Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 2 - Chapter Two - full transcript
You've got your naked
15-year-old victim...
...your presence of drugs,
your rumors of sexual depravity...
...and a gorgeous older sister
and former alleged prostitute...
...linked romantically to Richard Cross.
What kind of relationship did
Richard Cross have with your sister?
He was like a second father to her.
I'm done cleaning up after you.
Next time you push some girl
out of your car, you call somebody else.
Richard Cross has met with police
investigators as a courtesy.
This was taken in
the parking garage of your building.
She was dead when I walked in.
The hookers on Sunset got
more scruples than you got.
We treat people as innocent
till they have their shot in court...
...because it makes us better people.
Avedon was busted two hours ago.
This kid could hurt me.
I have a warrant for Mr. Cross' arrest.
That client of yours is very photogenic
in that garage film.
I'm here tonight to be with my husband.
I'm confident that he'll be home soon.
-Tell him it's going to be very expensive.
-Get me out!
-Not tonight.
-Damn it!
It's gonna turn into a circus
around here.
-We're coming to you live
from Los Angeles...
...where business tycoon-turned-
murder suspect Richard Cross...
...is about to be arraigned
for the brutal sex slaying...
...of 15-year-old Jessica Costello.
The victim's sister. Julie Costello...
...the alleged mistress of the man
charged with the crime...
...is in the courtroom.
Let's go there live as Judge
Clifford May has just taken the bench.
Be seated.
People v. Richard Cross.
Good morning. Miriam Grasso
and Mark Washington for the People.
Theodore Hoffman and Lisa Gillespie
for Mr. Cross.
Please read the charges, Ms. Grasso.
"Richard Cross, you are charged with
one count of murder in the first degree...
...a violation of California Penal Code
Section 187...
...for the death of Je:sica Costello,
a minor.
...for the death of Je:sica Costello,
a minor.
Do you wish to have the complaint
read in full?
We'll waive the reading
and enter a plea of not guilty.
Your Honor, I'd like to be heard
on the issue of bail.
This is a charge of first-degree murder.
Are the People going to seek
the death penalty?
That decision hasn't been made yet.
But the People would oppose
the setting of any bail.
Richard Cross owns a private jet.
And with assets all over the world,
he poses a significant flight risk.
The defendant was seen in a videotape
Ieaving the garage...
...of the Havenhurst address
moments after the crime occurred.
He then lied to police about having been
at the building that evening...
...indicating a consciousness of guilt.
Under the circumstances,
the People ask that bail be denied.
Mr. Cross did not commit this crime...
...and he has no intention
of leaving this jurisdiction.
He's anxious to answer these charges
and clear his name.
I'm sure the court is aware of Mr. Cross'
deep roots in this community...
...which has benefited from his many
charitable and philanthropic activities.
We're asking for reasonable bail so
that Mr. Cross' suffering in this matter...
...is not further compounded.
Court finds that bail is not appropriate
and is denied without prejudice.
Preliminary hearing will be set
within 10 court days...
...unless Mr. Cross waives his right.
A moment, Your Honor.
Understand, Richard,
with bail denied...
...waiving your right might mean
three months in custody.
But it's a mistake to go for
a quick prelim. We need to prepare.
Teddy, if there's a lesson for me
in all this...
...it's probably learning
patience and trust.
Do what you think is best.
Your Honor, Mr. Cross waives his right...
...to have the hearing set
within 10 court days.
I'm calendaring the preliminary hearing
then for January 30th, 1996...
...9 a.m., division 32. Bailiff.
I feel this is all gonna work out.
I believe in you, Teddy.
I appreciate your confidence, Richard.
-I'll see you in the morning.
-Okay.
-Cross thinks he's getting out of jail.
Why do you say that?
Because he's suddenly discovered
Christian equanimity.
Have Dave Blalock find out who paid
a visit to Richard in his cell last night...
...besides the baby Jesus.
Darryl, that is not what I said.
I'm not taking his side.
What I said was that maybe he would
Iet you pay him the rest later.
I've gotta put you on hold.
-Morning, Lila.
-Morning, Mr. Hoffman.
Louis has your messages.
And this just came in for you, Lisa.
-I caught you on Law TV.
-And?
You were terrific. Cross looked guilty
as hell. Arnold taped it for you.
You were terrific. Cross looked guilty
as hell. Arnold taped it for you.
I need everybody in the conference room
in 20 minutes.
Law offices.
I didn't hang up on you.
