Good points. Presumably he chose her bedroom door because he expected her to answer it, and when she didn't, he broke into it simply because he could. She claimed that she was wakened from her pill-induced sleep by the loud alarm, and that being startled like that was why she reacted without thinking (by her account, the room was dark and presumably all she knew was that someone was there who had just broken in--she would have had no reason to think that it was her brother).

I'm jealous of you reading the Columbophile for the first time--you're going to love it, I'm sure! Savor the experience!

Everything played in her favor regarding the accident verdict. She had no history of criminal behavior, was from a good family, and brother and sister got along well by all appearances. In the courtroom, pre-makeover, she looked like a trustworthy librarian, somebody who'd never shoot their older brother on purpose. So it had to be a mistake, a tragedy instigated by a sleepy, drugged young woman after her brother clumsily lost his keys in the dark.

Well said Freddy

Although if someone had seen any reason to question him, Charles might have been able to tell them about the strain between Beth and Bryce Or at least a little about it. Though it's pretty likely he wouldn't have really wanted to, since the few times you see him he strikes you as someone who wants to mind his own business.
(I always sympathize with characters like Charles - people are always making sure I hear all about their personal lives, and everyone else's.)

True. That is a good point.

Thanks. It's fun talking Columbo.