Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 10 - Chapter Ten - full transcript
In the next few minutes...
...you'll find out everything
you need to know...
...to enjoy what TV Guide calls
"the best new show of the year."
Murder One.
So let me bring you up-to-date.
lt all begins with the murder.
The victim. Jessica Costello...
...was found bound.
sexually assaulted and strangled.
All the evidence points
to a single perpetrator...
...who knew the victim and had rough
sex with her prior to her murder.
Suspect number one,
billionaire Richard Cross.
I would be relieved and grateful if
you would represent me on this, Teddy.
Why were you there if
your girlfriend was out of town?
Jessica called me, very frightened...
...and asked me
to come over to the apartment.
And she was dead when I walked in.
Suspect number one,
Richard Cross. arrested.
Get me out!
But Richard Cross has an alibi.
I have information
Richard Cross is innocent.
I was with him when he went
to that girl's apartment.
Richard Cross also has a girlfriend...
...the older sister of the victim.
There were some sexual aspects
to your sister's murder.
What kind of relationship did Richard
Cross have with your little sister?
He was like a second father to her.
Richard Cross is released.
I was confident my innocence would
be proven and my name cleared.
Suspect number two,
drug-addicted movie star Neil Avedon.
We arrested Neil off of the semen
in Jessica Costello...
...and his inconsistent statements
to the police.
lt looks like you're hip-deep
in a rape homicide.
the key piece of evidence
is the victim's diary.
Jessica writes about
her experience with sex and drugs.
For all we know, Jessica planned
on blackmailing one of these men...
...none of whom could afford to have
these revelations made public.
...none of whom could afford to have
these revelations made public.
The struggle for power.
I told you not to talk to Richard Cross.
-Well, he's my friend.
-He is not your friend.
He put up a million bucks
so I could stay out of jail.
-I call that pretty friendly.
-I am your only friend.
You trust me, and me alone.
You consider everyone else an enemy.
The psychiatrist Graham Lester.
I resent your suggesting
I would do anything...
...to undermine the well-being
of one of my patients.
W,, ould your definition of
Neil's best interests"...
...include keeping him
out of the gas chamber?
Neil confessed to killing Jessica.
Suspect number two,
Meil Avedon's live network interview.
Isn't it possible you strangled her
and you just don't remember?
It's impossible for me not to remember
something I couldn't have done...
...something it's inconceivable
I would ever do to anyone...
...let alone a person I loved
the way I loved Jessica.
What are you doing here
at 7:30 in the morning?
This was stuck under
my door last night.
You're sure this is from
the same woman who stalked you?
-Holly Gerges.
-ls Holly Gerges capable...
...of doing what she says
she did in this letter?
You're asking me?
Absolutely.
This woman used to send me
between 75 and 100 letters a week.
She used to send me gifts:
Sweaters, blankets, socks.
She broke into my apartment
and waited for me...
...in my bed.
I had to get a restraining order
to keep her away.
This is murder we're talking
about now.
"Tell your girlfriend to keep away,
or I'll do to her what I did to Jessica."
She says she did it.
Not to say that
she's not dangerous, Neil...
...but people say a lot of things.
Why have you never
mentioned her to me?
Well, I hadn't heard from her
in a couple of years.
I didn't think to mention it.
Right off the bat, I'd say your girlfriend
needs someone looking after her.
We should find out where
Holly Gerges is living.
If she's inclined to confess to
the murder of Jessica Costello...
...Ray Velacek and I ought to
have a little talk with her.
Her hands fit around Jessica Costello's
throat as easily as anyone else's.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Please be seated.
I trust you've read the booklet
explaining your duties as jurors...
...should you be selected.
Let me emphasize that
it's extremely important...
...for you to speak out fully
and honestly in response to questions.
No one here seeks to pry into your lives
or to embarrass you.
However, our Constitution guarantees
Mr. Avedon's right to a fair trial...
...by an impartial jury.
We need your forthright answers.
Counsel, please rise
and introduce yourselves.
Miriam Grasso and Mark Washington
for the people of the state of California.
Theodore Hoffman and Christopher
Docknovich for Mr. Neil Avedon.
Do you understand, sir, that
while police officers do, on occasion...
...arrest innocent people,
the district attorney's office...
...wouldn't be prosecuting this case if
we didn't have a good-faith belief...
...the evidence will show
the defendant's guilt?
I understand that's what
you're saying.
I don't know if that's
always the case.
If evidence indicates that Avedon was
having consensual sex with Jessica...
...do you think that fact makes it more
likely he would also commit murder?
Statistically, most of the people
who are murdered...
...are murdered by people they know.
So it's definitely more likely.
Whether or not it's so in this particular
case depends on the evidence.
lt says in your questionnaire that you
work in a women's health clinic.
ls one of your responsibilities
counseling rape victims?
lt was in the past.
It's not what I do at present.
In your experience, has a man
ever been falsely accused of rape?
Yes.
Have you formed an opinion...
...as to whether or not Jessica Costello
was, in fact, victimized by Mr. Avedon...
...as a result of his having
sexual relations with her?
I have formed no such opinion.
It's been your experience,
though, has it not...
...that most women are victimized
by men in their sexual relationships?
...that most women are victimized
by men in their sexual relationships?
Well, many women are.
I don't know about most.
ls it your opinion, ma'am...
...that men have a physical
advantage over women...
...and that the threat of physical
violence is used by men as a means of...
...control or intimidation?
There are many men that would
fit that description to a T.
But I wouldn't go so far as to say
it describes them all.
Approach.
Move to challenge for cause,
Your Honor.
On what grounds?
This woman's experience
working with rape victims...
...makes her predisposed to be
biased against my client.
The people don't believe that working
in the field of women's health...
...is de facto proof of bias
against men.
I agree. I even find the suggestion
vaguely offensive.
Do you have any other grounds,
Mr. Hoffman?
Not at present, Your Honor.
Challenge for cause denied.
ls defense counsel exercising
any of his peremptories?
No, Your Honor.
ln that case, step back
and resume your voir dire.
Your wife is here. She's in the office.
Give me 10 minutes.
-I'll meet you in the conference room.
-All right.
Sorry to do this.
What's wrong?
I could've waited till you got home.
I just thought, "Let me not wait.
Let me come up here and ta,l,k
to you about it right away.
I'm gonna drop dead of a heart attack.
What are you talking about?
I had lunch with Celia today.
She said she had heard that you and
Francesca Cross were having an affair.
Who did she hear it from?
She wouldn't tell me.
The first thing I want you to know
is that it's not true.
Francesca Cross and I aren't having an
affair in any possible sense of the word.
I knew it. I just had to ask.
I understand.
I know people talk.
I know you're in the middle
of this case.
It's still hard to hear, though.
Of course it is.
Okay, that's all.
We don't have to talk
about it anymore.
You believe me, Annie, don't you?
Yes, I believe you.
I'm embarrassed I even brought it up.
Don't be.
I'll see you at home.
From where we sit now,
I'd say we have 15 candidates...
...more likely to vote to acquit.
How many will be knocked off
by the prosecution?
Six will go down as soon
as they open their mouths.
Depending on how prosecution
exercises its peremptories...
...there are five we have
a chance of getting.
-Who do you like?
Julia Antonelli.
-I just tried to get rid of her.
I know you did.
Based on the fact you have
11 peremptories...
...you exercised good judgment
not using one on her.
I think she could be good for us.
-She's a card-carrying feminist.
-So?
Our client is a male.
He's an admittedly heterosexual male.
He represents the motion-picture
and television industry, which has...
...according to a feminist perspective,
systematically both glamorized...
...and demonized the image of women.
Accordingly, I think she'd hurt us.
There's that risk. There's also the
likelihood that feminist identification...
...is accompanied by greater suspicion of
authority and less judgmental attitude...
...toward promiscuity and underage
sexual relations, particularly...
