Just Mercy

All of Stevenson’s appeals on Walter’s behalf are denied. He was before Judge Patterson, a notorious former opponent of Civil Rights and school integration who is backed by the KKK. After the appeals are denied, Stevenson tries to encourage Walter to remain hopeful. Stevenson hires Michael O’Connor, a first-generation American who grew up in a rough Philadelphia neighborhood doing drugs but is now a Yale-educated lawyer. Stevenson and Michael investigate Walter’s case further and find more inconsistencies and suspicious circumstances. They see evidence that Bill Hooks was paid off and his charges dropped in exchange for testimony against Walter. They find a flyer for the fish fry, indicating it was on the same day as the murder. Walter’s distinctive truck—upon which Bill Hooks’ testimony is based—was not modified until months after the murder. Ralph Myers calls Stevenson and begs to speak to him. Stevenson visits Myers in prison, where Myers explains he was coerced into giving false testimony and intimidated with threats of death row to maintain that testimony. He now wants to recant in court.

Michael and Stevenson follow up on the few leads Myers was able to provide. They visit Karen Kelly in prison, and she confirms that Myers and Walter never met.