Walter McMillian was convicted of killing 18-year-old Ronda Morrison, who was found under a clothing rack at a dry cleaner in Monroeville, Ala., in 1986. The incident actually happened during the reading of the initial guilty verdict, before Stevenson was involved, and Earley and Stevenson dont agree about all the factsStevenson has the courtroom tackle, Earley has Sheriff Tate issuing an arrest warrant for Johnny afterwards and making his mom drive him back to court be bookedbut in both versions, Tate claimed Johnny said something along the lines of Somebodys going to pay for what theyve done to my father., Tate also seems to have been the government official who was most reluctant to accept that McMillian was innocent, even after he was finally released from prison. You can view our. His conviction was wrongfully obtained, based on police coercion and perjury.In the 1988 trial, under a controversial Alabama doctrine called "judicial override", the judge imposed the death penalty, although the . Just Mercy, Chapters 3 & 4. For his part, Stevenson was apparently even less of a fan of Chapmans in real life than he appears to be in either version of Just Mercy. They done put me back on death row., Walter, this isnt the row. For a thumbnail sketch of the facts, heres the 60 Minutes report about McMillians case that is featured in the movie. The fact that Sheriff Tate indicts Walter before finding out his alibi implies that Tate doesnt care whether Walter is truly the murderer or not. Just Mercy is based on the true story of a black man, Walter McMillian. Walter McMillians ordeal is more or less accurately portrayed in Just Mercy: He was arrested in 1987 and charged with the murder of Ronda Morrison, an 18-year-old white woman who was shot in broad daylight at the Monroeville, Alabama dry-cleaning shop where she worked. Pearson seems to have been working as an attorney as recently as 2018, according to one story published by local outlet. Many witnesses testified that McMillian was, in fact, at a fish fry at his own house when the murder was committed. 114. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Tates prejudice against black people, as previously expressed in his comments to Walter, likely allowed him to dehumanize Walter. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Herbert Richardson, the Vietnam veteran whose execution Stevenson attends after failing to save him from the death penalty, was a real client, but the movie doesnt dwell on how he got there. The book ends with Stevensons renewed commitment to helping others. Senator Openly Discusses His Depression Courageous Candor That Challenges Stigma, Childbirth Caused Rage, Depression: Podcast Interview Examines Mental Health & Having A Baby, Advocate Creates Patients Not Prisoners Non-profit, Using My Book To Spark Community Discussion, Creativity and Mental Health: 3 Musicians Sing About Their Struggles In Powerful Videos Worth Watching. He told me he was going to stop that. And then Tate said, according to McMillian, I ought to take you off and hang you like we done that nigger in Mobile, but we cant stand that suit.. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. The Concept of Mercy in Byran Stevenson's Just Mercy Get sample for $1 "Mercy," as defined by Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, is "compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power" ("mercy" def 1). According to Bryan Stevenson, what was the most likely reason Walter McMillian was accused of the murder of Ronda Morrison? Throughout each case, we see how a good proportion of the men sentenced were specifically chosen because of race and vulnerability. Save. Complete your free account to request a guide. Several others also stepped forward. The author shared the conversation with the ABI who brought in Demar for questioning. for a customized plan. The murder of Ronda Morrison. Do you know hes reputed to be one of the biggest drug dealers in all of South Alabama? Key then hung up. Attorney Bryan Stevenson took McMillians case in 1988, and in 1993 secured McMillians freedom after demonstrating that the prosecution had withheld evidence and pressured their star witness into lying. Edit. McMillian's story is one of the most well-known cases of wrongful conviction, one that is being retold in the upcoming drama, "Just Mercy," starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan. Analyzes how walter mcmillian, a young african-american in alabama, had an affair with 25-year-old ronda morrison in monroeville, al. From the beginning, the scene is set for racial prejudice and hatred to affect the outcome of Walters experience. Local Artists & Artwork We consulted both of those books, contemporary news reports, and court documents to sort out whats true and whats artistic license in the new movie. The failure of Walters lawyers to have his illegal detention on death row reversed shows either their incompetence or lack of effort, which contrasts with the knowledge and support offered by his fellow inmates. Explain the violations of due process/constitutional violations that were experienced by . At the heart of Just Mercy is the story of Walter McMillian, a Black man who was framed for the murder of a girl named Ronda Morrison, convicted, and sent to death row. In 1998, years after McMillian was released, Tate was still the sheriff in Monroe County, according to the Associated Press. McMillian was born in 1941 in Monroe County, Ala., the setting of Harper Lees seminal novel To Kill A Mockingbird, though hed never heard of it. Yes. He was wrongly convicted for the murder of a 18 year old Ronda Morrison in 1986, as at the time he was at a church fish fry and had several . No semen was found in or on her body, or her clothing. Stevenson and the State file a joint motion to dismiss the charges, and Walter is set free. Independent Activity: Analysis of themes Directions: For each section of Just Mercy assigned, identify examples of Stevenson addressing the three topics of research we are focusing on in this arc. She served several customers by 10 AM, but around 10:45 AM, when some customers came in, nobody was to be found. While the judge refuses to grant Walter relief, Stevenson continues the appeal process through the Alabama courts. