Join us to debate the case of the stolen turkey.. Case Summary: In the small town of FairvieJoin us to debate the case of the stolen turkey..... Case Summary: In the small town of Fairview, Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition — and every year, Fairview Middle School hosts a festive lunch for students, staff, and families. This year’s highlight was a prize-winning, 25-pound turkey named Tommy, donated by local farmer Martha Jenkins, who raises free-range turkeys for community events. The turkey was stored in the school’s cafeteria freezer, carefully labeled “Do Not Use – School Feast – Tommy.” On the morning of November 26th, the day before the big lunch, custodian Jordan Lane arrived at the school around 6:45 AM. When Jordan entered the cafeteria, they noticed the large freezer door was slightly open and a puddle of water had formed on the floor. Upon inspection, the prized turkey was missing. Nothing else in the freezer appeared disturbed. Jordan immediately reported the theft to Principal Pat Green, who called the police and launched a school investigation. The discovery shocked the staff — the school’s Thanksgiving celebration had been a longstanding tradition, and losing the donated turkey was both an embarrassment and a financial setback. Rumors quickly spread through the halls that someone from the student council, who had been decorating the cafeteria the night before, might be involved. One name came up repeatedly: Alex Parker, a responsible and well-liked eighth grader who volunteered to stay late decorating the cafeteria with paper leaves and banners. Several students confirmed that Alex was in the building after most others had gone home. According to Jamie Lee, another student decorator, Alex was seen leaving around 7:30 PM carrying a large grocery bag and looking “a little nervous.” Later that same day, a social media post appeared on Alex’s family account — a picture of a large turkey roasting in their oven with the caption: “Starting early this year! Happy Thanksgiving from the Parkers!” The photo caught Principal Green’s attention when another student showed it to them. Noting that it was an unusual coincidence given the missing turkey, the principal called Alex’s parents to inquire. When confronted, Alex maintained innocence, insisting that the turkey at their home was not Tommy, but rather one purchased the night before from SunnyMart, the local grocery store. Alex’s parent, Taylor Parker, supported this, producing a receipt that appeared to show a purchase from that evening. However, the receipt was smudged and unclear — the total matched the approximate cost of a turkey, but the exact item description was illegible. The police found no physical evidence linking Alex to the school freezer. There were no fingerprints on the freezer handle or packaging, and the security cameras in the cafeteria were out of order due to a recent power surge. However, the prosecution argues that circumstantial evidence strongly suggests Alex took the turkey — they had opportunity, access, and were seen leaving with a large bag. The defense counters that the evidence is purely speculative. The freezer door latch, according to custodian Jordan Lane, has a history of not closing properly, meaning the turkey could have been taken by anyone — or even spoiled and been removed by another staff member without notice. They also emphasize Alex’s honesty, reputation, and the possibility that the missing turkey and the one at Alex’s home were simply coincidental. As the trial unfolds, the central question for the jury becomes: Did Alex Parker intentionally steal the school’s Thanksgiving turkey, or is this an unfortunate misunderstanding made worse by rumor and timing?