Minutes after Dynel Lane was found guilty of attempted murder for attacking Michelle Wilkins and cutting the unborn baby girl from her womb, Wilkins spoke to the media about her reaction to the verdict.
Lane was charged with attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second degree assault and unlawful termination of a pregnancy. The jury on Tuesday found her guilty on all counts.
"There is nothing ever, in any shape or form, that can remotely prepare you for something like this," Wilkins said. "What has dominated my perspective consistently is disbelief. Words are not sufficient to describe it."
"It had just never entered my world view that someone could be so cruel and value life so little," said Wilkins.
"Many have asked me how I feel about Dynel Lane. Early on I said I have forgiven her. It's part of who I am as a human being and Martin Luther King said it brilliantly. 'We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love,'" Wilkins continued. "There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us."
"I do not hate Dynel. But I am angry for all the pain she has caused. The deceit and all her selfishness," said Wilkins.
Wilkins acknowledged that she may never get any answers from Lane.
Baby cut from womb: ‘I really don’t want anything from her,’ victim Michelle Wilkins says of #DynelLane. pic.twitter.com/EbXn13r13T
— Anica Padilla (@AnicaPadilla) February 23, 2016
Wilkins said she hopes Lane will "find a way to repay the spiritual debt she has created."
"Sometimes, the gifts and lessons of this time are my central focus," Wilkins stated. "And sometimes, I have to throw those to the wayside and cry and accept the cold brutality without looking for the deeper meaning."
Wilkins thanked the jury, her attorneys, investigators, the media and supporters.
"I wish to thank everyone for their attention, and the continuing messages, donations and expressions of love and encouragement. Your continued support allows me not only to survive this but also to thrive in the midst of a dark and trying time," Wilkins said. "And yes, every dollar, every smile, every message, every prayer has been a comfort and a hug to me."
"Resolution doesn’t end with the case. There is still a lot of personal healing to do," Wilkins continued.
Wilkins said she is still grieving the loss of her unborn daughter, Aurora, but doctors believe she will be able to conceive.
Michelle says she's still grieving, but doctors believe she can still be a mom! pic.twitter.com/fvAawt6SmK
— Lance Hernandez (@lancehernandez7) February 23, 2016
Wilkins said it was too soon for her to consider whether she will try to have children.
When asked about testifying during the trial, Wilkins said, "It was more emotional than I thought it would be... It felt so much bigger than me. Once the wheels were in motion I just had to go with it."
Lane's sentencing has been scheduled for April 29 at 2 p.m.
Baby cut from womb: ‘I plan to appear at the sentencing and speak then.’ - Victim Michelle Wilkinspic.twitter.com/V3C1PxPsbG
— Anica Padilla (@AnicaPadilla) February 23, 2016