Closer to GOD (2019) - full transcript
This modern day Job like tale of an up and coming Christian lawyer who has come a long way from the streets of his childhood. He and his family are faced with several tests to their faith including betrayal, success, death and greed.
- [Narrator] Closer to God.
- [Police Officer] In route
to the battery suspect.
They went East Third Street.
♪ Into my soul
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Get low, get low
♪ They said they gonna fix me
♪ Who want to put
the tools to me
♪ How they gonna deal with me
♪ What they gonna do with me
♪ Got the whole crew with me
♪ I got God, who's with me
♪ I'm a sinner, don't tempt me
♪ I'm a servant,
don't tempt me
♪ I play bobbie, who's with me
♪ I'm so fly, don't clip me
♪ Pocket's full, yours empty
♪ Hard days, long nights
♪ When I grind, no tripping
♪ When I'm on, no flipping
♪ Worth at least 250
♪ While I'm down don't kick me
♪ When I grind, so slipping
♪ With the rhymes I'm dipping
♪ Catch me slipping,
don't hit me
♪ Overflowing, I'm tripping,
dripping, skipping, clipping
♪ Fo sho
[singing in foreign language]
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are
harder than others
♪ Keep your head up.
- [Keenan] Pst, hey.
DO you want to hear the
story of a man of God
from the land of America?
Straight from the city
of Nashville, Tennessee?
By today's standard, I've
tried to be upright, just
and one who fears God.
Now, my life has
not been perfect.
Sometimes I feel like
God is so far away
and it's hard for me
to focus and pray.
I know we all want
to feel closer to God
and during life's hardest times
when no one is
there to hold you,
you can't sleep at night,
bills are past due,
that's when we need to
try and get closer to God.
So, we pray some
during the tough times.
It gives our story,
our testimony,
it makes us stronger
for those that witness
and those that spread
the gospel by deed
and by word of mouth.
Now, this is me,
Keenan Robertson.
I grew up fast raised by my
parents in a rough neighborhood.
Yeah, I made a few
mistakes growing up,
hanging with the wrong crowd,
but I finally got it all
together by the grace of God.
And graduated from
Tennessee State University.
That's where I met
the love of my life.
We soon married and had a son.
This inspired me to
live out my dream
and go to law school.
I eventually passed the
bar and became a lawyer.
Always trying to atone
for the sins of my past,
helping others through
my deeds day by day.
This is Quentika King, a
childhood friend of mine.
I saved her life once
when we were just kids
by accidentally taking
the life of another.
Nowadays she helps run
a criminal organization
with an iron fist.
We haven't seen each
other in many years,
but our paths are destined
to cross on this day.
- You know that's my
old neighborhood, right?
Yeah, I'm going to take
care of it tomorrow.
Sunday, right?
Alright.
[dramatic music]
[loud banging]
[water running]
[moaning]
- Good morning, honey.
Get up, it's time for church.
- [Kaysen] Okay, mama.
- [Mrs. Robinson] Alright.
Boy you better get up,
you know your daddy
going to come in here
and gonna give you
that water treatment.
- Okay.
- You better get up.
- I'm up, I'm up.
- Church boy.
Your daddy in there cooking.
- Cooking breakfast.
- Guess what else he's making?
- Pancakes!
- Oh.
- Good morning, son.
- Morning, dad.
- [Keenan] You look good,
you ready to go to church?
- Of course.
- He said he is.
- Fixing the tie all the time.
- Because you keep moving around
and it's shifting your
tie around or your bow.
- Bow?
Bow, right here?
- Let me see.
- I don't know why
I keep shifting.
- It's okay, I fix it now
and you look all good.
- Shift, shift, shift.
- We going to shift,
shift, shift alright.
We going to get ready
to get out this door
and daddy's making pancakes.
- Pancakes!
- Mm hmm, it's your favorite.
- Pancakes?
- Yeah.
- Pancakes?
- Mm hmm.
- Pancakes!
- That's how you feel?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- I like it when
dad cooks breakfast.
He's the only one who
knows how to make pancakes
just the way I like them.
- Really, well maybe when
your daddy get this promotion,
he'll makes us pancakes
and cook food all the time.
- Mom's gotta wash dishes.
- Now, he know I got the dishes.
- [Keenan] Absolutely.
- I was about to say that.
- You was going to.
- Can I help wash them?
- [Mrs. Robinson] You sure can.
- She got the dishes,
I got the trash.
[laughing]
- [Mrs. Robinson] That's a deal.
[chattering]
- Come pray next to us.
We pray right, amen?
After this coming
from the choir.
They thought you were
here, Rita Samuel Robinson.
We want you to receive
her by the elevation
of your right hand.
Tell her, Pastor.
- Pastor.
- I need.
- I need.
- A word.
- A word.
- Amen.
[upbeat music]
- All about an experience.
He's going to let you
go through the valley.
So that he can glorify.
He going to put
you in the valley,
but he let you go through it,
so you can learn something
while you in your season.
See, I thought I knew it all.
I didn't want nobody
to tell me what to do.
I thought I was Miss It.
I was grown on my own.
I wanted to have my little
cake and eat it too,
so they say.
Lord, there was a time when
I had to fall on my knees
and say, Lord come see about me.
♪ So official
♪ So official
♪ So official
♪ So official
- Fine, after 10 minutes,
come for them birthdays.
- Ain't no problem, sis,
you know I stay heated.
♪ SO official
- Hey, I'm outside.
What you want me to do?
Okay, good.
♪ So official
♪ So official
[knocking]
- Hey bro, this is Queenie, the
one I was telling you about.
- Well, let's have a drink to
celebrate our new business.
- No, I'm good, my
brother's in the car.
- Well, it's accustomed
to everybody that I have
business with that
we have a drink.
- One drink.
- Just one.
Cheers, to new beginnings.
[dramatic music]
Grab her feet, take
her into the kitchen.
- [Girl] She waking up, bro.
- [Man] Ain't nobody
coming on counters.
Let me put this plastic down.
- Better come up with
that money, honey.
- You think I can't smell
a set up from a mile away.
Hell, and I'm going to
need them birthdays too.
- I know Alvarez sent
you, where the money at?
- Where's the money at?
[laughing]
Bro, I think I heard something.
Hold on, I think
I heard something.
[shooting]
- Happy birthday, homeboy.
- I'm getting out of here alive.
- I got this, go get the car.
- Alright, sis.
- Go.
- I'm fixing to get the
car, I'm getting the car!
[shooting]
- Did Alvarez set me up?
Did Alvarez set me up?
[shooting]
[siren wailing]
- [Officer] Get on the ground!
[dramatic music]
♪ All it takes is
money to be the man
♪ Cashville
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
♪ Quadcity
♪ All it takes is
money to be the man
♪ Shytown
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
♪ Money to be the man
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
[rain falling]
- Get out of this rain.
Man, this rain is no joke.
But listen, let's just
get down to business.
There's a reason why I
brought you over here.
You've been killing it
for the last two years,
that is no question and
we're very impressed.
So much so that the other
partners and I have talked
and we want you to have
a seat at the table.
But there's one thing we
just kind of need you to do.
Remember that case, that high
profile case up in Germantown
with the mob?
- Yeah.
- Well, they want you
specifically to take the case.
What do you think about that?
- Sounds perfect man.
Yeah, absolutely.
- You clean up your room?
- Yes, ma'am.
- You still got them shoes
and stuff on like you going -
Hey, babe.
- Guess who got the promotion.
[screaming]
- May I hug you.
- Absolutely, come on in, son.
- Are we rich, did we
win a prize or something,
I'm confused.
- Son, no, no, but we
did get a promotion.
[yelling]
Well, it's time to go to bed.
- Goodnight, dad.
- Goodnight, man.
You did good today,
I'm proud of you.
- I'm glad you got
your promotion today.
- Thank you, I'm
glad I got it too.
Sweet dreams and did
you say your prayers?
- Yep.
- What's you so happy about?
- Come over here, girl.
Alright, wait a minute, hold
on, let me see your hand.
- Okay.
- Lord, we just want to
thank you for the opportunity
and we just want
to say thank you.
We just want to make sure
that we use this blessing
to help other people and
to do what your will is.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Now, back to you, my
beautiful chocolate wife.
- Yes.
- Absolutely.
- I'm so proud of
you, papa bear.
- Thank you, baby.
You know I couldn't have
done it without you.
- Of course, you should let
mama bear scratch your back.
- Absolutely.
[giggling]
♪ I never would've thought you
could make me feel this way
♪ You really light up my
life in the strongest way
♪ No love like yours just
can't seem to get enough
[light music]
- [Queenie] Man, you got
to get me out of here.
- Look, I got you, just
tell me what happened.
Have a seat, have a
seat, what's going on?
