This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:25:35
The video covers the intense and ultimately triumphant journey of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and its efforts to exonerate Walter McMillan, a man wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death. EJI's office faced multiple bomb threats as they worked on McMillan's controversial case, reflecting the hostility surrounding their efforts. Over time, persistent attorneys like Bernard Harcourt played a pivotal role in challenging the case. Key developments included national media attention from "60 Minutes," which shifted public opinion, and a re-examination of the evidence by Alabama Bureau of Investigation officials Tom Taylor and Greg Cole, confirming McMillan's innocence.
Community impact was profound, with the Black community feeling validated by the coverage that questioned the reliability of the evidence. District Attorney Tom Chapman’s private doubts led to further investigations, eventually unravelling false testimonies and revealing police misconduct. A crucial breakthrough came when the Court of Criminal Appeals overturned McMillan’s conviction, leading to a new trial and, subsequently, his release. The video concludes with McMillan's emotional release, the community’s support, and a symbolic moment of freedom, encapsulating a long struggle for justice.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the narrator describes a tense scenario involving multiple bomb threats at the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) office. The staff, including attorneys, interns, and administrative members, took the situation seriously, especially after incidents involving bombings that targeted civil rights professionals. They took precautions, like screening mail at a federal courthouse. Nervous after receiving multiple calls, the latest threat was precise and chilling, implying there would be no further warnings. The narrative reveals the bomb threats likely stemmed from the controversial McMillan case they were handling, which had drawn hostile attention, including personal threats directed at the narrator. Despite these dangers, the staff continued their work. A significant update on the McMillan case comes through a fax from Judge Norton, who denied their relief in a tersely worded response, undermining their efforts and leaving the death penalty conviction intact. This decision was both expected and disheartening, due to the judge’s lack of engagement with the core issues of guilt or innocence raised during the hearing.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses their efforts to bring evidence to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and their optimism about winning relief for Mr. McMillan. The speaker details past successes in achieving reversals in death penalty cases and emphasizes the persistence required due to the court’s resistance. They highlight the hiring of Bernard Harcourt, a determined attorney who took over Mr. McMillan’s case, and describe how the case drew community attention and uncovered more information about police misconduct. Despite this, the local press continued to portray Mr. McMillan negatively, causing concern about his safety if released. The speaker also expresses doubts about the effectiveness of positive media attention, given the historical context of media suppression by southern politicians during civil rights movements.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on the impact of national press coverage on Walter’s case, expressing skepticism about its influence on the court of criminal appeals but recognizing its potential to change local opinions. The team decided to involve “60 Minutes”, resulting in veteran reporter Ed Bradley and his producer conducting extensive interviews with key figures in sweltering July heat. Despite local media’s attempts to discredit the resulting piece, the CBS coverage effectively raised public doubt about Walter’s guilt and brought attention to the unreliable evidence used in his conviction. The Black community, already discussing Walter’s wrongful conviction, found the national coverage validating. Meanwhile, District Attorney Tom Chapman privately began questioning the evidence, aware of the potential repercussions for his own integrity and the legitimacy of the conviction as public scrutiny intensified.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, Chapman convenes Tate, Larry, and Benson to address the conflicting evidence previously presented. Dissatisfied with their explanations, he requests ABI officials in Montgomery to re-examine the evidence and re-investigate the murder, aiming to confirm Mr. McMillan’s innocence. New ABI investigators, Tom Taylor and Greg Cole, appear experienced and intent on thorough, honest work, receiving all case files and evidence. After six months of waiting for an appeal ruling, Taylor informs that their investigation unequivocally proves McMillan did not commit the murder. Both Hooks and Hightower confessed their trial testimonies were false. Additionally, it was revealed that Hooks never spoke to nor was bribed by the defense, debunking previous allegations.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, Taylor and his partner discuss the progress of their investigation and express their goal of solving the crime to exonerate Mr. McMillan. They seek assistance in identifying the real killer, noting that McMillan’s innocence would be more accepted if the true perpetrator is found. They describe a suspicious individual who has a history of violence and a preoccupation with the murder case, and suspect this person might be involved. Despite their desire to free McMillan quickly, the authorities hint at wanting to maintain the status quo until an arrest can be made, frustrating McMillan’s advocates who argue for his immediate release due to overwhelming evidence of his wrongful conviction.
00:15:00
In this segment, the narrator shares a pivotal moment in a long-standing legal battle. After consistently updating Walter McMillan’s family on the investigation, they receive a promising call from the clerk of the court. The court of criminal appeals has overturned McMillan’s conviction and death sentence, granting him a new trial. The narrator rushes to inform McMillan in person, who reacts with both joy and sorrow, reflecting on the six years he lost. They discuss future plans, including meeting supporters, raising awareness about other innocent individuals, and enjoying a good meal. Despite the uncertainty of a new trial, this moment is marked by a profound sense of hope and liberation.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the narrator describes the lead-up to a final hearing for Walter’s release, following an appellate court ruling. The narrator discussed the possibility of dismissing all charges against Walter with Tommy Chapman, who agreed not to oppose the motion. A final hearing was set for Walter’s release, which would only take a few minutes. The night before the hearing, the narrator visited Minnie, who expressed concerns about Walter returning due to the stress and trauma caused by the ordeal. She suggested that Walter might be better off not coming back to the area immediately.
On the day of the hearing, media outlets and supporters gathered at the courthouse. The narrator brought a suit for Walter and informed him about the planned celebration and the arrangements for his immediate stay in Montgomery for safety. Walter was initially surprised and hurt by Minnie’s suggestion but remained focused on his impending freedom. Tommy Chapman indicated his wish to shake Walter’s hand after the hearing, symbolizing a significant moment in Walter’s journey towards justice.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, Walter’s hearing takes place, and Judge Pamela Baskap quickly grants the motion to dismiss all charges against him, allowing him to go home. The courtroom is filled with Walter’s family, supporters, and media personnel. Walter, dressed in a suit for the first time in years, receives emotional reactions from his family. The narrator gives a brief history of the case, noting the wrongful conviction and the difficulty of proving innocence in such cases. After the judge declares Walter free, he and the narrator face the press, then head to the prison to collect Walter’s belongings. Walter is moved by the support shown by family, friends, and even strangers.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, Walter is experiencing his final moments in prison before being released. Supporters and family members have come to pray and give him their last hugs. Walter expresses guilt about leaving them, but they are happy for his freedom, seeing it as a glimmer of hope. Walter collects his possessions, including legal documents, his Bible, a timeless watch, and a wallet with $23 from 1987. As they leave the prison, a crowd gathers, including his family and the press. Walter shares a poignant moment with Mrs. Williams and receives encouragement from inmates who shout words of support. Feeling liberated, Walter symbolically raises his arms as if to take flight, proclaiming he feels like a bird.