Question H

[Jonetta]

Mercy, Levi and Rose decided not to tell their parents the truth about what happened the night they killed their attacker. Do you think it was the right decision in the moment? The right decision to continue their silence?

[Robin]

I didn't understand not calling the police. Yes, they were young, but they should have understood that since these guys were attacking Rose and Mercy, they were protecting themselves. At the very least they should have told their parents.

As far as continuing their silence, I think Mercy was stuck with the lie. If it came out, she could easily lose her job.

[Charlene]

I think part of the reason they kept the crime(s) to themselves was a sense of shame, that victims would be humiliated and suspect in that culture and time. Even though the shooting was self defense, or justifiable, this could have brought on power struggles. Of course, I assumed the criminal was from Joziah's group.

[Jonetta]

Levi was the one pushing for keeping things quiet. I certainly understand why Mercy and Rose went along with it at the time. Once they all agreed to it, Mercy was indeed stuck with the lie, as you say, Robin.

Charlene, I also think they felt some shame about it, too.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Given what their parents were like particularly their father I can understand why as young people the siblings made the unwise decision. And yes, once they hid the crime, coming clean was nearly impossible.

[Sandra]

Their chance to come clean was that night - by calling the police. I didn't understand that decision until later when it's revealed that Levi knew all along who the other guy was - a friend of his who convinced him he was innocent in it all. So Levi took him with him to hide the body which gave Craig ammunition again Levi. Levi had to convince the girls to cover it up or he'd be sent to prison. I didn't like Levi at this point because he actually manipulated his sisters into keeping quite. Mercy is the one that paid the price by being estranged from her family for 15 years.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "There chance to come clean was that night - by calling the police. I didn't understand that decision until later when it's revealed that Levi knew all along who the other guy was - a friend of his ..."

When you put it that way Sandra, it does seem a bit weak of Levi believing that Craig had nothing to do with it. I suppose giving their prepper upbringing Levi had no trust in the course of justice and that would have also influenced his decision to hide their crime. I guess he paid the ultimate price in the end.

[Christina T]

I wasn't that surprised by the hiding of the crime after being brought up with complete distrust of law officials. I was surprised by the fact Levi knew the other guy and trusted him over the lives of his sisters. Especially that everyone took extra care over Rose.

[Ellen]

I believe it was the dynamics of the family to defer to Levi to keep it quiet. Mercy tried to do something when she wanted to go to the Bevins ranch, but ultimately left instead of going against the family.