- Man, I didn't do
nothing, I was set up.
Man, you got to get
me out of here, man.
These girls got to
fighting last night
because some girl was
trying to get raped.
I'm going to catch
me a body in here.
- I got you, look, I understand.
Just tell me what happened,
what are you even doing here?
- Man, it was self defense.
I got to fighting last
night with my boyfriend.
- Listen, they said that
somebody called Monday.
I didn't expect it to be you.
- Man, just get me out of here.
- We really enjoy
having you here.
And I like to think of
you or me as a friend
as well as a boss.
So, if you need
anything, you come to me
and I just wanted to
congratulate you again.
- [Keenan] I
appreciate that, man.
Yes, sir.
[laughing]
- This is ridiculous, okay.
Ridiculous.
- Oh man, oh man.
- So, babe, did you
happen to catch the news
and see what's going
on in the media.
There's a lot of evidence
surrounding this case.
How do you feel?
- I mean, I feel good.
I interviewed her, she told
me was innocent, I trust her.
- So, I mean, you
just trust her?
I mean, what's
going on with this?
Why you so invested, do
you all have a history?
What's going on?
- I mean, listen,
nothing's going on.
We're just friends, I've known
her for a really long time
and I want to help her.
I think she's innocent.
I'm a pretty good
judge of character, I
picked you didn't I.
- Yeah, you did,
but still, you know,
if you don't get this or
win this case, no partner.
- I got this, babe.
Just chill, relax.
I've about got it
in the bag, girl.
- Alright.
- See that.
I'm trying to tell you.
[light music]
Look, just take me through
that day from the beginning.
When you woke up in the morning,
what you ate for breakfast,
all of that.
- Man, me and my
boyfriend got into a fight
because I interrupted him
during the football game
and he hit me, so I
cracked me over the head
with a frying pan and
I ran out the door.
And then I seen this
guy laying there,
so I decided to help him
and that's when the
police rolled up on me.
- Listen, they're trying to
give you a queen pin charge.
That's 25 to life.
They found three dead bodies
and a lot of dope in the house.
You're going to have to
start telling me the truth
or I'm not going to be
able to help you, Queenie.
- I am telling you the truth.
I thought if anybody be able
to help me, it'd be you.
[light music]
- So yeah, this is a tough
case, it's stressing me out.
- You know it.
- You know her, so
what do you think?
- You're going to
have to play it out,
that's all I'm thinking,
there's too many
characters in this
for you not to play
it all the way out.
How it ends, I can't tell you,
but I know you're going have
to play it all the way out
or you'll never win.
- Recording notes, Quentika
King, July 23 through the 26th.
At this point, we're looking
at a self defense plea.
Worse case scenario
diminished capacity,
diminished mental capacity
plea or mental defect.
End notes.
- Do you understand the
charges that are against you,
Ms. King?
- Yes, ma'am.
- How do you plea?
- Not guilty.
- Objections to bail?
- [Attorney] Yes, your honor.
We suggest that the defendant
be remanded to Blackwood
due to her substantial
financial means,
we feel that she's
a flight risk.
- I agree and at this
time we are remanding
the defendant to Blackwood
until the trail date,
September 9th, 9:00 AM.
♪ I've been fighting my
hardest to be my better, yeah
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something
I'm hoping that you
would understand
♪ Because I've been fighting
my hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll
be the greatest
- Look, the DA's really
going to dig into this part.
Where was the money, you
keep skipping over that part.
I need to know all the details.
- There never was any money,
I was coming for them birthdays.
- Them birthdays?
You was up to your old
tricks again robbing fools?
And you done drug me into this?
Trying to sabotage my career?
Man, I'm off this case.
Guard!
Guard!
- [Queenie] You're the
only one who can get me off
and you're staying on this case.
- Or?
- Someone might find about
what you did, you know,
all them years ago when
you was a thug like me.
- Listen, don't threaten
me, I got a family.
- That pretty little
wife of yours,
on the way picking up
your big headed kid,
big shot lawyer, Mr. Perfect,
always getting everybody off,
you owe me.
- I don't owe you nothing!
I saved your life already!
That man was going to kill you!
Maybe I should've let him.
- [Queenie] Nah, you owe me.
- [Keenan] I don't
owe you nothing.
- Hello?
- Hey, Danny.
Yeah man, I've been trying
to get in touch with you.
Yeah, I'm working out right now.
Look, I was calling because I
had an interview with Quentika
and she confessed,
said that she's guilty.
- Confessed?
- [Keenan] Yeah man,
she's guilty, dude.
She murdered those
people in cold blood
trying to rob the
dope man again.
- Again?
What do you mean again?
- [Keenan] Nothing man, nothing.
- Listen man, those were
criminals, drug dealers
and killers.
She probably did the world a
favor taking those guys out.
Think about it, man.
Are you crazy?
This thing is bringing us so
much publicity at the firm.
- [Keenan] Publicity?
I don't care about no publicity
stunt, this is real life.
- Yeah okay, okay, I get you.
I understand, just listen,
come have a drink with me
tonight, you know the spot.
[upbeat music]
Have you a seat.
- Let me get the usual, man.
- What's going on in your mind?
- Listen, dude, hold on.
Listen, man.
I know y'all are
trying to do me a favor
but I got to get off this case.
I cannot stay on this
case morally, man.
She's -
- Morally?
- Yes.
- For God's sakes,
you're a lawyer.
Be a snake, be a god, be
whatever you got to be.
Win the case, make partner,
have the best life you can have.
- Danny, I don't need
another feather in my camp,
she threatened my family, dude.
- What do you want me to
do, my hands are tied,
your hands are tied,
you accepted the
case, you the lawyer.
Follow through what
you need to do.
- Otherwise what?
- Look, the bottom line is,
if you don't say on this case,
clean out your desk.
- Clean out my desk?
- And that's the bottom line.
- The bottom line?
[dramatic music]
What's up family?
- Hi, baby.
- How you doing?
- Good, how are you?
- [Keenan] Pretty
good, how was your day?
- It was good but my
feet are killing me.
- [Keenan] Girl, I got you,
put your feet on up here.
- Daddy!
- Hey son, how are you?
- Good.
- You have a good day too?
- Been all over the place.
- We've been all over the place.
She ran around too much,
that why she hurt her foot.
- She ran around too much on
her foot, that's what happened?
Well look, in about
20, 30 minutes,
I got to make another
run out for work.
- Where are you going?
- Just got some work stuff,
I'll be back in probably
about 30 minutes.
- It's late, dad.
- I know it's late.
[suspenseful music]
- What's up, big homie?
- What is up with you?
- What brings you back
to your past life?
- Tash, I need a favor.
- Come with me, Keen.
So, what's up?
- Tash, I need some heat.
- Some heat?
- [Keenan] Yeah, some heat.
Queenie, she done
threaten my family,
talking about if I don't get
her off this murder case.
- Mm, you know when
I saw you face,
I knew it was something serious.
And you know I ain't
forgot what you did for me.
Just wish I would've got to
you before you got married
so I could've
thanked you properly.
- Tash, I'm serious.
You know how we used to
get down back in the day.
- Like happy birthday?
- Like happy birthday.
- Dang, that's petty.
But I got you.
So, this is what I got for you.
I got a box of bullets,
8 shot 380, two clips.
I can even send my
homeboy, Tank with you
in case some shooting pops off.
He's a good one to have around.
You know, I heard before
all of this popped off,
she started working for Alvarez.
- [Keenan] Alvarez?
Why?
Didn't that fool get in the 40
for pimping back in the day?
He old now?
- No, fool, his son.
Once his pops died he took
over the family business,
so now he's running
prostitution, the
guns, the drugs
from Tennessee to ATL, down to
Florida, even out to Cali now
and I even heard they give
out them puking neckties.
So, just be careful with her.
She's connected to some people
with some long money now.
- Hmm, interesting.
Well, I'm cool on Tank right
now but I appreciate this.
What I owe you for that?
- No, Keen, you straight.
- For real?
- You know the
streets talk right?
Everybody respects
your goal thought.
They know you from here
and you get people off.
They see you on TV and the news.
You like a little
local celebrity.
But for real, if
I hear something
I'm gonna let you know.
Just remember this ain't the
same Queenie we used to know.
You might have to [clicking].
- I appreciate that.
- No problem.
[upbeat music]
- Hello?
Yeah, who is this?
Alvarez?
Hey man, I can't guarantee
a not guilty verdict.
Don't threaten me.
- Them fools not going
to answer the phone?
- Mr. Robinson, Quentika
King keeps on calling you
and she done called
every thirty minutes
and she got a attitude, so
could you please call her back
because I don't know who
she think she talking to,
but she got the right one.
That's why I go to church
on Wednesdays and Sundays.