Darryl, I'm at work.
Then maybe we should think about
selling my ring.
We could probably get 1000 for it.
Well, if that's what you really think,
maybe I don't want the ring.
Lila, come in here for a sec.
I couldn't help overhearing.
Are you okay?
Everything's fine.
I don't want to bring
my personal stuff into the office.
Lila, if you're in some kind of trouble,
don't be afraid to ask for help.
I'd just as soon not go out of my way
to invoke stereotype...
...by talking about my boyfriend
who's about to go to prison, okay?
Let's you and I debate who's working
off stereotype some other time.
What kind of trouble
is your boyfriend in?
He's been charged with assault.
Supposedly, he rammed his truck into
some girl's car up on Mulholland.
Which is ridiculous.
It's not Darryl, one.
Plus, he'd never do that to his truck.
He treats that 4x4
twice as sweet as me.
-Why was he arrested?
-The girl gave the police his description...
...and license number. But she's lying.
We've driven that road at night
I don't know how many times since.
Pitch-black, no street lights, no way she
could have ID'd Darryl or anybody else.
Does he have an attorney?
His name is Myron Elkins. A friend of
Darryl's recommended him.
He says he can keep Darryl out of jail if
he pleads guilty to some lesser charge.
But Darryl doesn't want to say he did
something he didn't do.
Plus the lawyer wants more
money now, which we don't have.
-What court is this being tried in?
-Downtown.
Before you hock that rock,
Iet me make a couple calls.
-I don't want to drag you into this.
-It's no biggie. Really.
I'm working on Cross' visitors.
-Good.
I'm working on Cross' visitors.
-Good.
Also, I sent a copy of the videotape of
Cross leaving the Havenhurst address...
...to John DeNardis' lab.
But it's second generation.
Any chance we can get the original?
We'll make a motion to release it.
Who's gonna handle that?
I drafted something similar for the
audio surveillance in the Campos trial.
Gentlemen, ladies...
...copies of the murder book
compliments of Miriam Grasso's office.
-We gonna take another run at bail?
-At this point it's a waste of energy.
They're kicking up dust about Cross'
fingerprints being in the apartment.
Let them. He owns the place and
acknowledges spending time there.
Dave, how soon can I get
the autopsy results?
Spoke to the coroner's office. Expect
something by the end of the week.
Arnold, I want a motion to suppress
Cross' statement to the police.
-Grounds?
-He wasn't Mirandized...
-...prior to the interview.
-He wasn't a suspect or in custody.
Page seven in your hymnals.
The police report logs in the videotape
showing Cross in the parking garage...
...before Cross and l
talked to Polson downtown.
Meaning when Polson
interviewed Cross...
...he already had the videotape
and knew its contents.
-So Cross was already a suspect.
-And should have been read his rights.
So they can't use the statement where
he lies about being at the apartment.
Now you know why I don't miss the job.
You people take all the fun
out of being a cop.
I'll prepare the motion.
We'll lose. They'll argue that the time
the tape was logged in isn't proof...
...Polson had seen it yet.
But at least we'll get Garfield's
pulse going.
Let's get to it, people.
I need your okay on something. Lila's
fiancé, Darryl Jackson, is in the system...
...on what sounds like a bogus charge.
You want to get involved?
I want to talk to the attorney.
Hear his side.
This has been really hard on Lila.
There's a way I can help.
Do it.
Hi. My name is Beverly Nichols.
I'd like to see Mr. Hoffman.
I don't have an appointment.
Will Mr. Hoffman know
what this is regarding?
Tell him it's regarding Richard Cross.
I'm Ted Hoffman, Ms. Nichols.
-Pleased to meet you.
-Lisa Gillespie, my associate.
-How do you do?
-Fine.
Have a seat.
I have information
Richard Cross is innocent.
What sort of information?
I was with him last Wednesday night
when he went to that girl's apartment.
She was dead when we got there.
I know I have to go to the police, but
I thought I should talk with you first.
Mr. Cross hasn't said anyone was
with him at the crime scene.
I'm married, Mr. Hoffman.
Richard was trying to protect me.
Why weren't you on the security camera
videotape, Mrs. Nichols?
When we found the body, Richard told
me to get out of there. I didn't argue.
So I ran out the same way I came in.
Through the front door of the building.
I guess the camera was in the garage.
Why did you go to the
Havenhurst apartment to begin with?
There was a message on
Richard's answering machine from Jessica.
When he called back, she was
fighting with her boyfriend or something.