...when the age-of-consent differential
between male and female...
...is consistent with what they view as
an oppressive, patriarchal paradigm.
Hm.
-What about the ex-cop?
-Cormier.
lt would be interesting to know why
he took early retirement.
He may have an ax to grind
against the police department.
He may have an ax to grind
against the police department.
-Right.
He worked out of Hollenbeck...
...which is where Dave Blalock was.
He might have known Dave...
...known he worked for us, in which case,
he might be favorably inclined.
Alternatively, Dave might have slept with
his wife. He'll look to hang Neil for that.
Arnold?
Sorry, I didn't mean that
literally, Neil.
-No, that's all right.
-l've located her. We ought to get there.
-No, that's all right.
-l've located her. We ought to get there.
Just a second.
Who is it?
We work for Neil Avedon.
I wonder if you'd talk to
us for a moment.
You work for Neil?
I'm Ray Velacek, and this is
Ted Hoffman. He's Neil's attorney.
-Have we met?
-I don't believe we have.
Oh. I didn't think so...
...which is odd because
I know everyone who works for Neil.
We haven't been working
for him very long.
-Can I ask you in?
Thank you.
Would you like some herbal tea?
No.
No, thank you.
Both Neil and l
are trying to eat healthier.
That's good.
When I used to make lasagna for us,
I would use sausages or ground chuck.
Now I'm making it strictly vegetarian.
I use zucchini, eggplant....
I also use a low-fat ricotta cheese.
I'll have to remember that.
You wouldn't think it to look at him,
but Neil has a problem with cholesterol.
Are you expecting Neil for dinner,
Miss Gerges?
Uh-huh.
I would ask you to stay, but I never
know what time we're gonna sit down.
Neil got a letter from you
this morning, Miss Gerges.
Neil gets lots of letters from me.
I'll send him a snapshot...
...or I'll see something in the paper
that strikes me as funny.
Sometimes, for no reason at all, I'll see
something that reminds me of him.
I find it's no more trouble to jot down
a note and stick it in an envelope...
...than it is to
pick up the phone and call.
You said something in this last letter
which is of great interest to us.
And what would that be, Mr. Hoffman?
You said that you killed
Jessica Costello.
That letter was not addressed to you.
That letter was to Neil Avedon.
Neil is about to stand trial for murder,
Miss Gerges.
It's important that if you know
something about that murder...
...you come forward.
-I don't.
-You said you did.
Neil understands what I said.
Neil understands what I didn't say.
And if there's anything
Neil does not understand...
...then Neil should be asking
the questions!
Holly, you have a history
of psychiatric problems.
We want you to know
we're aware of that.
You know, that is insulting.
I have allowed you in my home.
I have been entirely hospitable with you.
And now each of you, in turn,
has taken an accusatory tone...
...and seen fit to talk to me about things
that are really none of your business!
I'm going to ask you both to leave.
And I'm going to tell Neil.
I promise you, he will not be happy.
So.
Seems to me we need to talk
to Holly Gerges.
Allergies, detective?
Every time you start blowing smoke,
counselor, I get a nasal tickle.
You don't think this woman
warrants investigation?
Yes, she warrants investigation.
Just don't get your hopes up.
This is for the benefit
of the working press.
He knows as well as I do this woman
didn't kill Jessica Costello.
Your source at the
Psychic Friends Network tip you off?
You want me to interview her?
I'll interview her.
Don't get sidetracked by some flake who
danced through his life five years ago.
I know these wackos,
I deal with them every day.
We got the right guy.
You know it.
You know it.
And he knows it.
You'll have her in today, I trust?
Yeah.
I did a little more digging
on Patrick McQuen.
Patrick McQuen?
Are we still considering him?
-He may not be what he seems.
-Well, he seems pretty scary.
Sixty-six years old, ex-Marine.
He voted for Reagan, Wilson...
...and the death penalty.
That's not good.
-Let's take this in here.
Five years ago, McQuen's son...
...both worked at Chem-Tron Electronics,
got fired.
lt went down around
a sexual-harassment suit.
The company spent a fortune defending
themselves. They took it out on junior.
And the old man resented it.
He quit in protest
when his son got fired.
So he's a juror who may be sympathetic
to charges of false accusation.
Despite his profile,
he could be one of ours.
He may not be willing to
characterize Jessica as innocent.
May feel men are getting
the shaft these days.
May feel accusations in matters
involving sex are too widespread.
What do you think, Teddy?
Political philosophy is one thing.
Family is another.
I think we want him.
The only problem is, Miriam may
be looking at the same things.
If we leave him alone,
she's gonna smell a rat.
We appear to go after him.
Look to get him excused for cause,
give her something to push against.
And what if Grasso knows as
much about him as we do?
She'll exercise one of her peremptories.
Either way, we win.
Mr. McQuen, you're the captain of your
Neighborhood Watch Association.
Do you have much crime
in the Mar Vista area?
Do you have much crime
in the Mar Vista area?
We keep a pretty tight lid on things.
A bunch of good people.
We look out for ourselves.
-The police aren't getting the job done?
-They're doing fine.
What we do, it's in addition.
-You fought in Korea, didn't you?
-Yeah.
Marines. I saw some action.
The defendant is about to appear in
a film in which he plays an action hero.
Does that impress you?
It's acting, right?
I know the difference.
Thank you.
No more questions, Your Honor.
Good afternoon, sir.
Mr. McQuen, you understand the nature
of the presumption of innocence?
Yeah, I do.
So you know that just because
the police arrest someone...
...that doesn't mean he committed
the crime with which he's charged?
Like I said, I'm pretty clear
on the presumption of innocence.
Would you say the police are right
when they arrest someone...
...most of the time?
Some of the time? What?
The way I see it, the police are right
a lot more than they're wrong.
They're not to blame.
There's a lot of violence in this world,
but the police are pulling their oar...
...pretty damn good.
But you do believe there's a problem in
the criminal justice system, correct?
Yes.
Am I part of what's wrong with the
criminal justice system, Mr. McQuen?
Well, I don't know about you
personally, but a lot of the times...
...you defense guys are pretty sneaky.
Approach.
-Challenge for cause.
-Why?
This man's a poster boy
for the prosecution.
Your Honor, we can't let counsel's
paranoia rule the jury selection process.
There's nothing about Mr. McQuen that
indicates any limiting bias or prejudice.
I'm inclined to agree.
If he wants to use a peremptory,
he can.
Well, Mr. Hoffman?
We won't challenge at this time,
Your Honor.
Vivien Barone.
Send her in, Louis.
You have choir practice tonight?
-lf you need me to stay....
-No, go ahead. See you tomorrow.
Teddy.
Hello, Vivien.
ln case you haven't heard, there's a
mean-spirited rumor on the grapevine.
I know.
It's extremely upsetting
to both Annie and me.
As it is to Francesca,
quite understandably.
I assume this came out of your
negotiations with Richard.
He knows how loyal Francesca
is to her friends.
You being among her most valued.
By trashing you, he so unnerved her,
she's about ready to cave.
Teddy, you have every right
to be upset.
But if Francesca calls, I'd be grateful
if you'd not communicate your distress.
lt goes without saying, Vivien.
You have your hands full as it is...
...without my saying something
that might inflame the situation.
Thank you, Teddy.
I appreciate your understanding.
-What's the number you're going after?
-Half.
Which right now is around 200 million.
He put 20 on the table the day we
served papers. Hasn't budged since.
If Francesca calls, I'll encourage her to
stay the course. She's a good person.
And I'd like to see her get
everything she's entitled to.
As good a person as she is, I don't know
if she has the stomach for a long fight.
No matter what anyone says.
Thank you, Teddy.
Do yourself a favor, Neil.
Go home. Go to sleep.
Drives a four-wheel-drive vehicle
and subscribes to Sports Illustrated.
