Lecture Notes: The Case of Walter McMillian

Introduction

• Subject: Walter "Johnny D" McMillian on death row in Alabama for nearly six years.
• Case: Accused of murdering Rhonda Morrison in Monroeville, Alabama, in 1986.
• Controversy: Discrepancies in the conviction; lack of physical evidence linking McMillian to the crime.

Background Information

• Victim: Rhonda Morrison, 18, daughter of Charles and Bertha Mars.
• Accused: Walter McMillian, known as Johnny D.
  • Good employment in logging, no prior felonies.
  • Alibi: At home during the time of the murder.
  • Arrested seven months post-murder.

Evidence and Testimonies

Lack of Physical Evidence

• No fingerprints, ballistics, or physical evidence tying McMillian to the crime.

Key Witness: Ralph Myers

• Background: Career criminal, serving 30 years for another murder.
• Testimony: Claimed to see McMillian at the crime scene.
  • Later recanted, alleging police coercion.
  • Risk of perjury charges for recanting.

Corroborating Witness: Bill Hooks

• Testified seeing McMillian's truck at the crime scene.
• Described the truck as a lowrider, which was factually inaccurate at the time of the murder.

Counter-arguments and New Evidence

• Ralph Myers' Recantation: Claimed original testimony was coerced.
• Bill Hooks' Inconsistency: New witness Darnell Houston contradicts Hooks' timeline.
• Former Officer Eichner's Testimony: Discredited the claim about the victim's body position.

Prosecutorial Conduct

• Allegations of police and prosecutor misconduct.
• D.A. Tommy Chapman defends the original conviction, questions the credibility of recantations.

Racial and Personal Biases

• Relationship with Karen Kelly: Interracial relationship brought up in court, possibly influencing bias.
• Alleged racial slurs and threats associated with the relationship.

Current Status and Possible Outcomes

• Alabama Supreme Court: Considering a new trial for McMillian.
• Prosecutor's Position: Comfortable with the conviction and potential execution.
• Defense Attorney Bryan Stevenson: Argues for new trial due to lack of justice.

Conclusion

• The case hinges on the credibility of witnesses and potential police misconduct.
• High-profile reflection on racial biases and justice system flaws.
• Awaiting Alabama Supreme Court decision for a new trial.