And I'm going on break.
- Your husband better
get Queenie out.
- Leave us alone!
- Your brat's birthday.
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something I'm
hoping you would understand
♪ Cause I've been fighting my
hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something I'm
hoping you would understand
♪ You know we used
to roll basic
♪ Was outdated
♪ Now we're the
latest and greatest
♪ Bills due, we paid it
♪ Look ma, we made it
♪ Jock jaw, we fade it
♪ And I can't overstate it
seeing youngsters devastated
♪ Souls levitated,
need to elevate them
♪ I guess we back
to the basics
♪ When the system take
em, better cake em
♪ Finesse or shake em,
no love on the streets
♪ I know the Lord will take em
♪ I swear, I'm gonna
try to be a better man
♪ Better than yesterday
♪ Always thinking, crime pays
♪ My life started like
a sad song, all wrong
♪ Kids thinking
you was all grown
- Cock it back.
Fire.
Pull it back, cock it.
Alright, go ahead
and pop the clip in.
Act like you about to aim.
[shooting]
- Oh and they got fishies.
- You can see them real
good from right here.
- They're so big.
- I know.
- They're so cute.
- Oh my God, look
how big they are.
- [Kaysen] Oh my
God, that is so cool.
- [Mrs. Robinson]
They're so colorful.
- [Kaysen] They don't
even got no grass eating.
My goodness.
I only had one fish, he died.
- [Queenie] Glad to
see you my brother.
- Brother?
You threatened my family!
You know what I do to people
that mess with my family?
Remember what I did for you,
don't play with me no more.
- Now that's the Keen I know.
You still a gangster,
always, like me.
I just needed to
get your attention.
- What do you want from me?
- What do I want from you?
I want to be free.
- Man, you crazy, listen.
They got dead bodies
and dope, you crazy.
You going to jail.
- They don't got nothing.
This gonna be OJ style.
My employer says I'm a critical
part in this business, so.
- Yeah, I heard about Alvarez.
He gave me a call the other day.
Look, I get you
off and that's it.
I don't want to hear
from you, you dead to me,
do you understand?
- Understood.
- Let's get his over with.
- Hey, babe.
- Hey.
- What are you ...
Are you serious?
What is this?
- Look.
- I thought you were done
working on this case.
- Babe, I know I said that
but I have to finish it.
- But what?
Finish letting your
past haunt you?
- Listen, she's
not going to stop.
- This is what
you're going to do?
This is more
important than your -
- She's already
threatened my family.
- This is more important
than your family?
- Look, I can't deal
with this right now!
You're pissing me off!
Lord, please help my family.
Grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
courage to change
the things I can
and the wisdom to
know the difference.
Amen.
- Dip.
[laughing]
Gotcha!
- I'm going to get y'all.
Okay.
- Okay.
I just need to brush my teeth.
- Look, hey, I just
want to let you know,
babe, I'm sorry about last night
but I'm under a lot of pressure
from work, stressing me out,
I got this promotion, I
got to take care of y'all
and I know God won't give
me more than I can handle.
- I know, baby.
- But it's just, it's a lot.
- I know and I trust you.
I'm just scared because
we have family now, okay.
Alright and when this is over,
take me on vacation,
make it up to me.
Somewhere hot.
- Well, I think I missed a spot
if you want to
come back in here.
Now with my family safe
at my parents house,
we decided that I needed to
go meet this Alvarez character
face to face to ensure
my family's safety.
This case, this situation
is getting just a little
close to home.
[dramatic music]
- My good people of the jury,
this is a case of felony murder.
The defendant is
a known offender
who has done everything from
assault to drug trafficking.
The evidence shows a
criminal conspiracy
with international
ties to the mob
and organized crime
in several countries.
The defendant was found
with blood on her clothes
from the victim.
Now, it is your job
to look at the facts
and the facts point to
the defendant as guilty.
- Ladies and
gentlemen of the jury,
yes,
it's true that there was a
gang of common criminals,
viscous who robbed, drugged
and attempted to
murder my client.
If she hadn't taken things into
her own hands, self defense,
she wouldn't even be here
today to stand trail.
She's a mother, an entrepreneur
and a pillar of our community.
It is your job to find the truth
and to find my
client not guilty.
- [Girl] Make me nervous.
- Mr. Robinson.
- Yep?
- So, how do you
think it's going?
- [Keenan] It's alright, man.
- I know you haven't
lost the case,
that judge is being tough.
And did you see the jury's faces
when they said that she
had blood on her face?
- [Keenan] Yeah, man.
I'm trying to tell
you and plus look,
to add insult to injury,
I got a call from
her boss yesterday,
offered me 200K for
a not guilty verdict
and another three
after the case is over.
So, what's going to
happen if I lose?
- That's a lot of money.
- [Keenan] Yeah, but they
also threatening my family.
I can't worry about the money.
- Look, I'm not trying
to add insult to injury,
but the mayor done got involved.
He wants a guilty verdict, ASAP.
The elections are right
around the corner.
- Man, you land
this on me today?
I just told you
I'm trying to get
from underneath of this case.
You talking about, man,
take the case, be cutthroat,
pull up your bootstraps
and now look at us.
Man, what's going to
happen if I lose the case?
What the mayor going
to do, make a speech?
It's still early.
- Thank you, bro.
But y'all no, no, no.
- You can't even worry about.
- I know man, it just be
crazy, y'all swear up and down
that everything
y'all say is true.
Like the gospel
that you believe in.
So called believe in.
[buzzing]
Y'all aint did nothing,
y'all be talking
about them firing me.
Y'all been sorry since
99, since the 90s.
I said, well, if you
google 99 to now,
we got a better record.
- [Attorney] So, officer.
Where you the first
officer on the scene?
- I was not.
- Can you tell us what
you saw when you arrived?
- I got the call, shots fired.
When I arrived on the scene,
the young lady was
standing there crying
with blood all over the place.
- [Attorney] How long have
you been on the force?
- About five years.
- [Attorney] Five years.
So, you are well aware of
the policies of the NMPD
and procedures?
- Yes.
- And on that day, did
you follow those policies
and procedures to the T.
- To the T.
- Did she have a weapon?
- There was a
weapon on the scene.
- What caliber of weapon?
- A 38.
- Was that the same weapon
that was used on the deceased?
- It sure was, same
weapon, same bullets.
- Can you please identify the
woman that you say that day?
- Yes, she's right there.
- Your honor, let
the record reflect
that the officer identified
Ms. Quentika King,
the defendant.
Thank you, your honor,
no further questions.
- Defendant's counsel.
- [Keenan] Detective, is it
your testimony that you were
the first officer on the scene?
- I was.
- And what did you observe
when you approached my client?
- There was blood everywhere,
there was a lot going on.
- Did you see a
weapon in her hand?
- I didn't.
- You don't know if she was
there preforming life saving CPR
on the victim.
- I can't say she was.
- But you can't say she
wasn't either, can you?
- I can't say that either.
- So, you're not sure
who's weapon was there.
[knocking]
- Order in the court, we will
not make this a media frenzy,
do you have questions
for the witness?
- Yes, your honor.
Are you a forensics specialist?
- I am not.
- And do you test
the gun shot residue?
- I do not.
- And my last question,
was the caliber of weapon
used on the victim outside
the same caliber of
weapon used on the victims
inside of the house?
Remember, your under oath
- No.
- Your honor, I call
for immediately mistrial
due to lack of evidence
and no witnesses
to corroborate this
story against my client.
- You're pushing
it, Mr. Robinson.
- This is a mockery of justice.
- We will not turn my
courtroom into a media frenzy
and anymore outbursts like that
will get you a
charge of contempt.
- Do you swear to
tell the whole truth,
nothing but the truth,
so help you God.
- I do.
- Can you please state
your name for the court?
- Quentika King.
- And where are
you from, Ms. King?
- Nashville, Tennessee.
- What is your occupation?
- I'm a beautician.
- Can you tell us
your whereabouts on
the day of July 20th?
- I was out with some friends
catching some Sunday sales
and I had got a phone
call from an old friend
wanting to meet up, saying
that they had some green.
So, I went and met up with them.
When I got there, I
was offered a drink,
next thing I know, I
was tied to a chair
being slapped in the face.
- I understand this is difficult
for you, take your time.
You're in a safe place now.
- And they kept asking me for
money, but I didn't have any.
I gave them my pin
number to my card,
but they just kept hitting me.
I heard shooting and I knew
I had to get up out of there.
That man grabbed me and
tried to take me hostage.
- I just have one more question.
Did you feel as if
your life was in danger
while you where in that room?
- Yes, I thought I was never
going to see my kids again.
[suspenseful music]
- No more questions, your honor.
- Prosecution, your witness.
- Thank you, your honor.