He's bad for me.
Would use homeopathic medicine
and subscribes to the New Yorker.
That's good.
That's a slight oversimplification.
Yeah, well, I didn't feel like I had a lot
of friends in that room today, Ted.
You don't need a lot.
Neil?
I thought I heard your voice.
You know who I saw today?
I was at the Irvine Ranch Market,
and I saw Gale Storm.
Do you remember her?
I used to watch My little Margie
every single morning.
Oh. By the way, I need for you to look
at a leather jacket for me.
I tried it on this morning at Nordstrom's.
I really don't know how I feel about it.
What is it that you want, Miss Gerges?
Neil, I want to talk to you, alone.
Neil, I want to talk to you, alone.
That's not going to happen,
Miss Gerges.
Neil...
...l need to talk to you about what
is being done to me by this man.
He has inroads at the police department,
and I am being harassed by the police.
I can't go home now,
because they're waiting for me there.
He's making my life a living hell,
and you need to put a stop to it.
What exactly would you
like me to do, Holly?
Well, tell the truth, how about?
I could show you
100 different ways...
...where we are 100 percent
predestined to be together.
lnstead of accepting it, you fight it.
And now lies are being told, and you
are not standing up to defend me...
...and that is really something
we need to talk about.
What I need for you to do now
is wait for me outside.
Because I'm going to
kill your attorney...
...and I think it would be better for you,
Iegally, if you were not present.
I don't want you to do that, Holly.
How could you know what you want?
I'm telling you I do know what I want.
And what I want...
...is for there not to be any
killing here tonight.
That's number one.
And I want for you...
...and me...
...to be happy.
So why do you put me
through all this?
Because...
...l don't always know what's
staring me right in the face.
I could make you happy.
I know you could.
What do we do now?
Well, we'll figure that out
back at my place, over dinner.
Candlelight...
...a nice bottle of wine.
Just the two of us.
-I'd really like that.
Yeah. All right.
First, give me the gun.
Come on.
All right. Now, let me finish talking
business for five minutes.
Okay, Holly?
I'll meet you down in the lobby.
-Francesca Cross is here.
-Show her in.
Francesca...
...how are you?
Not very good.
Please sit.
l, uh....
I understand you've spoken
to Vivien Barone.
Can I assume it was to discuss
Richard's latest unpleasantry?
She told me he's been playing
hardball on your divorce.
Hardball?
Mud wrestling is more like it.
To drag you and Annie into this...
...it's unconscionable.
Our marriage will survive.
-lf you want me to call her, talk to her--
-No, we're fine.
It's you I'm worried about.
I just want to be free of all this, Ted.
Richard's not the same man
that I married.
Six years ago,
we started living separate lives.
His was a parade of users...
...mistresses, whores.
Mine was charitable work...
...and the rumors of infidelity
behind my back.
l've decided to accept the offer that's
on the table and get on with my life.
l've decided to accept the offer that's
on the table and get on with my life.
While I still have
a shred of dignity left.
Don't let Richard's tactics
defeat you, Francesca.
You're entitled to a good deal more
than he's offering.
I thought that I could go to
war with him, but I can't.
That's why you have Vivien
in your corner.
She's a fighter, believe me.
Well, I think that I can make ends meet
on $20 million, Ted.
No one will be holding
any bake sales for me.
If you're doing this
to spare Annie and me--
No, I'm doing what's right for me.
Honestly.
Besides, I know Richard.
This would be just the beginning.
He will do whatever it takes
to bring me to my knees.
If you really want to hurt him...
...go on record with what you know.
As much as I'd like to help you, Ted...
...l can't.
Richard scares me.
And I'm tired of being scared.
Whatever you decide...
...Richard's taken a great deal
from you, Francesca.
But he hasn't taken your dignity.
Annie's a lucky woman, Ted.
I hope I'm as lucky one day.
Please give her my apologies.
Sir, you understand the concept of
circumstantial evidence, don't you?
lt means no eyewitness.
Just a lot of circumstances
that suggest he did it.
The law requires that when there are
two reasonable inferences...
...to be drawn from such evidence...
...one suggesting guilt,
the other innocence...
...you must adopt the one
suggesting innocence.
I think I can make that distinction.
After all, a man's life is at stake.
I I I I
Like man says,
Innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Cormier, do you understand
the concept of reasonable doubt?
That if such doubts aren't reasonable,
then you must return a verdict of guilty?
Twelve years on the force,
you grasp the concept.
You work in a psychiatrist's office,
right, Miss Milligan?
Yes. Eight years.
What do you do there?
Billing, reception.
A little of everything.
If the evidence were to show
that Neil Avedon had sex...
...with a girl not much older
than your daughter...
...would that affect your ability
to judge him fairly?
Um....
I won't pretend that I approve
of that behavior, Mr. Hoffman...
...but I can decide this case
on the facts.
Because you work in a psychiatrist's
office, do you believe you have more...
...insight into human behavior?
Only that people don't always pay their
bills and they're late for appointments.
Does that bother you?
People being late, not paying?
Yes, it does.
Why?
Because it's wrong.
Would you agree that
there are instances where...
...people's actions cannot be viewed
in black-and-white terms?
That things which may appear one
way on the surface, in fact...
...may not be what they appear?
Of course I would.
Thank you, ma'am.
Think there's anything complex
about murder, Miss Milligan?
How do you mean?
Well, if I were to prove that the man
sitting at the defense table...
...brutally killed a 15 year-old girl...
...you wouldn't have trouble
finding him guilty?
Not as long as you proved it
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Would you look beneath the surface,
as Mr. Hoffman has suggested...
...to try to find some
complex reason to acquit him...
...despite evidence to the contrary?
If you convince me beyond a reasonable
doubt, I'll be the first to vote him guilty.
Thank you.
The court will take
a 15 minute recess.
First impressions? We may have
some keepers on this panel.
Cormier's one of them.
Assuming he isn't picked up
on Grasso's radar.
He's a cop.
Miriam's gotta love him for that.
I kind of like him too.
I got along great with the cops
working security on Deadbolt.
And if this guy's had a beef with the
department, that's good for us, right?
That's the theory.
Now, the one I'd definitely
pass on is Milligan.
One who makes time for her kids
and works for a shrink?
I have to say, I liked her.
She's patient, maternal,
willing to weigh the evidence.
True. But when I look at her demeanor,
her body language, I see trouble.
If you're bothered by
the crucifix she had on...
...my 16-year-old sister has one
like it and a navel ring.
Wear it one day,
it's a fashion statement.
Wear it three days in a row, as this
woman has, and it's who you are.
Whenever sex is mentioned,
she shifts in her seat or folds her arms.
What I see is a judgmental,
moralistic woman...
...who, as soon as she gets the chance,
is gonna drop the hammer.
I don't want to use a peremptory
because we don't like her wardrobe.
Ask her if she'll be unduly influenced
by Neil's celebrity.
She'll dispute the notion
that Neil's a celebrity.
Ask her about Neil's history
with drugs and alcohol.
She'll say substance abuse
is a failure of character.
Watch.
Do you think Mr. Avedon's
celebrity status will...
...influence your ability
to remain impartial?
The fact that he was in a TV show
doesn't make any difference to me.
So if he were to take the stand
in this trial...
...your ability to objectively
evaluate his testimony...
...wouldn't be affected by
his being famous?
Jonas Salk was famous, Mr. Hoffman.
Susan B. Anthony was famous.
He's just someone who gets his
picture in a lot of magazines.
In those magazines,
have you read about Mr. Avedon's...
...struggle with drugs and alcohol?
Yes.
ln your opinion,
is it more or less likely...
...Mr. Avedon committed the crime
with which he's charged...
...because he suffers from
the disease of alcoholism?
Well....
One's got nothing to do
with the other...
...but I don't buy
this disease business.
