Lecture Notes: Arrest and Trial of Walter McMillan

Introduction

• Walter McMillan was arrested based on Ralph Myers' allegations.
• The authorities arrested McMillan on pretextual charges while building a case against him.
• Alabama law at the time criminalized non-procreative sex.

Arrest of Walter McMillan

• Arrested on June 7th, 1987, by Sheriff Tate and multiple officers.
• Charge: Sodomy, based on provocative and untrue claims by Ralph Myers.
• Walter was accused without understanding the charge, resulting in racial slurs and threats from the sheriff.
• The arrest involved excessive force and racial intimidation.

Context of Racial Tensions

• Reference to the lynching of Michael Donald in Mobile.
• Lynchings involved public humiliation and violence, not just hangings.
• Historical context of racial violence in Alabama.

Investigation Against McMillan

• Ralph Myers' unreliable story implicated McMillan in the murder of Rhonda Morrison.
• Lack of substantial investigation into McMillan's background or alibi.

McMillan's Alibi

• Walter was at a fish fry at his house with many witnesses on the day of Morrison's murder.
• Numerous church members and a police officer could confirm his presence at home.
• His arrest was driven by public pressure to solve Morrison's murder.

Legal Proceedings

• Ralph Myers recanted his allegations, but law enforcement pressured him for incriminating details.
• Both Myers and McMillan were placed on death row before trial, an unprecedented move.
• The pretrial confinement was meant to coerce cooperation from Myers.

Trial and Jury Selection Issues

• Concerns over racially biased jury selection; history of all-white juries in Alabama.
• Supreme Court rulings challenged racially discriminatory practices, but changes were slow.

Venue Change and Trial

• The trial was moved to Baldwin County, with a predominantly white population.
• Walter McMillan was convicted by a nearly all-white jury despite his strong alibi.

Aftermath and Reflections

• Myers struggled with guilt and recanted multiple times.
• Walter's conviction highlighted systemic biases and racial injustice in the legal system.
• Depiction of life on death row and its psychological impact on Walter and others.

Conclusion

• The case reflects broader issues of racial discrimination and injustice in the criminal justice system.
• Walter's story emphasizes the need for legal reform and fair trial practices.