Ms. King or should
I say Queenie,
is it true that you are the
leader of the neighborhood gang
called the Black Roses.
- No ma'am, I'm from
the neighborhood,
but that doesn't define me.
- Okay, so no gang affiliations,
keep in mind you're under oath.
- No ma'am.
- Objection, your honor.
Permission to treat
the witness as hostile.
This is a picture of the
tattoo that she has on her arm
when she was booked
last year for assault.
- [Keenan] Objection,
your honor.
Counsel is testifying
for the witness.
- [Judge] Overruled,
I'll allow it.
Please answer the
question, Ms. King.
- Yes, it's a picture of a rose
which represents the power
and the struggle of my people,
but it's more of a lifestyle.
- Your honor, can you
please instruct the witness
to answer the
questions yes or no.
This is not a history lesson.
- Madam witness, please answer
the questions yes or no.
- Thank you, your honor.
- Is it not true that you
are convicted of biting off
a rival gang member's ear just
two years prior to this case?
- I was being jumped
and where I'm from,
there's not such
thing as a fair fight.
- By any means necessary, right.
On that bloody Sunday when
we found you standing over
dead mob lieutenant's body,
was that a fair fight.
- I was only there to get
some drugs for my habit.
One of the guys hit
me and tied me up.
They drugged me.
What am I supposed to do?
- Can someone please give
me some tissue and cheese
for that whine?
- [Keenan] Objection,
badgering the witness.
My client is clearly
distraught and upset.
- [Judge] Sustained.
- You don't know what
it's like to be a woman
in this lifestyle.
Men always want they want
and try to take what
they can't have.
If you're not strong
enough, I just fought back.
- And what lifestyle is that?
The one you're not
affiliated with?
- I went in to get
some green like I said.
One of them offered me
something to drink and I took it
because I was thirsty,
it was a hot day.
Like a minute later, I
remember feeling lightheaded,
then boom, I hit the floor.
And when I woke up, I
was tied to a chair,
being slapped in
the face, punched
and them asking
where's the money?
I panicked and when I ran,
that's when I seen the police.
They ran upon me.
I've been in jail for six
months away from my kids
and I'm the victim.
- So, you're the victim, right?
No further questions your honor.
The state seeks the
maximum sentence.
We as good, hard
working Americans
want to feel safe
in our communities
and not feel boxed in by
the filth and the scum
that wants to murder, steal
and peddle drugs
to our children.
It is your job to
administer justice
and justice is blind.
Don't look at the fact
that she's a mother
or has had a hard
life in the past.
No, look at the evidence
and were it leads.
And that evidence
points to guilty.
- They will have you
believe that my client
single handedly, by
herself, with no help,
took out two high
ranking gang members
and the mob lieutenant.
After she was brutally
beaten, drugged
and tied to a chair.
That doesn't even
sound reasonable to me.
So, we raise the fact
of reasonable doubt,
you must acquit.
Now, the prosecution will
say that she's a gang member
because she has a tattoo.
That couldn't be
further from the truth.
My client is a law
abiding citizen.
It is your job to protect them.
And ask yourself a question.
Has the state made you believe
that my client is guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt?
If you can't answer that
question 100 percent,
then you need to find
my client not guilty.
She is the victim here and
she deserves to go back home
with her family who love her.
Your conscious is
pulling you right now
in the right direction.
Find my client not guilty and
send her home with her family.
Thank you.
Hey Danny man, you think they
buying our song and dance?
- All it takes is
just one and done.
- Yeah man, and look, she
doing all that emotional stuff
and crying on the stand.
She might just pull it off, man.
- Either way, we screwed.
If she gets off, the
mayor's pissed off
and she done
threatened your family.
We might just end up
putting you off in the
witness protection program.
And not to mention the mafia
that got you looking
over you shoulder.
At least you'll make partner.
[laughing]
- You paid the juror, right?
She had the money, right?
Cause they taking too long.
Something's wrong and
if I'm found guilty,
I'm coming for them birthdays.
You understand me?
Rule seven.
- Has the jury
reached a verdict?
- Yes, your honor, we have.
- What say you on the charge
of murder in the first degree?
- We the jury find the
defendant not guilty.
- Order in the court.
On the second charge of
voluntary manslaughter,
how do you find?
- We the jury find
the defendant guilty.
- Order in the court,
order in the court,
Ms. King you have been found
guilty of manslaughter.
Order in the court.
Ms. King, you have been
found guilty of manslaughter
which carries a maximum
sentence of 10 years in prison.
Ms. King will be brought
back for sentencing.
- We demand an immediately
retrial, your honor.
- I can't do no 10 years.
[screaming]
[shooting]
- Free the queen.
[suspenseful music]
- You can go ahead and get
your chips, your snack.
I know your hungry.
- [Kaysen] Okay, mama.
- [Mrs. Robinson]
Stuffy in here.
- Hello, answer the phone.
- Where's my charger.
Hello.
What?
Hold on.
What's wrong?
- Hello, where are you?
Why are you there?
She escaped, you need
to get out of the house.
- What, hold on one second.
Go, go hide, go hide until
mommy and daddy says so.
[suspenseful music]
- Okay, mom.
[screaming]
- What do you want me to do?
- Get some units to the
house for my family.
- Queen, got the wife,
can't find the brat though.
Alright, on the way then.
- Kaysen?
Kaysen?
Kaysen?
Son, come here, are you okay?
Are you okay?
Are you alright, did they ...
Come on, come on.
- Yep, gotcha.
- Dominoes!
- Just like that.
- What?
- I got that big joker though.
- [Man] Look at all them spades.
- Forget y'all.
You said big joker.
I'm done with you.
- What's up?
- [Keenan] Tash, Tash, look
I need that favor right now.
- Whatever you need, I got you.
- [Keenan] Code white, you
need to come now, code white.
- Code white.
- [Woman] Code white,
what's a code white?
- Who is it?
Come on in.
- [Tash] Hey, what's up?
- What's up, how are you?
- Good, you ready for this?
- Absolutely, absolutely.
- What's going on, Roach.
- Mob Deep.
- These the Deleon
brothers, they shooters.
- Good, good.
Look man, they
done took my wife.
I'm glad y'all here,
I got a little plan,
so step on over here,
I'll show you what we got.
[dramatic music]
- Step out, step out!
You better hurry up,
you going to lose a finger or
toe or something, you choose.
- Please, please protect me.
- God can't help you now.
- Our father, Lord in Heaven.
[shouting]
- I think I hear a car coming.
[suspenseful music]
- [Man] We've got you covered.
We're in position.
- Stay right there!
Stay, don't move!
I ain't playing.
- No pistol, but
he got a vest on.
- [Man] Plan on getting
shot, don't you.
- Ah man, trade me, just
give me my wife, man.
I don't know want
no problems, man.
Just my family ain't got
nothing to do with this.
You can have whatever
you want, take me.
[shooting]
Baby, baby wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
No!
God!
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
Wake up!
Wake up!
No!
No, God!
♪ Cause I've been fighting my
hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ Just so that I'll be the
greatest of being who I am
♪ And this is something
I'm hoping that you
would understand
Baby, baby!
Hey, wake up!
♪ Bills due, we paid it
♪ Look ma, we made it
- [Tash] I'll call 911.
Yeah, yeah somebody's been shot.
Yeah, we need somebody here now.
She's not breathing,
we need somebody now.
Hurry.
[dramatic music]
[siren blaring]
- Going to read verses
five through nine.
[somber music]
[dramatic music]
- Hey.
- What's up?
- Same as usual, you know.
I'm just trying to see
if you was straight.
- I'm straight, man.
You need to stay away from me.
Everybody come around
me ending up dead.
- That's not true,
you a good man.
And God loves you.
He wouldn't put more on
you than you can handle.
- That's was my wife, Tash.
- I know.
- I love her.
I can't eat, I can't
sleep, they took my kid.
He's with his grandma everyday.
I can't work.
- I know, I know.
I know.
But I have some
information for you.
I know where Queenie is.
- What?
- My sister, Sasha,
she saw her in Atlanta
at the Fox Theater two days ago.
Apparently she snuck
down to Cuba with Alvarez
and she's been hiding low.
But her grandmother died, so
she snuck back in the states.
She's been by me, robbing dope
boys like it ain't nothing.
- So, Shasha.
- You remember my sister.
- Text me her number,
I'm on my way to the A.
Tell her I'm on the way.
[dramatic music]
Since I begin down this journey,
I didn't really know what to do.
Just dealing with the pain.
Should I be seeking revenge
or should I leave it up to God?
Huh, I don't know.
Yeah, I do know, but I'm
still in the journey,
so I guess I'll find out,
really when I get to the end,
trying to get closer to God.
[dramatic music]
- [Police Officer] In route
to the battery suspect.