If you get drunk or take drugs,
it's because you want to.
It's not a disease.
It's a failure of character.
Nothing further.
Your Honor, the defense thanks
and excuses Miss Milligan.
Miss Milligan, you are excused.
How is jury selection coming along?
The process continues.
We remain hopeful of finding an impartial
panel which will fairly weigh evidence.
REPORTER 2: There's a rumor police are
Iooking at another suspect.
The police took into custody a woman
who has been stalking Neil Avedon.
ln a letter delivered to Neil's home,
this woman claims to have killed Jessica.
If a police investigation bears this out,
we'll be seeking a dismissal of charges.
Can you give us her name?
Did she make an attempt on Neil's life?
An incident in my office
was defused without violence.
Any further details will have to come
from the police. Thank you very much.
Detective, can you comment?
Unlike Mr. Hoffman, I don't conduct
my business in front of the cameras.
If and when we have any evidence...
...concerning this woman's
involvement in the murder...
...you'll be informed in
the appropriate forum.
Counselor?
I wouldn't be filing that motion
any time soon.
I questioned this Gerges woman myself.
She doesn't know what planet she's on.
Does that mean you've
eliminated her as a suspect?
As far as I'm concerned,
she never was a suspect.
You don't want to ignore the fact that
she confessed to Jessica's murder.
She also said she was carrying
Neil's baby. How does that stack up?
As for the confession,
we went over that.
She said it was a metaphor.
There was nothing metaphoric about that
gun she was waving around my office.
You mean the unloaded gun?
That nets her a weapons charge.
Not the rap for the murder
your client did.
But, hey, it made for a nice
sound bite, didn't it?
We're due in court, let's wrap
this up. What's the consensus?
Teddy, I understand your concern
about her potential bias against men...
...but Julia Antonelli's background
could cut two ways.
Plus, our research turned up she's
unmarried with a live-in boyfriend.
Why does Grasso like her so much?
Could be an act,
to make us think she does.
My concern is she'll identify
with the murder victim here...
...and vent her rage at Neil...
...for the injustices she sees
done to women every day.
Well, the question is...
...do we want to spend a peremptory
at this stage of the game?
How do you feel about her, Neil?
My vote would be to keep her.
Out of everyone we've seen so far...
...she's the only one who's made
eye contact with me.
You sure she's not just getting
a good look at the enemy?
I don't think so.
Teddy, there's a lot I don't know
about, but I know women.
And I'm getting a good
hit from this one.
It's your jury, Neil.
If you feel there's a line of
communication, we need to trust that.
Have we dug up anything to cause
us to rethink seating the cop?
Believe me, Wayne Cormier is
someone you want on this jury.
With him, this girl
and Patrick McQuen on board,...
...we may have the nucleus of
a panel we can work with.
Let's hope so. But as long as
Miriam Grasso can draw breath...
...and has a peremptory
in her pocket...
...don't fall in love with any
of these people.
Do you understand the
presumption of innocence only applies...
...until I present evidence...
...that shows the defendant's guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt?
Yes.
Do you think you're capable,
if the evidence so indicates...
...of delivering a verdict of guilty?
Yes, I do.
And what if you were to hear
evidence in this case...
...that the victim
was sexually promiscuous?
Would that make you think that she
might have had at least...
...something to do with
what happened to her?
As divine retribution or something?
No way.
The person that killed that girl
is the only one responsible.
Thank you, Miss Antonelli.
Nothing further.
Counsel?
No questions and no challenge,
Your Honor.
With the court's permission, I have a
few more questions for Mr. Cormier.
Mr. Cormier, you took an early
retirement in June of 1992...
...after 12 years with the L.A.P.D.,
is that correct?
-Yes.
-Were you compelled to retire because...
-...of an injury you sustained on duty?
-Yes.
Describe it and the circumstances
under which it occurred.
The patrol car that I was driving was
rear-ended by a suspect's vehicle...
...running from a crime scene.
I suffered a neck injury
due to whiplash.
Did your injury entitle you
to any sort of...
...disability payments
from the department?
-Yes.
Objection, Your Honor.
I fail to see the relevance
of this line of questioning.
Overruled.
How did you feel about that decision?
I disagreed with it.
Would it be accurate to say you
were angry about that decision?
At the time, I was angry.
But life goes on.
Well, notwithstanding
that life does go on...
...can you objectively evaluate the
testimony of police officers in this trial?
Whatever my opinion of
the bean counters downtown...
...l would never take it out
on the guys on the job.
You were on the job with a former
detective by the name of David Blalock.
That's right.
Are you aware that Mr. Blalock
is a former employee of defense counsel?
I guess I read that
in Davy's obituary.
Approach.
Move to challenge for cause.
His animus for the police department
coupled with a personal relationship...
...with a man that
investigated the case.
-Now deceased.
-An unfortunate incident...
...that could only make Mr. Cormier
more sympathetic...
...towards the defendant.
Your Honor, under the circumstances...
...it's impossible for this man
to be fair-minded.
Miss Grasso can draw whatever
inference she cares to.
Nothing I've heard this man say
demonstrates bias.
Sir, were you a friend of Mr. Blalock?
We knew each other...
...but we weren't close, no.
When was the last time
you spoke to him?
A year ago, maybe.
Challenge for cause denied.
Your Honor, the people wish to thank
and excuse Mr. Cormier.
Mr. Cormier, you're excused.
I didn't see that coming.
This is why Miriam's
a nightmare in pumps.
Teddy?
-I'll catch up with you.
-What's up, Ray?
-Holly Gerges died in custody.
How did it happen?
A guard came down to serve
Iunch around 12 noon.
Found her alone in the cell...
...no sign of struggle. not a mark on her.
Couldn't find a pulse.
They got her to the infirmary
and pronounced her.
Cause of death hasn't been determined.
but it doesn't look like a homicide.
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
If it was a hit,
it was pretty sophisticated.
Richard Cross is
a pretty sophisticated guy.
Hi, Teddy.
-Richard.
-So...
...l heard about that girl who was
stalking Neil. What happened?
Foul play has been ruled out for the
moment, pending results of the autopsy.
Well, at least she's out of her misery.
And certainly, Neil's fortunes
soar with her passing.
I'm not sure I understand
what you mean, Richard.
Well, even with this woman's
confession, you and I both know...
...the police would not drop the
charges against Neil without a fight.
Number one, Polson wouldn't
admit he's wrong twice in a row.
Number two, Neil Avedon is a much
sexier collar than some nobody.
No. The police will be obligated
to do everything possible...
...to debunk this Holly
person's story...
...to keep them from looking like
the idiots that they are.
And with her out of the picture,
that's not possible, is it?
No. Her confession stands...
...unrefuted.
You'll be pleased to know
that Francesca and l...
...have concluded our divorce
negotiations amicably.
So all and all, I'd say...
...it's been a good day.
For whom?
Excuse me?
Dragging Francesca's name
through the mud...
...and mine and my wife's
along with it...
...to save a couple of million dollars
you'll never miss.
Teddy, if you're implying that
I started those awful rumors...
...about you and Francesca
to gain some advantage.
I'm not implying, Richard.
I'm stating the facts
as I understand them to be.
Look, Teddy. I understand you're
under a lot of pressure just now.
I know what you did, Richard...
...even if I'll never be able to prove it.
Just as I know you were involved
in this girl's murder...
...and Dave Blalock's...
...and Jessica Costello's.
Blow all the smoke you want.
I see through it.
I see through the alibis,
the surrogates...
...the veils of lies and deception...
...to the sickness at the core
of your being.
I'm going to leave now,
before any more hurtful things are said...
I'm going to leave now,
before any more hurtful things are said...
...that might make it that much harder
to mend fences later on.
Good night, my friend.
There's a news crew in reception.
I'll be right there.