He thought he should
drop by and check on her.
What did you do when you left?
I called my husband from Richard's car
and told him to come get me.
I made up a story about being stranded
by some girlfriend at the Bel Age Hotel.
It's right up the street from
the dead girl's apartment.
I'm sure the records from Richard's
cell phone will verify the call.
lmagine Richard allowing himself
to be charged with murder...
...just to protect your reputation.
He must care about you
very deeply.
My husband's a very violent man,
Mr. Hoffman.
Once before when he found out I was
seeing Richard, he beat me up.
The police will want to talk with you,
Beverly.
I understand.
I'll call and arrange the interview.
How long you been seeing
Richard Cross?
On and off about three years.
-You were aware that he's married?
-Yes.
-You were aware that he's married?
-Yes.
And that he was pretty
intimately involved...
...with Julie Costello during that time?
I never asked Richard for a list
of his friends, if that's what you mean.
When you found Jessica's body,
why didn't you call 911 ?
Well, that was really up to Richard.
I guess he thought it was too late.
I guess he thought it was too late.
Did he check for a pulse?
Detective...
...you could tell this girl
didn't have a pulse.
Her eyes were wide open,
Iooking straight at us.
-lnteresting.
I didn't think so.
No, I mean Mr. Cross used those words
in describing the body...
...exactly.
Well, we saw the same thing.
If you were standing in the hallway...
...for you to be able to see the eyes...
...the body must have been lying
on the bed so that it was...
...facing the door? Is that right?
She wasn't on the bed.
She was laying on the floor.
My mistake. She was on the floor.
That's right.
One wrist was tied to a bedpost.
It was the left one, I think.
Do you happen to remember what color
nightgown she was wearing?
She wasn't wearing one.
She was naked.
You have a terrific memory,
Mrs. Nichols.
Believe me, I'd just as soon never have
seen what I saw in that apartment.
Well, I'm sure Mr. Cross
is very glad you did.
That's a beautiful ring.
-Thank you.
-You say your husband is an actor?
-Yes. Jake Nichols.
-I never heard of him.
He's just making a name for himself.
Not a diamond for an actor
to be paying for...
...who's just making a name for himself.
You can contact Mrs. Nichols
through me, detective.
Of course, maybe it's a gift...
-...from a wealthy boyfriend.
-Let's go.
But then why would you be wearing it
so your husband can see?
I mean, him with his
terrible jealous temper and all.
They're asking about picking you up
Last week and if I know Cross.
-What's going on?
-We'll talk about it later, Jake.
Were you with him that night?
Is that what this is about?
-Jake, please.
-I ought to break your neck!
Knock it off!
You'd better not be home when I get
there, you understand? We're done!
Let's go, Mrs. Nichols.
Yeah, a lot of conviction.
He kept good eye contact.
You gotta appreciate
a nifty piece of acting.
You're gonna want to be rethinking
Mr. Cross' incarceration.
I am getting the distinct impression...
...you think I'm doing a
Iess-than-adequate job for Darryl.
I don't think you're doing any job
for Darryl.
You wanna plead it out when this
so-called eyewitness comes after him...
...and has a financial motive
to convict.
Never mind the holes in the police
report you could drive a truck through.
Mm-hm. None of that's gonna matter
to a jury, okay?
They're gonna ask themselves
one question:
Why was this guy driving around
Jack Nicholson's neighborhood...
...in the middle of the night?
People in this city move up into the
hills, out into the valleys for a reason.
Okay? On top of which you got a judge
here who's not progressive in his views.
This prejudice you're describing
is hypothetical or your own?
Hey, if I was prejudiced,
why would I represent Darryl?
Ten-thousand-dollar retainer makes
liberals out of a lot of folks.
Okay.
You think you can do a better job
on this case, be my guest.
I need Darryl's files right away.
He's due in court this afternoon.
Fine, fine. As soon as I'm paid
for expenses.
I'm out of pocket on word processing,
copying, telephone.
If I thought you were refusing
to turn over files...
...I'd have to report you to the Bar for
violating rules of professional conduct.
It's 3-700D1 .
All right.
Hey. You're a real ball-buster, lady.
Is he available?
-Go on in.
-Here's the motion to suppress.
-Good.
So I'm off.
-To?
-Oxnard. Big trial.
Cousin with the pizza franchise,
charged with embezzlement.
Oh, right. Right.
One last question,
the witness sequence.
We talked about finishing
with the circuit manager.
