Chapter 5: Walter's Wife Minnie Bell McMillan and His Daughter Jackie

Setting

• Location: McMillan's dilapidated house in Repton, near Monroeville.
• Context: The narrator has spent a long day reviewing Walter's trial transcript on death row.

Meeting Walter's Family

• Minnie Bell McMillan

  • Strong and patient, despite the trial being difficult due to Walter's affair being publicized.
  • Works 12-hour shifts; highlights challenges of balancing work and family issues.

• Jackie McMillan

  • Walter and Minnie’s college-going daughter.
  • Close-knit family, children protective of Minnie.

Family's Perspective on the Case

• Rumors and Theories
  • Minnie and Jackie express their views on who they believe committed the crime.
  • Minnie and Jackie are frustrated by the trial's disregard for Walter's alibi.
• Impact on the Community
  • Walter's conviction has traumatized the family and the black community.
  • Community feels burdened and hopeless, believes the trial was constructed with lies.

Visit to Extended Family

• Narrator visits Walter’s extended family, including his sisters, nephews, and nieces.
• Warm reception; family expresses appreciation and support.
• Concerns: Financial struggles, mistrust of legal system, desire for justice.

Darnell Houston’s Evidence

• Darnell Houston's Testimony

  • Claims he worked with Bill Hooks on the day of the murder, contradicting Hook's testimony.
  • Provides an affidavit to support Walter's innocence.

• Legal Response

  • Darnell is arrested for perjury, indicating manipulative tactics by authorities.
  • Narrator files motion to reconsider a new trial based on Darnell’s statement.

Interactions with District Attorney Tom Chapman

• Chapman defends the conviction despite new evidence.
• Prosecutors threaten those contradicting the state's case.
• The narrator challenges Chapman's stance, arguing for Walter's innocence.

Reflections

• Disappointment with the legal system's handling of Walter’s case.
• Realization of the intimidation faced by those supporting Walter.
• Commitment to proving Walter's innocence, despite challenges.