They went East Third Street.
♪ Into my soul
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Get low, get low
♪ They said they gonna fix me
♪ Who want to put
the tools to me
♪ How they gonna deal with me
♪ What they gonna do with me
♪ Got the whole crew with me
♪ I got God, who's with me
♪ I'm a sinner, don't tempt me
♪ I'm a servant,
don't tempt me
♪ I play bobbie, who's with me
♪ I'm so fly, don't clip me
♪ Pocket's full, yours empty
♪ Hard days, long nights
♪ When I grind, no tripping
♪ When I'm on, no flipping
♪ Worth at least 250
♪ While I'm down don't kick me
♪ When I grind, so slipping
♪ With the rhymes I'm dipping
♪ Catch me slipping,
don't hit me
♪ Overflowing, I'm tripping,
dripping, skipping, clipping
♪ Fo sho
[singing in foreign language]
♪ Some days are harder than
others, everyday struggles
♪ Everyday struggles
♪ Some days are
harder than others
♪ Keep your head up.
- [Keenan] Pst, hey.
DO you want to hear the
story of a man of God
from the land of America?
Straight from the city
of Nashville, Tennessee?
By today's standard, I've
tried to be upright, just
and one who fears God.
Now, my life has
not been perfect.
Sometimes I feel like
God is so far away
and it's hard for me
to focus and pray.
I know we all want
to feel closer to God
and during life's hardest times
when no one is
there to hold you,
you can't sleep at night,
bills are past due,
that's when we need to
try and get closer to God.
So, we pray some
during the tough times.
It gives our story,
our testimony,
it makes us stronger
for those that witness
and those that spread
the gospel by deed
and by word of mouth.
Now, this is me,
Keenan Robertson.
I grew up fast raised by my
parents in a rough neighborhood.
Yeah, I made a few
mistakes growing up,
hanging with the wrong crowd,
but I finally got it all
together by the grace of God.
And graduated from
Tennessee State University.
That's where I met
the love of my life.
We soon married and had a son.
This inspired me to
live out my dream
and go to law school.
I eventually passed the
bar and became a lawyer.
Always trying to atone
for the sins of my past,
helping others through
my deeds day by day.
This is Quentika King, a
childhood friend of mine.
I saved her life once
when we were just kids
by accidentally taking
the life of another.
Nowadays she helps run
a criminal organization
with an iron fist.
We haven't seen each
other in many years,
but our paths are destined
to cross on this day.
- You know that's my
old neighborhood, right?
Yeah, I'm going to take
care of it tomorrow.
Sunday, right?
Alright.
[dramatic music]
[loud banging]
[water running]
[moaning]
- Good morning, honey.
Get up, it's time for church.
- [Kaysen] Okay, mama.
- [Mrs. Robinson] Alright.
Boy you better get up,
you know your daddy
going to come in here
and gonna give you
that water treatment.
- Okay.
- You better get up.
- I'm up, I'm up.
- Church boy.
Your daddy in there cooking.
- Cooking breakfast.
- Guess what else he's making?
- Pancakes!
- Oh.
- Good morning, son.
- Morning, dad.
- [Keenan] You look good,
you ready to go to church?
- Of course.
- He said he is.
- Fixing the tie all the time.
- Because you keep moving around
and it's shifting your
tie around or your bow.
- Bow?
Bow, right here?
- Let me see.
- I don't know why
I keep shifting.
- It's okay, I fix it now
and you look all good.
- Shift, shift, shift.
- We going to shift,
shift, shift alright.
We going to get ready
to get out this door
and daddy's making pancakes.
- Pancakes!
- Mm hmm, it's your favorite.
- Pancakes?
- Yeah.
- Pancakes?
- Mm hmm.
- Pancakes!
- That's how you feel?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- I like it when
dad cooks breakfast.
He's the only one who
knows how to make pancakes
just the way I like them.
- Really, well maybe when
your daddy get this promotion,
he'll makes us pancakes
and cook food all the time.
- Mom's gotta wash dishes.
- Now, he know I got the dishes.
- [Keenan] Absolutely.
- I was about to say that.
- You was going to.
- Can I help wash them?
- [Mrs. Robinson] You sure can.
- She got the dishes,
I got the trash.
[laughing]
- [Mrs. Robinson] That's a deal.
[chattering]
- Come pray next to us.
We pray right, amen?
After this coming
from the choir.
They thought you were
here, Rita Samuel Robinson.
We want you to receive
her by the elevation
of your right hand.
Tell her, Pastor.
- Pastor.
- I need.
- I need.
- A word.
- A word.
- Amen.
[upbeat music]
- All about an experience.
He's going to let you
go through the valley.
So that he can glorify.
He going to put
you in the valley,
but he let you go through it,
so you can learn something
while you in your season.
See, I thought I knew it all.
I didn't want nobody
to tell me what to do.
I thought I was Miss It.
I was grown on my own.
I wanted to have my little
cake and eat it too,
so they say.
Lord, there was a time when
I had to fall on my knees
and say, Lord come see about me.
♪ So official
♪ So official
♪ So official
♪ So official
- Fine, after 10 minutes,
come for them birthdays.
- Ain't no problem, sis,
you know I stay heated.
♪ SO official
- Hey, I'm outside.
What you want me to do?
Okay, good.
♪ So official
♪ So official
[knocking]
- Hey bro, this is Queenie, the
one I was telling you about.
- Well, let's have a drink to
celebrate our new business.
- No, I'm good, my
brother's in the car.
- Well, it's accustomed
to everybody that I have
business with that
we have a drink.
- One drink.
- Just one.
Cheers, to new beginnings.
[dramatic music]
Grab her feet, take
her into the kitchen.
- [Girl] She waking up, bro.
- [Man] Ain't nobody
coming on counters.
Let me put this plastic down.
- Better come up with
that money, honey.
- You think I can't smell
a set up from a mile away.
Hell, and I'm going to
need them birthdays too.
- I know Alvarez sent
you, where the money at?
- Where's the money at?
[laughing]
Bro, I think I heard something.
Hold on, I think
I heard something.
[shooting]
- Happy birthday, homeboy.
- I'm getting out of here alive.
- I got this, go get the car.
- Alright, sis.
- Go.
- I'm fixing to get the
car, I'm getting the car!
[shooting]
- Did Alvarez set me up?
Did Alvarez set me up?
[shooting]
[siren wailing]
- [Officer] Get on the ground!
[dramatic music]
♪ All it takes is
money to be the man
♪ Cashville
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
♪ Quadcity
♪ All it takes is
money to be the man
♪ Shytown
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
♪ Money to be the man
♪ Where I'm from is
money to be the man
[rain falling]
- Get out of this rain.
Man, this rain is no joke.
But listen, let's just
get down to business.
There's a reason why I
brought you over here.
You've been killing it
for the last two years,
that is no question and
we're very impressed.
So much so that the other
partners and I have talked
and we want you to have
a seat at the table.
But there's one thing we
just kind of need you to do.
Remember that case, that high
profile case up in Germantown
with the mob?
- Yeah.
- Well, they want you
specifically to take the case.
What do you think about that?
- Sounds perfect man.
Yeah, absolutely.
- You clean up your room?
- Yes, ma'am.
- You still got them shoes
and stuff on like you going -
Hey, babe.
- Guess who got the promotion.
[screaming]
- May I hug you.
- Absolutely, come on in, son.
- Are we rich, did we
win a prize or something,
I'm confused.
- Son, no, no, but we
did get a promotion.
[yelling]
Well, it's time to go to bed.
- Goodnight, dad.
- Goodnight, man.
You did good today,
I'm proud of you.
- I'm glad you got
your promotion today.
- Thank you, I'm
glad I got it too.
Sweet dreams and did
you say your prayers?
- Yep.
- What's you so happy about?
- Come over here, girl.
Alright, wait a minute, hold
on, let me see your hand.
- Okay.
- Lord, we just want to
thank you for the opportunity
and we just want
to say thank you.
We just want to make sure
that we use this blessing
to help other people and
to do what your will is.
Amen.
- Amen.
- Now, back to you, my
beautiful chocolate wife.
- Yes.
- Absolutely.
- I'm so proud of
you, papa bear.
- Thank you, baby.
You know I couldn't have
done it without you.
- Of course, you should let
mama bear scratch your back.
- Absolutely.
[giggling]
♪ I never would've thought you
could make me feel this way
♪ You really light up my
life in the strongest way
♪ No love like yours just
can't seem to get enough
[light music]
- [Queenie] Man, you got
to get me out of here.
- Look, I got you, just
tell me what happened.
Have a seat, have a
seat, what's going on?
- Man, I didn't do
nothing, I was set up.
Man, you got to get
me out of here, man.
These girls got to
fighting last night
because some girl was
trying to get raped.