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Genetics/Choice. In response to Walter's bewilderment, Tate repeatedly called him a "nigger" and threatened to "hang you like we done that nigger in Mobile." Photo illustration by Slate. (11-20-20) Just Mercy continues to prompt discussions about criminal justice reform. Heres Stevensons account of a conversation he had with McMillian in the common room of a nursing home he was staying in, years after hed been completely exonerated: Well, it looks like Im back here, [McMillian] said with a heavy sigh. I thought he was guilty, he said of the case. Tate was also responsible for the scene in which McMillians son Johnny is tackled by deputies in the courtroom. Born Bad or Made Bad? The book is writing by Bryan Stevenson a guy who graduated from college with a degree in philosophy then later figured out philosophy wasn't really too much for him so he deiced to go to law school to focus more of the racial in the justice system. Just Mercy follows Stevensons self-portrait in his memoir very closely. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the 2019 movie is based on Stevenson's memoir of the same name. Stevenson alternates chapters about Walter with his personal reflections on our country's history with racial disparity and issues around incarceration. Walter McMillian was convicted in their daughter's slaying and sentenced to death. Tate couldnt charge Walter McMillian with the murder of Ronda Morrison on the basis of Ralph Myers testimony alone, but Myers say-so was enough to arrest him on a sodomy charge. The agents quickly settled on a new suspect. One appeared to have been shot from close range and experts concluded that she died five minutes after being shot. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! All contents On November 1 st, 1986, Ronda was found murdered at her workplace, Monroe Cleaners. Just Mercy, a drama starring Michael B. Jordan as a young lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, who appeals the wrongful murder charge of Walter McMillian, an Alabama black man played by Jamie Foxx, was re-released on streaming for free by its studio, Warner Bros. JUST MERCY written by Destin Daniel Cretton & Andrew Lanham . Refine any search. McMillian is a pariah in Monroeville because the "respectable," middle-class white citizens of the town believe he murdered Ronda Morrison, a helpless white teenager. Ronda Morrison was the young adult daughter of an influential local white family in Monroeville. Despite the passage of laws to prevent racially discriminatory jury exclusion, Stevenson shows how the practice has nevertheless been normalized. This important omission supports Walters sense that everyone is in a hurry to finish the trial. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Just Mercy, director Destin Daniel Crettons adaptation of Bryan Stevensons 2014 memoir, is about the exoneration of Walter McMillian, a black man who spent nearly six years on Alabamas death row after being convicted of a murder he didnt commit. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose other credits include The Glass Castle and the festival gem Short Term 12, the film depicts the true story of Civil Rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson working to free a wrongly convicted death row prisoner. Ralph Myers because the police were desperate to find the murderer of Ronda Morrison and thought arresting McMillian as Ronda Morrison's murderer was . LitCharts Teacher Editions. Just Mercys McMillian corresponds pretty closely to the man depicted in both the 60 Minutes segment and Stevensons memoir, but its perhaps worth noting that Earleys bookis a little harsher on him, alleging thatalthough rumors during the trial that McMillian was a player in the Dixie mafia were nonsensehe really was a small-time marijuana dealer, whod been investigated by both the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and local police, for whatever thats worth. Finally, in real life, Stevenson isnt quite as good-looking as Michael B. Jordan, but few people are. They coerce other false witness testimonies, andas revealed years lateractively suppress evidence. Not only do Tates threats express his animosity toward Walter because of his race, but Tate also implies that he may be a member of a white supremacist group: by saying he would hang Walter like we done to Michael Donald in Mobile, he associates himself with the KKK. Linda Bishop Described Her Own Death From Mental Illness A Decade Ago: Whats Changed? I did what I was supposed to do. Stevensons description of the racial disparity on death row highlights the books emphasis on considering how racial inequality affects every stage of the criminal justice system. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Tates actions of personally moving Myers to and from death row without filing any paperwork illustrate the unchecked power he has in the local criminal justice system. . My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Well, Im just as smart as that guy, even if I didnt go to Harvard. Demar showed an unnatural degree of curiosity in Rondas case, suggesting possible killers to the police, Stevenson, and even offering advice to Rondas parents over the phone. Ralph Myers, the career criminal who testified that Walter McMillian killed Ronda Morrison, only to recant the entire story years later at Stevensons prodding, really did the things hes shown doing in the movie. Photos by Warner Bros. and Brad Barket/Getty Images for POLITICO. Sometimes it can end up there. QUIZ NEW SUPER DRAFT. Her parents have not found closure after all these years. Knowing his opportunities to succeed were limited, McMillian started a pulp-wood business and became a well-liked, prosperous member of his community. 18-year-old clerk Ronda Morrison (inset) was shot multiple times in the back at Jackson's Cleaners (pictured). The movie "Just Mercy" is based on an inspiring and horrific true story of justice being served. Other online records show that Tate did not run for reelection in 2019. In the book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, Bryan who is an attorney guides us through his life in Alabama and how he helps defend innocent, poor men on death row who were wrongly convicted. Just Mercy (no Brasil; Luta por Justia) [ 1] um filme de drama jurdico americano de 2019, dirigido por Destin Daniel Cretton e estrelado por Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall e Brie Larson. PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. If a new team of investigators are assigned to this case, they can speak with some of these witnesses who would shed light on who was at the scene of the crime on that Saturday morning, Nov. 1, 1986. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Renews April 24, 2023 Use our reminder system to get a e . You havent been feeling well, and so youre here so you can get better. Refine any search. But every source agrees about one thing: McMillian had nothing to do with the murder of Ronda Morison. At the heart of Just Mercy is the story of Walter McMillian, a Black man who was framed for the murder of a girl named Ronda Morrison, convicted, and sent to death row. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. He chose to retire after 30 years, having never lost a bid for reelection, according to a story published by The Bitter Southerner. SparkNotes PLUS The local systems lack of accountability allows Tate to wield his power arbitrarily. But judging from Stevensons memoir, Larsons performance is true to life. So thats what Tate went with, after a search of McMillians truck yielded no marijuanaalthough he had to explain to Walter what the word sodomy meant. However, the cops missed something crucial the first time around. I feel like a bird, he said. Tom Chapman, the prosecutor who did the most to fight McMillians release, seems to have behaved even more badly in real life than he does in Just Mercy. On Nov. 1, 1986, Ronda Morrison, an 18-year-old white woman and college student from a respected Monroeville, Alabama, family was found dead at Monroe Cleaners, where she had worked. Copy and Edit. In an even more outlandish and horrifying move, the judge assigned to the case implemented a little-known rule allowing him to override the jurys recommendation and instate a sentence of his own. It turned out the states star witness was a flop. The law enforcement officials surmised that her blouse had been torn open during the struggle. Southern Prisoners Defense Committee (SPDC), Voting Rights Protests of 1965 (Selma-to-Montgomery Marches). A month before McMillian was exonerated in March 1993, Theodore Pearson, who was District Attorney at the time of prosecuting McMillians case, was found by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to have suppressed evidence that the defendants legal team had requested, thereby violating his right to due process. Sheriff TomTate was the one to first take McMillian into custody in June 1987, more than six months after Ronda Morrison was killed. His new memoir, Just Mercy, . Whats not in dispute is that he arranged McMillians arrest rather differently than it appears in the film. Months prior, Ronda Morrison was murdered in the small-town laundromat where she worked. Facilities Managment Company. After the Alabama Bureau of Investigation reopened the Morrison case, independently investigated, and failed to find any evidence at all that McMillian had anything to do with the murder, Tate was still going around saying things like, It seems to me that we had a pretty airtight case until those two ABI boys pulled into town., Naturally, Tates behavior crippled his career in Alabama law enforcement, andwait, he actually remained the sheriff of Monroe County until 2018, when he decided not to seek re-election because of his age. Unfortunately, the womans 10-year-old niece picked up the bomb and was killed instantly in the ensuing blast. Stevenson alternates chapters about Walter with his personal reflections on our countrys history with racial disparity and issues around incarceration. The film is about inertia as much as anything: When Stevenson looks into McMillians case, it is immediately apparent he had nothing to do with the crime, but it still takes years to clear his name, simply because the gears of justice have started grinding. "Just mercy" written by Bryan Stevenson is a story about "justice and redemption"(title). Dan LeFebvre: [00:26:11] trial. As you can see in the 60 Minutes clip, Tim Blake Nelsons performance eerily recreates Myers tics and delivery, while Just Mercys makeup team recreate the injuries Myers suffered in a childhood fire. Sheriff TomTate was the one to first take McMillian into custody in June 1987, more than six months after Ronda Morrison was killed. Today, the website for the Alabama Bar Association lists Pearson as being inactive since Oct. 2019, meaning he no longer practices law. She had been shot three times in the back. Purchasing LitCharts Teacher Editions. What ways do we see racial bigotry intersecting For an introduction to what hes like today, here is his 2012 TED Talk. In their very first phone conversation, Chapman said hed tell Judge Key to give him a fair shake the next time he saw him at a restaurant where they both ate; Stevenson later told Earley, I could just see Pearson and Judge Key eating dinner together at the local country club. Her pants were also unzipped. He then pooled his salary with Charles Bliss, someone he knew from law school, and they rented an apartment in Midtown Atlanta. Then he really joined the defenses motion to have all charges dropped. The white community is baffled by the mysterious murder of a beloved young woman. McMillian returned to death rowwhere hed already been placed, prematurely, following his arrest where he spent the next six years before, after several attempts at an appeal, he was finally exonerated in 1993. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. The cause was also helped by national journalists. This example will help you. Pete Earley speaks about this in his book Circumstantial Evidence: Death, Life, and Justice in a Southern Town. Since the new suspect has not been charged, Pete only refers to him as Howard Demar, which is a pseudonym. The district attorney asks outside agents to investigate the murder for which Walter was convicted, and the investigators determine that Walter had nothing to do with the crime. Coverage of the latest true crime stories and famous cases explained, as well as the best TV shows, movies and podcasts in the genre. He also stood firmly by his decisions regarding McMillians case. And just because we dont see things eye to eye doesnt mean that Im not a moral person. 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