Uncovering Justice in McMillan's Case

Sep 30, 2024

Just Mercy, Chapter 7: Justice Denied

Key Events and Legal Efforts

  • Stevenson filed a brief for McMillan's case, highlighting:
    • Lack of evidence
    • Unreliable testimonies
    • Prosecutorial misconduct
    • Racially discriminatory jury selection
    • Improper change of venue
    • Judge Keyes' override of the jury's life sentence
  • Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals denied the appeal.
  • Chief Judge John Patterson, a former governor, known for opposing civil rights.

Investigation and New Evidence

  • Additional lawyers were hired at EJI, including Michael O'Connor.
  • Discoveries included:
    • Bill Hooks was paid $5,000 by Sheriff Tate to testify against McMillan.
    • Hooks was released from jail after falsely testifying.
    • False identification of McMillan by Ralph Myers.
    • Flyers confirming McMillan was at a fish fry at the time of the murder.
    • Clay Cast confirmed mechanical modifications post-dated the murder.

Ralph Myers' Confession

  • Myers contacted Stevenson, expressing a desire to confess.
  • Myers admitted to lying in court, saying he had been coerced by officials.
  • Myers' allegations of corruption included:
    • Threats by sheriff and ABI with the death penalty.
    • Pressure to falsely testify.
    • Denial of knowing about Morrison's murder.
  • Myers warned of potential danger if the truth was uncovered.

Corruption and Systemic Issues

  • Discussion of racial bias in the criminal justice system.
  • The disparity in death penalty cases based on the victim's race.
  • Issues faced by minority and poor victims in receiving justice.

Legal Strategy and Developments

  • Decision to file a Rule 32 petition for new evidence and access to state files.
  • Petition included claims of police/prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective counsel, and new evidence of innocence.
  • Alabama Supreme Court paused the direct appeal process to allow Rule 32 petition.

Meeting with District Attorney and Discovery

  • Meeting with DA Tommy Chapman and law enforcement officials.
  • Files obtained from several law enforcement agencies.
  • Discovery of files revealed police and prosecutorial misconduct.

Consequences

  • Bomb threats received after approaching the FBI with information.