I'm going to catch
me a body in here.
- I got you, look, I understand.
Just tell me what happened,
what are you even doing here?
- Man, it was self defense.
I got to fighting last
night with my boyfriend.
- Listen, they said that
somebody called Monday.
I didn't expect it to be you.
- Man, just get me out of here.
- We really enjoy
having you here.
And I like to think of
you or me as a friend
as well as a boss.
So, if you need
anything, you come to me
and I just wanted to
congratulate you again.
- [Keenan] I
appreciate that, man.
Yes, sir.
[laughing]
- This is ridiculous, okay.
Ridiculous.
- Oh man, oh man.
- So, babe, did you
happen to catch the news
and see what's going
on in the media.
There's a lot of evidence
surrounding this case.
How do you feel?
- I mean, I feel good.
I interviewed her, she told
me was innocent, I trust her.
- So, I mean, you
just trust her?
I mean, what's
going on with this?
Why you so invested, do
you all have a history?
What's going on?
- I mean, listen,
nothing's going on.
We're just friends, I've known
her for a really long time
and I want to help her.
I think she's innocent.
I'm a pretty good
judge of character, I
picked you didn't I.
- Yeah, you did,
but still, you know,
if you don't get this or
win this case, no partner.
- I got this, babe.
Just chill, relax.
I've about got it
in the bag, girl.
- Alright.
- See that.
I'm trying to tell you.
[light music]
Look, just take me through
that day from the beginning.
When you woke up in the morning,
what you ate for breakfast,
all of that.
- Man, me and my
boyfriend got into a fight
because I interrupted him
during the football game
and he hit me, so I
cracked me over the head
with a frying pan and
I ran out the door.
And then I seen this
guy laying there,
so I decided to help him
and that's when the
police rolled up on me.
- Listen, they're trying to
give you a queen pin charge.
That's 25 to life.
They found three dead bodies
and a lot of dope in the house.
You're going to have to
start telling me the truth
or I'm not going to be
able to help you, Queenie.
- I am telling you the truth.
I thought if anybody be able
to help me, it'd be you.
[light music]
- So yeah, this is a tough
case, it's stressing me out.
- You know it.
- You know her, so
what do you think?
- You're going to
have to play it out,
that's all I'm thinking,
there's too many
characters in this
for you not to play
it all the way out.
How it ends, I can't tell you,
but I know you're going have
to play it all the way out
or you'll never win.
- Recording notes, Quentika
King, July 23 through the 26th.
At this point, we're looking
at a self defense plea.
Worse case scenario
diminished capacity,
diminished mental capacity
plea or mental defect.
End notes.
- Do you understand the
charges that are against you,
Ms. King?
- Yes, ma'am.
- How do you plea?
- Not guilty.
- Objections to bail?
- [Attorney] Yes, your honor.
We suggest that the defendant
be remanded to Blackwood
due to her substantial
financial means,
we feel that she's
a flight risk.
- I agree and at this
time we are remanding
the defendant to Blackwood
until the trail date,
September 9th, 9:00 AM.
♪ I've been fighting my
hardest to be my better, yeah
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something
I'm hoping that you
would understand
♪ Because I've been fighting
my hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll
be the greatest
- Look, the DA's really
going to dig into this part.
Where was the money, you
keep skipping over that part.
I need to know all the details.
- There never was any money,
I was coming for them birthdays.
- Them birthdays?
You was up to your old
tricks again robbing fools?
And you done drug me into this?
Trying to sabotage my career?
Man, I'm off this case.
Guard!
Guard!
- [Queenie] You're the
only one who can get me off
and you're staying on this case.
- Or?
- Someone might find about
what you did, you know,
all them years ago when
you was a thug like me.
- Listen, don't threaten
me, I got a family.
- That pretty little
wife of yours,
on the way picking up
your big headed kid,
big shot lawyer, Mr. Perfect,
always getting everybody off,
you owe me.
- I don't owe you nothing!
I saved your life already!
That man was going to kill you!
Maybe I should've let him.
- [Queenie] Nah, you owe me.
- [Keenan] I don't
owe you nothing.
- Hello?
- Hey, Danny.
Yeah man, I've been trying
to get in touch with you.
Yeah, I'm working out right now.
Look, I was calling because I
had an interview with Quentika
and she confessed,
said that she's guilty.
- Confessed?
- [Keenan] Yeah man,
she's guilty, dude.
She murdered those
people in cold blood
trying to rob the
dope man again.
- Again?
What do you mean again?
- [Keenan] Nothing man, nothing.
- Listen man, those were
criminals, drug dealers
and killers.
She probably did the world a
favor taking those guys out.
Think about it, man.
Are you crazy?
This thing is bringing us so
much publicity at the firm.
- [Keenan] Publicity?
I don't care about no publicity
stunt, this is real life.
- Yeah okay, okay, I get you.
I understand, just listen,
come have a drink with me
tonight, you know the spot.
[upbeat music]
Have you a seat.
- Let me get the usual, man.
- What's going on in your mind?
- Listen, dude, hold on.
Listen, man.
I know y'all are
trying to do me a favor
but I got to get off this case.
I cannot stay on this
case morally, man.
She's -
- Morally?
- Yes.
- For God's sakes,
you're a lawyer.
Be a snake, be a god, be
whatever you got to be.
Win the case, make partner,
have the best life you can have.
- Danny, I don't need
another feather in my camp,
she threatened my family, dude.
- What do you want me to
do, my hands are tied,
your hands are tied,
you accepted the
case, you the lawyer.
Follow through what
you need to do.
- Otherwise what?
- Look, the bottom line is,
if you don't say on this case,
clean out your desk.
- Clean out my desk?
- And that's the bottom line.
- The bottom line?
[dramatic music]
What's up family?
- Hi, baby.
- How you doing?
- Good, how are you?
- [Keenan] Pretty
good, how was your day?
- It was good but my
feet are killing me.
- [Keenan] Girl, I got you,
put your feet on up here.
- Daddy!
- Hey son, how are you?
- Good.
- You have a good day too?
- Been all over the place.
- We've been all over the place.
She ran around too much,
that why she hurt her foot.
- She ran around too much on
her foot, that's what happened?
Well look, in about
20, 30 minutes,
I got to make another
run out for work.
- Where are you going?
- Just got some work stuff,
I'll be back in probably
about 30 minutes.
- It's late, dad.
- I know it's late.
[suspenseful music]
- What's up, big homie?
- What is up with you?
- What brings you back
to your past life?
- Tash, I need a favor.
- Come with me, Keen.
So, what's up?
- Tash, I need some heat.
- Some heat?
- [Keenan] Yeah, some heat.
Queenie, she done
threaten my family,
talking about if I don't get
her off this murder case.
- Mm, you know when
I saw you face,
I knew it was something serious.
And you know I ain't
forgot what you did for me.
Just wish I would've got to
you before you got married
so I could've
thanked you properly.
- Tash, I'm serious.
You know how we used to
get down back in the day.
- Like happy birthday?
- Like happy birthday.
- Dang, that's petty.
But I got you.
So, this is what I got for you.
I got a box of bullets,
8 shot 380, two clips.
I can even send my
homeboy, Tank with you
in case some shooting pops off.
He's a good one to have around.
You know, I heard before
all of this popped off,
she started working for Alvarez.
- [Keenan] Alvarez?
Why?
Didn't that fool get in the 40
for pimping back in the day?
He old now?
- No, fool, his son.
Once his pops died he took
over the family business,
so now he's running
prostitution, the
guns, the drugs
from Tennessee to ATL, down to
Florida, even out to Cali now
and I even heard they give
out them puking neckties.
So, just be careful with her.
She's connected to some people
with some long money now.
- Hmm, interesting.
Well, I'm cool on Tank right
now but I appreciate this.
What I owe you for that?
- No, Keen, you straight.
- For real?
- You know the
streets talk right?
Everybody respects
your goal thought.
They know you from here
and you get people off.
They see you on TV and the news.
You like a little
local celebrity.
But for real, if
I hear something
I'm gonna let you know.
Just remember this ain't the
same Queenie we used to know.
You might have to [clicking].
- I appreciate that.
- No problem.
[upbeat music]
- Hello?
Yeah, who is this?
Alvarez?
Hey man, I can't guarantee
a not guilty verdict.
Don't threaten me.
- Them fools not going
to answer the phone?
- Mr. Robinson, Quentika
King keeps on calling you
and she done called
every thirty minutes
and she got a attitude, so
could you please call her back
because I don't know who
she think she talking to,
but she got the right one.
That's why I go to church
on Wednesdays and Sundays.
And I'm going on break.
- Your husband better
get Queenie out.
- Leave us alone!
- Your brat's birthday.
