For our next story, we need to warn you.
It contains images that may be disturbing for some viewers.
Sandra Twiggs.
Yes, ma'am.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): We're at a bond
hearing in Broward County, Florida,
for a disturbing incident involving
judge Merilee Ehrlich.
Good morning, ma'am.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): The defendant
is 59-year-old Sandra Twiggs.
She's charged with misdemeanor domestic battery
against her 18-year-old daughter.
Twiggs relies on a wheelchair.
She suffers from asthma, diabetes,
and pulmonary disease.
I've read the probable cause affidavit.
Yes, ma'am.
You don't have to respond to each thing, but thank you.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): At first, Judge Ehrlich is
cordial toward the defendant.
But that doesn't last.
None.
Excuse me, ma'am, I'm asking my courtroom staff.
OK. OK.
That's OK.
I'll let you know each time I'm talking to you.
OK.
I'm sorry.
You OK, ma'am?
Yes.
I have asthma with COPD, and I have a cough today.
Apparently she and her adult daughter live in the same home.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): The judge reviews the case,
but there seems to be some information missing.
I don't know whose house this is.
I don't know if she's in a position to evict.
Excuse me, don't tell me.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): The judge is beginning
to show some frustration.
Does your daughter live with you, ma'am?
Yes.
Yes, ma'am.
But she also lives--
Excuse me.
Don't say anything beyond what I am asking you.
Trust me--
I'm telling you.
Ma'am.
She lived with my daughter.
Ma'am!
She lives with who?
She lives with me and she lives
with my daughter in Miami.
Is that a different location?
Yes.
In--
Excuse me.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): The judge's impatience grows.
Ma'am.
My one question to you--
can someone there give her water as a kindness?
Ma'am, do you need water?
Just nod your head.
Yes, and a breathing treatment.
I have-- - Ma'am--
--asthma with COPD.
--I am not here to talk to you about your breathing treatment.
Excuse me.
Oh, Lord.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): It's clear Twiggs is struggling,
but the judge just gets increasingly irritated.
I'm not going to spend all day with her interrupting me.
It's your turn to speak, counsel.
Ms. Twiggs, just stay silent for a moment.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): Twiggs takes counsel's advice
as Judge Ehrlich tries to finish up the hearing,
but it's not enough to avoid Judge Ehrlich's wrath.
Do you want her to stay in the home
but have no harmful contact with you?
Absolutely.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, Your Honor.
I need her--
Excuse me!
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): Instead of bond, the judge
offers Twiggs pretrial release.
Yes, Your Honor.
Instead of money, do you want to be
supervised by pretrial release?
Is that the right answer?
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, Your Honor.
Pretrial services.
Yes, Your Honor.
Ma'am, listen.
I don't know what to say.
You've already said too much.
Listen, please.
Yes.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): Once again, the judge berates
the already rattled Twiggs.
Don't even say yes.
Just listen.
Can you hear me?
Do you understand me?
Yes.
You have to check in with pretrial services
by noon on Monday.
Do you understand me?
Yes.
Good.
Thank you.
You can return her.
DAN ABRAMS (VOICEOVER): An exasperated
Judge Ehrlich seems relieved when the hearing's over,
but the story does not end there.
Just three days later, Sandra Twiggs passed away in her sleep
at home.
After video of Twiggs' appearance in court
was made public, Ehrlich's treatment of the defendant
came under intense scrutiny.
Broward chief administrator Judge Jack Tudor asked
Ehrlich not to return to work.
While he didn't have the power to fire her,
two days later, Ehrlich decided to announce
an early retirement.