Subtitles by
SDl Media Group
OCR extraction
by D.Lauper
...you'll find out everything
you need to know...
...to enjoy what TV Guide calls
"the best new show of the year."
Murder One.
So let me bring you up-to-date.
lt all begins with the murder.
The victim. Jessica Costello...
...was found bound.
sexually assaulted and strangled.
All the evidence points
to a single perpetrator...
...who knew the victim and had rough
sex with her prior to her murder.
Suspect number one,
billionaire Richard Cross.
I would be relieved and grateful if
you would represent me on this, Teddy.
Why were you there if
your girlfriend was out of town?
Jessica called me, very frightened...
...and asked me
to come over to the apartment.
And she was dead when I walked in.
Suspect number one,
Richard Cross. arrested.
Get me out!
But Richard Cross has an alibi.
I have information
Richard Cross is innocent.
I was with him when he went
to that girl's apartment.
Richard Cross also has a girlfriend...
...the older sister of the victim.
There were some sexual aspects
to your sister's murder.
What kind of relationship did Richard
Cross have with your little sister?
He was like a second father to her.
Richard Cross is released.
I was confident my innocence would
be proven and my name cleared.
Suspect number two,
drug-addicted movie star Neil Avedon.
We arrested Neil off of the semen
in Jessica Costello...
...and his inconsistent statements
to the police.
lt looks like you're hip-deep
in a rape homicide.
the key piece of evidence
is the victim's diary.
Jessica writes about
her experience with sex and drugs.
For all we know, Jessica planned
on blackmailing one of these men...
...none of whom could afford to have
these revelations made public.
...none of whom could afford to have
these revelations made public.
The struggle for power.
I told you not to talk to Richard Cross.
-Well, he's my friend.
-He is not your friend.
He put up a million bucks
so I could stay out of jail.
-I call that pretty friendly.
-I am your only friend.
You trust me, and me alone.
You consider everyone else an enemy.
The psychiatrist Graham Lester.
I resent your suggesting
I would do anything...
...to undermine the well-being
of one of my patients.
W,, ould your definition of
Neil's best interests"...
...include keeping him
out of the gas chamber?
Neil confessed to killing Jessica.
Suspect number two,
Meil Avedon's live network interview.
Isn't it possible you strangled her
and you just don't remember?
It's impossible for me not to remember
something I couldn't have done...
...something it's inconceivable
I would ever do to anyone...
...let alone a person I loved
the way I loved Jessica.
What are you doing here
at 7:30 in the morning?
This was stuck under
my door last night.
You're sure this is from
the same woman who stalked you?
-Holly Gerges.
-ls Holly Gerges capable...
...of doing what she says
she did in this letter?
You're asking me?
Absolutely.
This woman used to send me
between 75 and 100 letters a week.
She used to send me gifts:
Sweaters, blankets, socks.
She broke into my apartment
and waited for me...
...in my bed.
I had to get a restraining order
to keep her away.
This is murder we're talking
about now.
"Tell your girlfriend to keep away,
or I'll do to her what I did to Jessica."
She says she did it.
Not to say that
she's not dangerous, Neil...
...but people say a lot of things.
Why have you never
mentioned her to me?
Well, I hadn't heard from her
in a couple of years.
I didn't think to mention it.
Right off the bat, I'd say your girlfriend
needs someone looking after her.
We should find out where
Holly Gerges is living.
If she's inclined to confess to
the murder of Jessica Costello...
...Ray Velacek and I ought to
have a little talk with her.
Her hands fit around Jessica Costello's
throat as easily as anyone else's.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Please be seated.
I trust you've read the booklet
explaining your duties as jurors...
...should you be selected.
Let me emphasize that
it's extremely important...
...for you to speak out fully
and honestly in response to questions.
No one here seeks to pry into your lives
or to embarrass you.
However, our Constitution guarantees
Mr. Avedon's right to a fair trial...
...by an impartial jury.
We need your forthright answers.
Counsel, please rise
and introduce yourselves.
Miriam Grasso and Mark Washington
for the people of the state of California.
Theodore Hoffman and Christopher
Docknovich for Mr. Neil Avedon.
Do you understand, sir, that
while police officers do, on occasion...
...arrest innocent people,
the district attorney's office...
...wouldn't be prosecuting this case if
we didn't have a good-faith belief...
...the evidence will show
the defendant's guilt?
I understand that's what
you're saying.
I don't know if that's
always the case.
If evidence indicates that Avedon was
having consensual sex with Jessica...
...do you think that fact makes it more
likely he would also commit murder?
Statistically, most of the people
who are murdered...
...are murdered by people they know.
So it's definitely more likely.
Whether or not it's so in this particular
case depends on the evidence.
lt says in your questionnaire that you
work in a women's health clinic.
ls one of your responsibilities
counseling rape victims?
lt was in the past.
It's not what I do at present.
In your experience, has a man
ever been falsely accused of rape?
Yes.
Have you formed an opinion...
...as to whether or not Jessica Costello
was, in fact, victimized by Mr. Avedon...
...as a result of his having
sexual relations with her?
I have formed no such opinion.
It's been your experience,
though, has it not...
...that most women are victimized
by men in their sexual relationships?
...that most women are victimized
by men in their sexual relationships?
Well, many women are.
I don't know about most.
ls it your opinion, ma'am...
...that men have a physical
advantage over women...
...and that the threat of physical
violence is used by men as a means of...
...control or intimidation?
There are many men that would
fit that description to a T.
But I wouldn't go so far as to say
it describes them all.
Approach.
Move to challenge for cause,
Your Honor.
On what grounds?
This woman's experience
working with rape victims...
...makes her predisposed to be
biased against my client.
The people don't believe that working
in the field of women's health...
...is de facto proof of bias
against men.
I agree. I even find the suggestion
vaguely offensive.
Do you have any other grounds,
Mr. Hoffman?
Not at present, Your Honor.
Challenge for cause denied.
ls defense counsel exercising
any of his peremptories?
No, Your Honor.
ln that case, step back
and resume your voir dire.
Your wife is here. She's in the office.
Give me 10 minutes.
-I'll meet you in the conference room.
-All right.
Sorry to do this.
What's wrong?
I could've waited till you got home.
I just thought, "Let me not wait.
Let me come up here and ta,l,k
to you about it right away.
I'm gonna drop dead of a heart attack.
What are you talking about?
I had lunch with Celia today.
She said she had heard that you and
Francesca Cross were having an affair.
Who did she hear it from?
She wouldn't tell me.
The first thing I want you to know
is that it's not true.
Francesca Cross and I aren't having an
affair in any possible sense of the word.
I knew it. I just had to ask.
I understand.
I know people talk.
I know you're in the middle
of this case.
It's still hard to hear, though.
Of course it is.
Okay, that's all.
We don't have to talk
about it anymore.
You believe me, Annie, don't you?
Yes, I believe you.
I'm embarrassed I even brought it up.
Don't be.
I'll see you at home.
From where we sit now,
I'd say we have 15 candidates...
...more likely to vote to acquit.
How many will be knocked off
by the prosecution?
Six will go down as soon
as they open their mouths.
Depending on how prosecution
exercises its peremptories...
...there are five we have
a chance of getting.
-Who do you like?
Julia Antonelli.
-I just tried to get rid of her.
I know you did.
Based on the fact you have
11 peremptories...
...you exercised good judgment
not using one on her.
I think she could be good for us.
-She's a card-carrying feminist.
-So?
Our client is a male.
He's an admittedly heterosexual male.
He represents the motion-picture
and television industry, which has...
...according to a feminist perspective,
systematically both glamorized...
...and demonized the image of women.
Accordingly, I think she'd hurt us.
There's that risk. There's also the
likelihood that feminist identification...
...is accompanied by greater suspicion of
authority and less judgmental attitude...
...toward promiscuity and underage
sexual relations, particularly...