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something I'm
hoping you would understand
♪ Cause I've been fighting my
hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ To show that I'll be the
greatest at being who I am
♪ And this is something I'm
hoping you would understand
♪ You know we used
to roll basic
♪ Was outdated
♪ Now we're the
latest and greatest
♪ Bills due, we paid it
♪ Look ma, we made it
♪ Jock jaw, we fade it
♪ And I can't overstate it
seeing youngsters devastated
♪ Souls levitated,
need to elevate them
♪ I guess we back
to the basics
♪ When the system take
em, better cake em
♪ Finesse or shake em,
no love on the streets
♪ I know the Lord will take em
♪ I swear, I'm gonna
try to be a better man
♪ Better than yesterday
♪ Always thinking, crime pays
♪ My life started like
a sad song, all wrong
♪ Kids thinking
you was all grown
- Cock it back.
Fire.
Pull it back, cock it.
Alright, go ahead
and pop the clip in.
Act like you about to aim.
[shooting]
- Oh and they got fishies.
- You can see them real
good from right here.
- They're so big.
- I know.
- They're so cute.
- Oh my God, look
how big they are.
- [Kaysen] Oh my
God, that is so cool.
- [Mrs. Robinson]
They're so colorful.
- [Kaysen] They don't
even got no grass eating.
My goodness.
I only had one fish, he died.
- [Queenie] Glad to
see you my brother.
- Brother?
You threatened my family!
You know what I do to people
that mess with my family?
Remember what I did for you,
don't play with me no more.
- Now that's the Keen I know.
You still a gangster,
always, like me.
I just needed to
get your attention.
- What do you want from me?
- What do I want from you?
I want to be free.
- Man, you crazy, listen.
They got dead bodies
and dope, you crazy.
You going to jail.
- They don't got nothing.
This gonna be OJ style.
My employer says I'm a critical
part in this business, so.
- Yeah, I heard about Alvarez.
He gave me a call the other day.
Look, I get you
off and that's it.
I don't want to hear
from you, you dead to me,
do you understand?
- Understood.
- Let's get his over with.
- Hey, babe.
- Hey.
- What are you ...
Are you serious?
What is this?
- Look.
- I thought you were done
working on this case.
- Babe, I know I said that
but I have to finish it.
- But what?
Finish letting your
past haunt you?
- Listen, she's
not going to stop.
- This is what
you're going to do?
This is more
important than your -
- She's already
threatened my family.
- This is more important
than your family?
- Look, I can't deal
with this right now!
You're pissing me off!
Lord, please help my family.
Grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change,
courage to change
the things I can
and the wisdom to
know the difference.
Amen.
- Dip.
[laughing]
Gotcha!
- I'm going to get y'all.
Okay.
- Okay.
I just need to brush my teeth.
- Look, hey, I just
want to let you know,
babe, I'm sorry about last night
but I'm under a lot of pressure
from work, stressing me out,
I got this promotion, I
got to take care of y'all
and I know God won't give
me more than I can handle.
- I know, baby.
- But it's just, it's a lot.
- I know and I trust you.
I'm just scared because
we have family now, okay.
Alright and when this is over,
take me on vacation,
make it up to me.
Somewhere hot.
- Well, I think I missed a spot
if you want to
come back in here.
Now with my family safe
at my parents house,
we decided that I needed to
go meet this Alvarez character
face to face to ensure
my family's safety.
This case, this situation
is getting just a little
close to home.
[dramatic music]
- My good people of the jury,
this is a case of felony murder.
The defendant is
a known offender
who has done everything from
assault to drug trafficking.
The evidence shows a
criminal conspiracy
with international
ties to the mob
and organized crime
in several countries.
The defendant was found
with blood on her clothes
from the victim.
Now, it is your job
to look at the facts
and the facts point to
the defendant as guilty.
- Ladies and
gentlemen of the jury,
yes,
it's true that there was a
gang of common criminals,
viscous who robbed, drugged
and attempted to
murder my client.
If she hadn't taken things into
her own hands, self defense,
she wouldn't even be here
today to stand trail.
She's a mother, an entrepreneur
and a pillar of our community.
It is your job to find the truth
and to find my
client not guilty.
- [Girl] Make me nervous.
- Mr. Robinson.
- Yep?
- So, how do you
think it's going?
- [Keenan] It's alright, man.
- I know you haven't
lost the case,
that judge is being tough.
And did you see the jury's faces
when they said that she
had blood on her face?
- [Keenan] Yeah, man.
I'm trying to tell
you and plus look,
to add insult to injury,
I got a call from
her boss yesterday,
offered me 200K for
a not guilty verdict
and another three
after the case is over.
So, what's going to
happen if I lose?
- That's a lot of money.
- [Keenan] Yeah, but they
also threatening my family.
I can't worry about the money.
- Look, I'm not trying
to add insult to injury,
but the mayor done got involved.
He wants a guilty verdict, ASAP.
The elections are right
around the corner.
- Man, you land
this on me today?
I just told you
I'm trying to get
from underneath of this case.
You talking about, man,
take the case, be cutthroat,
pull up your bootstraps
and now look at us.
Man, what's going to
happen if I lose the case?
What the mayor going
to do, make a speech?
It's still early.
- Thank you, bro.
But y'all no, no, no.
- You can't even worry about.
- I know man, it just be
crazy, y'all swear up and down
that everything
y'all say is true.
Like the gospel
that you believe in.
So called believe in.
[buzzing]
Y'all aint did nothing,
y'all be talking
about them firing me.
Y'all been sorry since
99, since the 90s.
I said, well, if you
google 99 to now,
we got a better record.
- [Attorney] So, officer.
Where you the first
officer on the scene?
- I was not.
- Can you tell us what
you saw when you arrived?
- I got the call, shots fired.
When I arrived on the scene,
the young lady was
standing there crying
with blood all over the place.
- [Attorney] How long have
you been on the force?
- About five years.
- [Attorney] Five years.
So, you are well aware of
the policies of the NMPD
and procedures?
- Yes.
- And on that day, did
you follow those policies
and procedures to the T.
- To the T.
- Did she have a weapon?
- There was a
weapon on the scene.
- What caliber of weapon?
- A 38.
- Was that the same weapon
that was used on the deceased?
- It sure was, same
weapon, same bullets.
- Can you please identify the
woman that you say that day?
- Yes, she's right there.
- Your honor, let
the record reflect
that the officer identified
Ms. Quentika King,
the defendant.
Thank you, your honor,
no further questions.
- Defendant's counsel.
- [Keenan] Detective, is it
your testimony that you were
the first officer on the scene?
- I was.
- And what did you observe
when you approached my client?
- There was blood everywhere,
there was a lot going on.
- Did you see a
weapon in her hand?
- I didn't.
- You don't know if she was
there preforming life saving CPR
on the victim.
- I can't say she was.
- But you can't say she
wasn't either, can you?
- I can't say that either.
- So, you're not sure
who's weapon was there.
[knocking]
- Order in the court, we will
not make this a media frenzy,
do you have questions
for the witness?
- Yes, your honor.
Are you a forensics specialist?
- I am not.
- And do you test
the gun shot residue?
- I do not.
- And my last question,
was the caliber of weapon
used on the victim outside
the same caliber of
weapon used on the victims
inside of the house?
Remember, your under oath
- No.
- Your honor, I call
for immediately mistrial
due to lack of evidence
and no witnesses
to corroborate this
story against my client.
- You're pushing
it, Mr. Robinson.
- This is a mockery of justice.
- We will not turn my
courtroom into a media frenzy
and anymore outbursts like that
will get you a
charge of contempt.
- Do you swear to
tell the whole truth,
nothing but the truth,
so help you God.
- I do.
- Can you please state
your name for the court?
- Quentika King.
- And where are
you from, Ms. King?
- Nashville, Tennessee.
- What is your occupation?
- I'm a beautician.
- Can you tell us
your whereabouts on
the day of July 20th?
- I was out with some friends
catching some Sunday sales
and I had got a phone
call from an old friend
wanting to meet up, saying
that they had some green.
So, I went and met up with them.
When I got there, I
was offered a drink,
next thing I know, I
was tied to a chair
being slapped in the face.
- I understand this is difficult
for you, take your time.
You're in a safe place now.
- And they kept asking me for
money, but I didn't have any.
I gave them my pin
number to my card,
but they just kept hitting me.
I heard shooting and I knew
I had to get up out of there.
That man grabbed me and
tried to take me hostage.
- I just have one more question.
Did you feel as if
your life was in danger
while you where in that room?
- Yes, I thought I was never
going to see my kids again.
[suspenseful music]
- No more questions, your honor.
- Prosecution, your witness.
- Thank you, your honor.
Ms. King or should
I say Queenie,
is it true that you are the
leader of the neighborhood gang
called the Black Roses.