-But she's a hostile witness.
-Uh-huh.
So I'm thinking it would be a stronger
conclusion to have the minister go last.
The speech impediment notwithstanding,
he's a solid witness.
We end with a crescendo
of good feeling for my cousin.
Dealer's choice, Arnold. You'll have to
take the temperature of the courtroom.
So, what you're saying is I gotta
remember to be spontaneous.
-Duly noted.
-Knock, knock.
Wish me luck.
Good morning, Dave.
That Nichols woman, she models,
mostly car shows.
The actor husband's not in SAG.
Been married three years,
sublet a condominium.
Thirteen payments left on a '92 Caprice.
Fifteen hundred in joint checking.
Owe 4800 on credit cards.
No other assets.
He has one DUl. She's clean.
People who'd like a payday.
If Cross is buying her alibi,
he's smart enough to bury it.
I'll bet he was thrilled with that rock she
was wearing at Parker Center yesterday.
On Cross' visitors,
only one besides you and his wife.
His shrink, Dr. Graham Lester.
Who prepared the rehab affidavit for Neil
Avedon, which now I wonder about.
-Small world.
-And ugly.
See if you can put Dr. Lester
between Cross and Mrs. Nichols.
Somehow Beverly doesn't seem the type
to be seeking psychiatric aid.
Maybe they met in a mall.
I take it slow on Mulholland.
Especially at night.
It's windy, and sometimes kids
drag race up there.
How fast would you estimate you were
going when the truck you described...
...pulled up behind you
and flashed its lights?
...pulled up behind you
and flashed its lights?
Twenty-five. Thirty, maybe.
-Did you pull over to let him pass?
-There wasn't room to pull over.
I hit the brakes a few times to get him to
back off. He was practically in my trunk.
-Did the truck back off?
It seemed to make him angrier.
That's when he started ramming my car.
How many times did the truck
strike you?
Three, I think. Then he swerved
around in front of me...
...and ran me off the road.
Were you able to get
a good look at the driver?
When he pulled up alongside
before cutting me off.
Do you see that individual
in this courtroom?
Yes. It's the man sitting
right over there.
Let the record show the witness has
indicated the defendant. Your witness.
Had you ever seen Mr. Jackson
prior to the incident you described?
-No.
-Have you seen him in the area since?
No.
When you filed a police report
that night...
...you didn't give them a description
of your assailant, did you?
-No.
-Not until three and a half days later?
-Yes, that's right.
-You didn't come forward for days...
...because you never got
a good look at the driver, right?
No. I was very upset.
You wouldn't be thinking clearly
if someone tried to kill you.
You filed a civil case against
Mr. Jackson, didn't you?
-Objection, irrelevant.
Your Honor...
...there is only one supposed
eyewitness in this case.
If she stands to benefit financially...
...it goes to the issue of her credibility
and reason for fabricating this story.
I'll allow it.
How much money are you asking for?
A hundred thousand.
That doesn't include punitive damages...
...which my lawyer said I was entitled to
for what I've been through.
Without a conviction,
your lawyer told you it would be...
...more difficult to recover money
in the civil case, correct?
He was the man driving the truck.
Did your lawyer say it would be harder to
recover damages without a conviction?
Yeah.
Are any of your neighbors
of African-American descent?
-Objection!
-Counselor, let's not drag race into this.
We believe race has played a significant
factor in this man's prosecution.
I disagree.
But we live in sensitive times.
So I'll admonish the jury
and assure Mr. Jackson...
...his status would be no different
if he were green, blue or purple.
-Or even black.
-The objection's sustained.
No further questions.
Well, as I read this police report,
it would seem that...
...Mrs. Nichols' story checks out.
You mean it's got a beginning,
middle and an end?
Detective Polson's emotionally invested.
Roger, Miriam, I think you're objective
enough to recognize...
...that the sole evidence you have
against Cross...
...is a statement Neil Avedon
gave Detective Polson...
...to get out from under a drug bust.
I won't pursue just now
how much of that statement...
...he was spoon-fed by parties unnamed.
Come on, Hoffman.
Why would Cross have lied if he
didn't have something to hide?
Mr. Cross was trying to protect Beverly
Nichols from an abusive husband.
And make the world safe for democracy.
Bottom line, you have no case
against Richard Cross.
Whose Armani suits I needn't remind you
have very deep pockets...
...if he were to pursue the fact that
his civil rights may have been violated.