...when the age-of-consent differential
between male and female...
...is consistent with what they view as
an oppressive, patriarchal paradigm.
Hm.
-What about the ex-cop?
-Cormier.
lt would be interesting to know why
he took early retirement.
He may have an ax to grind
against the police department.
He may have an ax to grind
against the police department.
-Right.
He worked out of Hollenbeck...
...which is where Dave Blalock was.
He might have known Dave...
...known he worked for us, in which case,
he might be favorably inclined.
Alternatively, Dave might have slept with
his wife. He'll look to hang Neil for that.
Arnold?
Sorry, I didn't mean that
literally, Neil.
-No, that's all right.
-l've located her. We ought to get there.
-No, that's all right.
-l've located her. We ought to get there.
Just a second.
Who is it?
We work for Neil Avedon.
I wonder if you'd talk to
us for a moment.
You work for Neil?
I'm Ray Velacek, and this is
Ted Hoffman. He's Neil's attorney.
-Have we met?
-I don't believe we have.
Oh. I didn't think so...
...which is odd because
I know everyone who works for Neil.
We haven't been working
for him very long.
-Can I ask you in?
Thank you.
Would you like some herbal tea?
No.
No, thank you.
Both Neil and l
are trying to eat healthier.
That's good.
When I used to make lasagna for us,
I would use sausages or ground chuck.
Now I'm making it strictly vegetarian.
I use zucchini, eggplant....
I also use a low-fat ricotta cheese.
I'll have to remember that.
You wouldn't think it to look at him,
but Neil has a problem with cholesterol.
Are you expecting Neil for dinner,
Miss Gerges?
Uh-huh.
I would ask you to stay, but I never
know what time we're gonna sit down.
Neil got a letter from you
this morning, Miss Gerges.
Neil gets lots of letters from me.
I'll send him a snapshot...
...or I'll see something in the paper
that strikes me as funny.
Sometimes, for no reason at all, I'll see
something that reminds me of him.
I find it's no more trouble to jot down
a note and stick it in an envelope...
...than it is to
pick up the phone and call.
You said something in this last letter
which is of great interest to us.
And what would that be, Mr. Hoffman?
You said that you killed
Jessica Costello.
That letter was not addressed to you.
That letter was to Neil Avedon.
Neil is about to stand trial for murder,
Miss Gerges.
It's important that if you know
something about that murder...
...you come forward.
-I don't.
-You said you did.
Neil understands what I said.
Neil understands what I didn't say.
And if there's anything
Neil does not understand...
...then Neil should be asking
the questions!
Holly, you have a history
of psychiatric problems.
We want you to know
we're aware of that.
You know, that is insulting.
I have allowed you in my home.
I have been entirely hospitable with you.
And now each of you, in turn,
has taken an accusatory tone...
...and seen fit to talk to me about things
that are really none of your business!
I'm going to ask you both to leave.
And I'm going to tell Neil.
I promise you, he will not be happy.
So.
Seems to me we need to talk
to Holly Gerges.
Allergies, detective?
Every time you start blowing smoke,
counselor, I get a nasal tickle.
You don't think this woman
warrants investigation?
Yes, she warrants investigation.
Just don't get your hopes up.
This is for the benefit
of the working press.
He knows as well as I do this woman
didn't kill Jessica Costello.
Your source at the
Psychic Friends Network tip you off?
You want me to interview her?
I'll interview her.
Don't get sidetracked by some flake who
danced through his life five years ago.
I know these wackos,
I deal with them every day.
We got the right guy.
You know it.
You know it.
And he knows it.
You'll have her in today, I trust?
Yeah.
I did a little more digging
on Patrick McQuen.
Patrick McQuen?
Are we still considering him?
-He may not be what he seems.
-Well, he seems pretty scary.
Sixty-six years old, ex-Marine.
He voted for Reagan, Wilson...
...and the death penalty.
That's not good.
-Let's take this in here.
Five years ago, McQuen's son...
...both worked at Chem-Tron Electronics,
got fired.
lt went down around
a sexual-harassment suit.
The company spent a fortune defending
themselves. They took it out on junior.
And the old man resented it.
He quit in protest
when his son got fired.
So he's a juror who may be sympathetic
to charges of false accusation.
Despite his profile,
he could be one of ours.
He may not be willing to
characterize Jessica as innocent.
May feel men are getting
the shaft these days.
May feel accusations in matters
involving sex are too widespread.
What do you think, Teddy?
Political philosophy is one thing.
Family is another.
I think we want him.
The only problem is, Miriam may
be looking at the same things.
If we leave him alone,
she's gonna smell a rat.
We appear to go after him.
Look to get him excused for cause,
give her something to push against.
And what if Grasso knows as
much about him as we do?
She'll exercise one of her peremptories.
Either way, we win.
Mr. McQuen, you're the captain of your
Neighborhood Watch Association.
Do you have much crime
in the Mar Vista area?
Do you have much crime
in the Mar Vista area?
We keep a pretty tight lid on things.
A bunch of good people.
We look out for ourselves.
-The police aren't getting the job done?
-They're doing fine.
What we do, it's in addition.
-You fought in Korea, didn't you?
-Yeah.
Marines. I saw some action.
The defendant is about to appear in
a film in which he plays an action hero.
Does that impress you?
It's acting, right?
I know the difference.
Thank you.
No more questions, Your Honor.
Good afternoon, sir.
Mr. McQuen, you understand the nature
of the presumption of innocence?
Yeah, I do.
So you know that just because
the police arrest someone...
...that doesn't mean he committed
the crime with which he's charged?
Like I said, I'm pretty clear
on the presumption of innocence.
Would you say the police are right
when they arrest someone...
...most of the time?
Some of the time? What?
The way I see it, the police are right
a lot more than they're wrong.
They're not to blame.
There's a lot of violence in this world,
but the police are pulling their oar...
...pretty damn good.
But you do believe there's a problem in
the criminal justice system, correct?
Yes.
Am I part of what's wrong with the
criminal justice system, Mr. McQuen?
Well, I don't know about you
personally, but a lot of the times...
...you defense guys are pretty sneaky.
Approach.
-Challenge for cause.
-Why?
This man's a poster boy
for the prosecution.
Your Honor, we can't let counsel's
paranoia rule the jury selection process.
There's nothing about Mr. McQuen that
indicates any limiting bias or prejudice.
I'm inclined to agree.
If he wants to use a peremptory,
he can.
Well, Mr. Hoffman?
We won't challenge at this time,
Your Honor.
Vivien Barone.
Send her in, Louis.
You have choir practice tonight?
-lf you need me to stay....
-No, go ahead. See you tomorrow.
Teddy.
Hello, Vivien.
ln case you haven't heard, there's a
mean-spirited rumor on the grapevine.
I know.
It's extremely upsetting
to both Annie and me.
As it is to Francesca,
quite understandably.
I assume this came out of your
negotiations with Richard.
He knows how loyal Francesca
is to her friends.
You being among her most valued.
By trashing you, he so unnerved her,
she's about ready to cave.
Teddy, you have every right
to be upset.
But if Francesca calls, I'd be grateful
if you'd not communicate your distress.
lt goes without saying, Vivien.
You have your hands full as it is...
...without my saying something
that might inflame the situation.
Thank you, Teddy.
I appreciate your understanding.
-What's the number you're going after?
-Half.
Which right now is around 200 million.
He put 20 on the table the day we
served papers. Hasn't budged since.
If Francesca calls, I'll encourage her to
stay the course. She's a good person.
And I'd like to see her get
everything she's entitled to.
As good a person as she is, I don't know
if she has the stomach for a long fight.
No matter what anyone says.
Thank you, Teddy.
Do yourself a favor, Neil.
Go home. Go to sleep.
Drives a four-wheel-drive vehicle
and subscribes to Sports Illustrated.
He's bad for me.
