? Where did he get this knife from? Tell us exactly what happened during this shocking encounter.

CHARLES: I was sitting on the divan, not reclining, but sitting upright, front facing, legs crossed, palms pressed on the sofa.

PROSECUTOR: What were you wearing?

CHARLES: Nothing. And my shoulders were sore from the extensive session and I asked permission to take a turn about the room. But John said no without even looking at me. He was completely absorbed in his sketch. However, I was truly uncomfortable and feeling a jabbing headache beginning behind my eyes, so I requested for the second time some relief, explaining my discomfort. Before I was even aware what he was about, he was in front of me, a knife in his hand, which he waved wildly in my face. I don’t know where he got the knife from as I never saw him draw it. But he told me to shut up, to sit still, or he would stick me.

PROSECUTOR: Were those his exact words? “Sit still or I’ll stick you”?

CHARLES: Yes.

PROSECUTOR: Had Mr. Thiroux been drinking?