- No ma'am, I'm from
the neighborhood,
but that doesn't define me.
- Okay, so no gang affiliations,
keep in mind you're under oath.
- No ma'am.
- Objection, your honor.
Permission to treat
the witness as hostile.
This is a picture of the
tattoo that she has on her arm
when she was booked
last year for assault.
- [Keenan] Objection,
your honor.
Counsel is testifying
for the witness.
- [Judge] Overruled,
I'll allow it.
Please answer the
question, Ms. King.
- Yes, it's a picture of a rose
which represents the power
and the struggle of my people,
but it's more of a lifestyle.
- Your honor, can you
please instruct the witness
to answer the
questions yes or no.
This is not a history lesson.
- Madam witness, please answer
the questions yes or no.
- Thank you, your honor.
- Is it not true that you
are convicted of biting off
a rival gang member's ear just
two years prior to this case?
- I was being jumped
and where I'm from,
there's not such
thing as a fair fight.
- By any means necessary, right.
On that bloody Sunday when
we found you standing over
dead mob lieutenant's body,
was that a fair fight.
- I was only there to get
some drugs for my habit.
One of the guys hit
me and tied me up.
They drugged me.
What am I supposed to do?
- Can someone please give
me some tissue and cheese
for that whine?
- [Keenan] Objection,
badgering the witness.
My client is clearly
distraught and upset.
- [Judge] Sustained.
- You don't know what
it's like to be a woman
in this lifestyle.
Men always want they want
and try to take what
they can't have.
If you're not strong
enough, I just fought back.
- And what lifestyle is that?
The one you're not
affiliated with?
- I went in to get
some green like I said.
One of them offered me
something to drink and I took it
because I was thirsty,
it was a hot day.
Like a minute later, I
remember feeling lightheaded,
then boom, I hit the floor.
And when I woke up, I
was tied to a chair,
being slapped in
the face, punched
and them asking
where's the money?
I panicked and when I ran,
that's when I seen the police.
They ran upon me.
I've been in jail for six
months away from my kids
and I'm the victim.
- So, you're the victim, right?
No further questions your honor.
The state seeks the
maximum sentence.
We as good, hard
working Americans
want to feel safe
in our communities
and not feel boxed in by
the filth and the scum
that wants to murder, steal
and peddle drugs
to our children.
It is your job to
administer justice
and justice is blind.
Don't look at the fact
that she's a mother
or has had a hard
life in the past.
No, look at the evidence
and were it leads.
And that evidence
points to guilty.
- They will have you
believe that my client
single handedly, by
herself, with no help,
took out two high
ranking gang members
and the mob lieutenant.
After she was brutally
beaten, drugged
and tied to a chair.
That doesn't even
sound reasonable to me.
So, we raise the fact
of reasonable doubt,
you must acquit.
Now, the prosecution will
say that she's a gang member
because she has a tattoo.
That couldn't be
further from the truth.
My client is a law
abiding citizen.
It is your job to protect them.
And ask yourself a question.
Has the state made you believe
that my client is guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt?
If you can't answer that
question 100 percent,
then you need to find
my client not guilty.
She is the victim here and
she deserves to go back home
with her family who love her.
Your conscious is
pulling you right now
in the right direction.
Find my client not guilty and
send her home with her family.
Thank you.
Hey Danny man, you think they
buying our song and dance?
- All it takes is
just one and done.
- Yeah man, and look, she
doing all that emotional stuff
and crying on the stand.
She might just pull it off, man.
- Either way, we screwed.
If she gets off, the
mayor's pissed off
and she done
threatened your family.
We might just end up
putting you off in the
witness protection program.
And not to mention the mafia
that got you looking
over you shoulder.
At least you'll make partner.
[laughing]
- You paid the juror, right?
She had the money, right?
Cause they taking too long.
Something's wrong and
if I'm found guilty,
I'm coming for them birthdays.
You understand me?
Rule seven.
- Has the jury
reached a verdict?
- Yes, your honor, we have.
- What say you on the charge
of murder in the first degree?
- We the jury find the
defendant not guilty.
- Order in the court.
On the second charge of
voluntary manslaughter,
how do you find?
- We the jury find
the defendant guilty.
- Order in the court,
order in the court,
Ms. King you have been found
guilty of manslaughter.
Order in the court.
Ms. King, you have been
found guilty of manslaughter
which carries a maximum
sentence of 10 years in prison.
Ms. King will be brought
back for sentencing.
- We demand an immediately
retrial, your honor.
- I can't do no 10 years.
[screaming]
[shooting]
- Free the queen.
[suspenseful music]
- You can go ahead and get
your chips, your snack.
I know your hungry.
- [Kaysen] Okay, mama.
- [Mrs. Robinson]
Stuffy in here.
- Hello, answer the phone.
- Where's my charger.
Hello.
What?
Hold on.
What's wrong?
- Hello, where are you?
Why are you there?
She escaped, you need
to get out of the house.
- What, hold on one second.
Go, go hide, go hide until
mommy and daddy says so.
[suspenseful music]
- Okay, mom.
[screaming]
- What do you want me to do?
- Get some units to the
house for my family.
- Queen, got the wife,
can't find the brat though.
Alright, on the way then.
- Kaysen?
Kaysen?
Kaysen?
Son, come here, are you okay?
Are you okay?
Are you alright, did they ...
Come on, come on.
- Yep, gotcha.
- Dominoes!
- Just like that.
- What?
- I got that big joker though.
- [Man] Look at all them spades.
- Forget y'all.
You said big joker.
I'm done with you.
- What's up?
- [Keenan] Tash, Tash, look
I need that favor right now.
- Whatever you need, I got you.
- [Keenan] Code white, you
need to come now, code white.
- Code white.
- [Woman] Code white,
what's a code white?
- Who is it?
Come on in.
- [Tash] Hey, what's up?
- What's up, how are you?
- Good, you ready for this?
- Absolutely, absolutely.
- What's going on, Roach.
- Mob Deep.
- These the Deleon
brothers, they shooters.
- Good, good.
Look man, they
done took my wife.
I'm glad y'all here,
I got a little plan,
so step on over here,
I'll show you what we got.
[dramatic music]
- Step out, step out!
You better hurry up,
you going to lose a finger or
toe or something, you choose.
- Please, please protect me.
- God can't help you now.
- Our father, Lord in Heaven.
[shouting]
- I think I hear a car coming.
[suspenseful music]
- [Man] We've got you covered.
We're in position.
- Stay right there!
Stay, don't move!
I ain't playing.
- No pistol, but
he got a vest on.
- [Man] Plan on getting
shot, don't you.
- Ah man, trade me, just
give me my wife, man.
I don't know want
no problems, man.
Just my family ain't got
nothing to do with this.
You can have whatever
you want, take me.
[shooting]
Baby, baby wake up!
Wake up!
Wake up!
No!
God!
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
Wake up!
Wake up!
No!
No, God!
♪ Cause I've been fighting my
hardest to be a better man
♪ And it's a struggle to
make it but I do all I can
♪ Just so that I'll be the
greatest of being who I am
♪ And this is something
I'm hoping that you
would understand
Baby, baby!
Hey, wake up!
♪ Bills due, we paid it
♪ Look ma, we made it
- [Tash] I'll call 911.
Yeah, yeah somebody's been shot.
Yeah, we need somebody here now.
She's not breathing,
we need somebody now.
Hurry.
[dramatic music]
[siren blaring]
- Going to read verses
five through nine.
[somber music]
[dramatic music]
- Hey.
- What's up?
- Same as usual, you know.
I'm just trying to see
if you was straight.
- I'm straight, man.
You need to stay away from me.
Everybody come around
me ending up dead.
- That's not true,
you a good man.
And God loves you.
He wouldn't put more on
you than you can handle.
- That's was my wife, Tash.
- I know.
- I love her.
I can't eat, I can't
sleep, they took my kid.
He's with his grandma everyday.
I can't work.
- I know, I know.
I know.
But I have some
information for you.
I know where Queenie is.
- What?
- My sister, Sasha,
she saw her in Atlanta
at the Fox Theater two days ago.
Apparently she snuck
down to Cuba with Alvarez
and she's been hiding low.
But her grandmother died, so
she snuck back in the states.
She's been by me, robbing dope
boys like it ain't nothing.
- So, Shasha.
- You remember my sister.
- Text me her number,
I'm on my way to the A.
Tell her I'm on the way.
[dramatic music]
Since I begin down this journey,
I didn't really know what to do.
Just dealing with the pain.
Should I be seeking revenge
or should I leave it up to God?
Huh, I don't know.
Yeah, I do know, but I'm
still in the journey,
so I guess I'll find out,
really when I get to the end,
trying to get closer to God.
[dramatic music]