Would use homeopathic medicine
and subscribes to the New Yorker.
That's good.
That's a slight oversimplification.
Yeah, well, I didn't feel like I had a lot
of friends in that room today, Ted.
You don't need a lot.
Neil?
I thought I heard your voice.
You know who I saw today?
I was at the Irvine Ranch Market,
and I saw Gale Storm.
Do you remember her?
I used to watch My little Margie
every single morning.
Oh. By the way, I need for you to look
at a leather jacket for me.
I tried it on this morning at Nordstrom's.
I really don't know how I feel about it.
What is it that you want, Miss Gerges?
Neil, I want to talk to you, alone.
Neil, I want to talk to you, alone.
That's not going to happen,
Miss Gerges.
Neil...
...l need to talk to you about what
is being done to me by this man.
He has inroads at the police department,
and I am being harassed by the police.
I can't go home now,
because they're waiting for me there.
He's making my life a living hell,
and you need to put a stop to it.
What exactly would you
like me to do, Holly?
Well, tell the truth, how about?
I could show you
100 different ways...
...where we are 100 percent
predestined to be together.
lnstead of accepting it, you fight it.
And now lies are being told, and you
are not standing up to defend me...
...and that is really something
we need to talk about.
What I need for you to do now
is wait for me outside.
Because I'm going to
kill your attorney...
...and I think it would be better for you,
Iegally, if you were not present.
I don't want you to do that, Holly.
How could you know what you want?
I'm telling you I do know what I want.
And what I want...
...is for there not to be any
killing here tonight.
That's number one.
And I want for you...
...and me...
...to be happy.
So why do you put me
through all this?
Because...
...l don't always know what's
staring me right in the face.
I could make you happy.
I know you could.
What do we do now?
Well, we'll figure that out
back at my place, over dinner.
Candlelight...
...a nice bottle of wine.
Just the two of us.
-I'd really like that.
Yeah. All right.
First, give me the gun.
Come on.
All right. Now, let me finish talking
business for five minutes.
Okay, Holly?
I'll meet you down in the lobby.
-Francesca Cross is here.
-Show her in.
Francesca...
...how are you?
Not very good.
Please sit.
l, uh....
I understand you've spoken
to Vivien Barone.
Can I assume it was to discuss
Richard's latest unpleasantry?
She told me he's been playing
hardball on your divorce.
Hardball?
Mud wrestling is more like it.
To drag you and Annie into this...
...it's unconscionable.
Our marriage will survive.
-lf you want me to call her, talk to her--
-No, we're fine.
It's you I'm worried about.
I just want to be free of all this, Ted.
Richard's not the same man
that I married.
Six years ago,
we started living separate lives.
His was a parade of users...
...mistresses, whores.
Mine was charitable work...
...and the rumors of infidelity
behind my back.
l've decided to accept the offer that's
on the table and get on with my life.
l've decided to accept the offer that's
on the table and get on with my life.
While I still have
a shred of dignity left.
Don't let Richard's tactics
defeat you, Francesca.
You're entitled to a good deal more
than he's offering.
I thought that I could go to
war with him, but I can't.
That's why you have Vivien
in your corner.
She's a fighter, believe me.
Well, I think that I can make ends meet
on $20 million, Ted.
No one will be holding
any bake sales for me.
If you're doing this
to spare Annie and me--
No, I'm doing what's right for me.
Honestly.
Besides, I know Richard.
This would be just the beginning.
He will do whatever it takes
to bring me to my knees.
If you really want to hurt him...
...go on record with what you know.
As much as I'd like to help you, Ted...
...l can't.
Richard scares me.
And I'm tired of being scared.
Whatever you decide...
...Richard's taken a great deal
from you, Francesca.
But he hasn't taken your dignity.
Annie's a lucky woman, Ted.
I hope I'm as lucky one day.
Please give her my apologies.
Sir, you understand the concept of
circumstantial evidence, don't you?
lt means no eyewitness.
Just a lot of circumstances
that suggest he did it.
The law requires that when there are
two reasonable inferences...
...to be drawn from such evidence...
...one suggesting guilt,
the other innocence...
...you must adopt the one
suggesting innocence.
I think I can make that distinction.
After all, a man's life is at stake.
I I I I
Like man says,
Innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Cormier, do you understand
the concept of reasonable doubt?
That if such doubts aren't reasonable,
then you must return a verdict of guilty?
Twelve years on the force,
you grasp the concept.
You work in a psychiatrist's office,
right, Miss Milligan?
Yes. Eight years.
What do you do there?
Billing, reception.
A little of everything.
If the evidence were to show
that Neil Avedon had sex...
...with a girl not much older
than your daughter...
...would that affect your ability
to judge him fairly?
Um....
I won't pretend that I approve
of that behavior, Mr. Hoffman...
...but I can decide this case
on the facts.
Because you work in a psychiatrist's
office, do you believe you have more...
...insight into human behavior?
Only that people don't always pay their
bills and they're late for appointments.
Does that bother you?
People being late, not paying?
Yes, it does.
Why?
Because it's wrong.
Would you agree that
there are instances where...
...people's actions cannot be viewed
in black-and-white terms?
That things which may appear one
way on the surface, in fact...
...may not be what they appear?
Of course I would.
Thank you, ma'am.
Think there's anything complex
about murder, Miss Milligan?
How do you mean?
Well, if I were to prove that the man
sitting at the defense table...
...brutally killed a 15 year-old girl...
...you wouldn't have trouble
finding him guilty?
Not as long as you proved it
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Would you look beneath the surface,
as Mr. Hoffman has suggested...
...to try to find some
complex reason to acquit him...
...despite evidence to the contrary?
If you convince me beyond a reasonable
doubt, I'll be the first to vote him guilty.
Thank you.
The court will take
a 15 minute recess.
First impressions? We may have
some keepers on this panel.
Cormier's one of them.
Assuming he isn't picked up
on Grasso's radar.
He's a cop.
Miriam's gotta love him for that.
I kind of like him too.
I got along great with the cops
working security on Deadbolt.
And if this guy's had a beef with the
department, that's good for us, right?
That's the theory.
Now, the one I'd definitely
pass on is Milligan.
One who makes time for her kids
and works for a shrink?
I have to say, I liked her.
She's patient, maternal,
willing to weigh the evidence.
True. But when I look at her demeanor,
her body language, I see trouble.
If you're bothered by
the crucifix she had on...
...my 16-year-old sister has one
like it and a navel ring.
Wear it one day,
it's a fashion statement.
Wear it three days in a row, as this
woman has, and it's who you are.
Whenever sex is mentioned,
she shifts in her seat or folds her arms.
What I see is a judgmental,
moralistic woman...
...who, as soon as she gets the chance,
is gonna drop the hammer.
I don't want to use a peremptory
because we don't like her wardrobe.
Ask her if she'll be unduly influenced
by Neil's celebrity.
She'll dispute the notion
that Neil's a celebrity.
Ask her about Neil's history
with drugs and alcohol.
She'll say substance abuse
is a failure of character.
Watch.
Do you think Mr. Avedon's
celebrity status will...
...influence your ability
to remain impartial?
The fact that he was in a TV show
doesn't make any difference to me.
So if he were to take the stand
in this trial...
...your ability to objectively
evaluate his testimony...
...wouldn't be affected by
his being famous?
Jonas Salk was famous, Mr. Hoffman.
Susan B. Anthony was famous.
He's just someone who gets his
picture in a lot of magazines.
In those magazines,
have you read about Mr. Avedon's...
...struggle with drugs and alcohol?
Yes.
ln your opinion,
is it more or less likely...
...Mr. Avedon committed the crime
with which he's charged...
...because he suffers from
the disease of alcoholism?
Well....
One's got nothing to do
with the other...
...but I don't buy
this disease business.
If you get drunk or take drugs,
it's because you want to.
It's not a disease.
It's a failure of character.
Nothing further.
Your Honor, the defense thanks
and excuses Miss Milligan.
Miss Milligan, you are excused.
How is jury selection coming along?
The process continues.
We remain hopeful of finding an impartial
panel which will fairly weigh evidence.
REPORTER 2: There's a rumor police are
Iooking at another suspect.
The police took into custody a woman
who has been stalking Neil Avedon.
ln a letter delivered to Neil's home,
this woman claims to have killed Jessica.
If a police investigation bears this out,
we'll be seeking a dismissal of charges.
Can you give us her name?
Did she make an attempt on Neil's life?
An incident in my office
was defused without violence.
Any further details will have to come
from the police. Thank you very much.
Detective, can you comment?
Unlike Mr. Hoffman, I don't conduct
my business in front of the cameras.
If and when we have any evidence...
...concerning this woman's
involvement in the murder...
...you'll be informed in
the appropriate forum.
Counselor?
I wouldn't be filing that motion
any time soon.
I questioned this Gerges woman myself.
She doesn't know what planet she's on.
Does that mean you've
eliminated her as a suspect?
As far as I'm concerned,
she never was a suspect.
You don't want to ignore the fact that
she confessed to Jessica's murder.
She also said she was carrying
Neil's baby. How does that stack up?
As for the confession,
we went over that.
She said it was a metaphor.
There was nothing metaphoric about that
gun she was waving around my office.
You mean the unloaded gun?
That nets her a weapons charge.
Not the rap for the murder
your client did.
But, hey, it made for a nice
sound bite, didn't it?
We're due in court, let's wrap
this up. What's the consensus?
Teddy, I understand your concern
about her potential bias against men...
...but Julia Antonelli's background
could cut two ways.
Plus, our research turned up she's
unmarried with a live-in boyfriend.
Why does Grasso like her so much?
Could be an act,
to make us think she does.
My concern is she'll identify
with the murder victim here...
...and vent her rage at Neil...
...for the injustices she sees
done to women every day.
Well, the question is...
...do we want to spend a peremptory
at this stage of the game?
How do you feel about her, Neil?
My vote would be to keep her.
Out of everyone we've seen so far...
...she's the only one who's made
eye contact with me.
You sure she's not just getting
a good look at the enemy?
I don't think so.
Teddy, there's a lot I don't know
about, but I know women.
And I'm getting a good
hit from this one.
It's your jury, Neil.
If you feel there's a line of
communication, we need to trust that.
Have we dug up anything to cause
us to rethink seating the cop?
Believe me, Wayne Cormier is
someone you want on this jury.
With him, this girl
and Patrick McQuen on board,...
...we may have the nucleus of
a panel we can work with.
Let's hope so. But as long as
Miriam Grasso can draw breath...
...and has a peremptory
in her pocket...
...don't fall in love with any
of these people.
Do you understand the
presumption of innocence only applies...
...until I present evidence...
...that shows the defendant's guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt?
Yes.
Do you think you're capable,
if the evidence so indicates...
...of delivering a verdict of guilty?
Yes, I do.
And what if you were to hear
evidence in this case...
...that the victim
was sexually promiscuous?
Would that make you think that she
might have had at least...
...something to do with
what happened to her?
As divine retribution or something?
No way.
The person that killed that girl
is the only one responsible.
Thank you, Miss Antonelli.
Nothing further.
Counsel?
No questions and no challenge,
Your Honor.
With the court's permission, I have a
few more questions for Mr. Cormier.
Mr. Cormier, you took an early
retirement in June of 1992...
...after 12 years with the L.A.P.D.,
is that correct?
-Yes.
-Were you compelled to retire because...
-...of an injury you sustained on duty?
-Yes.
Describe it and the circumstances
under which it occurred.
The patrol car that I was driving was
rear-ended by a suspect's vehicle...
...running from a crime scene.
I suffered a neck injury
due to whiplash.
Did your injury entitle you
to any sort of...
...disability payments
from the department?
-Yes.
Objection, Your Honor.
I fail to see the relevance
of this line of questioning.
Overruled.
How did you feel about that decision?
I disagreed with it.
Would it be accurate to say you
were angry about that decision?
At the time, I was angry.
But life goes on.
Well, notwithstanding
that life does go on...
...can you objectively evaluate the
testimony of police officers in this trial?
Whatever my opinion of
the bean counters downtown...
...l would never take it out
on the guys on the job.
You were on the job with a former
detective by the name of David Blalock.
That's right.
Are you aware that Mr. Blalock
is a former employee of defense counsel?
I guess I read that
in Davy's obituary.
Approach.
Move to challenge for cause.
His animus for the police department
coupled with a personal relationship...
...with a man that
investigated the case.
-Now deceased.
-An unfortunate incident...
...that could only make Mr. Cormier
more sympathetic...
...towards the defendant.
Your Honor, under the circumstances...
...it's impossible for this man
to be fair-minded.
Miss Grasso can draw whatever
inference she cares to.
Nothing I've heard this man say
demonstrates bias.
Sir, were you a friend of Mr. Blalock?
We knew each other...
...but we weren't close, no.
When was the last time
you spoke to him?
A year ago, maybe.
Challenge for cause denied.
Your Honor, the people wish to thank
and excuse Mr. Cormier.
Mr. Cormier, you're excused.
I didn't see that coming.
This is why Miriam's
a nightmare in pumps.
Teddy?
-I'll catch up with you.
-What's up, Ray?
-Holly Gerges died in custody.
How did it happen?
A guard came down to serve
Iunch around 12 noon.
Found her alone in the cell...
...no sign of struggle. not a mark on her.
Couldn't find a pulse.
They got her to the infirmary
and pronounced her.
Cause of death hasn't been determined.
but it doesn't look like a homicide.
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
What are the actuarials of a woman
in her 30s dropping dead on cue?
If it was a hit,
it was pretty sophisticated.
Richard Cross is
a pretty sophisticated guy.
Hi, Teddy.
-Richard.
-So...
...l heard about that girl who was
stalking Neil. What happened?
Foul play has been ruled out for the
moment, pending results of the autopsy.
Well, at least she's out of her misery.
And certainly, Neil's fortunes
soar with her passing.
I'm not sure I understand
what you mean, Richard.
Well, even with this woman's
confession, you and I both know...
...the police would not drop the
charges against Neil without a fight.
Number one, Polson wouldn't
admit he's wrong twice in a row.
Number two, Neil Avedon is a much
sexier collar than some nobody.
No. The police will be obligated
to do everything possible...
...to debunk this Holly
person's story...
...to keep them from looking like
the idiots that they are.
And with her out of the picture,
that's not possible, is it?
No. Her confession stands...
...unrefuted.
You'll be pleased to know
that Francesca and l...
...have concluded our divorce
negotiations amicably.
So all and all, I'd say...
...it's been a good day.
For whom?
Excuse me?
Dragging Francesca's name
through the mud...
...and mine and my wife's
along with it...
...to save a couple of million dollars
you'll never miss.
Teddy, if you're implying that
I started those awful rumors...
...about you and Francesca
to gain some advantage.
I'm not implying, Richard.
I'm stating the facts
as I understand them to be.
Look, Teddy. I understand you're
under a lot of pressure just now.
I know what you did, Richard...
...even if I'll never be able to prove it.
Just as I know you were involved
in this girl's murder...
...and Dave Blalock's...
...and Jessica Costello's.
Blow all the smoke you want.
I see through it.
I see through the alibis,
the surrogates...
...the veils of lies and deception...
...to the sickness at the core
of your being.
I'm going to leave now,
before any more hurtful things are said...
I'm going to leave now,
before any more hurtful things are said...
...that might make it that much harder
to mend fences later on.
Good night, my friend.
There's a news crew in reception.
I'll be right there.
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