There's no need for threats, Teddy.
ln light of Mrs. Nichols coming forward
with this information--
Don't do this to me.
And my personal knowledge of
Richard Cross as a man of probity...
...we're gonna dismiss the charges.
Detective Polson, you'll see
to Mr. Cross' release.
Son of a bitch.
Will you be filing a lawsuit
against the police for false arrest?
I harbor no ill will.
I was confident my innocence would
be proven and my name cleared.
I'm thankful to my wife, Francesca, for
standing by me as well as the others...
...especially my attorney, Ted Hoffman.
Thank you very much.
It's been a long ordeal, folks. All
Mr. Cross wants to do now is go home.
You okay?
More or less.
I'm worried sick about Beverly, though,
what her husband might do.
Well, Richard, these things have a way
of working themselves out.
From your lips to God's ears, Teddy.
I am going to go and take
the longest shower in recorded history.
Seventy-two hours.
Hell of a stretch of jail time.
Well, I wouldn't recommend it.
You learn a lot about yourself, though.
-ls that so?
-Mm-hm.
What did you learn, Richard?
I'm glad you're my friend, Teddy.
Sergeant Campagna, how would you
characterize Miss Spirakis'...
...deportment when taking
her statement?
Distracted, agitated,
like someone in shock.
ln your experience, is that uncommon
for a person who's just been assaulted?
No, her reaction seemed typical.
When you take statements
from crime victims...
...is it unusual for them to leave out
important pieces of information?
-Not at all.
-Connie Spirakis isn't the first victim...
...in your experience who's come back
after her initial statement...
-...with additional information?
-Happens all the time.
When you took the defendant
into custody...
...did Mr. Jackson come along
peacefully?
Anything but. It took two officers
to subdue him.
Nothing further, Your Honor.
When Miss Spirakis filed her first police
report, you asked for a description...
-...of the other driver, correct?
-Yes, I did.
-She could not give you a description?
-No.
You've said she might
have been in shock.
Did you request medical attention
for her?
No. She hadn't sustained any injuries.
Other than being shook up,
she seemed basically okay.
Did you request a car to drive
her home because she was in shock?
lt was a busy night. There'd been
a gang shooting in the area.
And she said she was able to drive.
So she wasn't so distracted, agitated
or shook up that you were concerned...
...about her ability to drive.
Well, like I said,
she seemed okay to drive.
But not okay enough to describe
her alleged assailant that evening?
I guess not.
You described damage
to Miss Spirakis' car.
Did you also inspect
Mr. Jackson's truck?
Yes, at the time he was taken
into custody.
What damage did you find?
There's a heavy-duty bumper
on the front of his truck...
...that's designed to sustain high impact.
Officer, I asked if you observed
any damage.
With that bumper,
there might not have been any.
Was there damage or not?
There didn't appear to be any damage
to his vehicle.
You testified that a partial plate
number and description of the assailant...
...given to you by Miss Spirakis
several days after the incident...
...led you to conclude that Mr. Jackson
was the primary suspect.
-ls that correct?
-Yes.
Did you interview Mr. Jackson,
either by phone or in person...
...prior to taking him into custody?
-No.
-Why not?
I was afraid he would
try to avoid arrest.
-Did Mr. Jackson have a criminal record?
-No.
Did you conclude he was
the assailant because he's black?
Was it his race that led you to conclude
he may try to avoid arrest?
Objection, irrelevant.
Arrest procedures aren't on trial here.
Why not? That cop knew my name
was Darryl, but he called me Leroy.
-Restrict yourself to the questions asked.
-He put handcuffs on me.
Do you think they'd cuff me if I looked
like you? Calling me Leroy?!
-Sit down and be quiet.
-That got me here!
You will not carry on and
jump up and down in my court.
You understand me?
-Yeah, boss.
-I apologize on behalf of my client...
...and I'd like a brief recess.
-I know how frustrating this is for you.
-No, you don't.
I'm the one who's going to get convicted
for something I didn't do.
ls he right? Are they gonna
convict him no matter what?
No, they're not. If I could have
put him on the stand...
...this would have been a ground ball.
But you can't put him on now?
The prosecution will provoke him.
Get the jury thinking he is some
angry black guy with a short temper...
...who might run somebody off the road.
Talking about Leroy?
Darryl, stop it.
Your job is to decide whether
it was Darryl Jackson behind the wheel...
...of the truck that ran Connie Spirakis
off the road last April 7th.
Whether it was Darryl Jackson
who fled the scene.
Not knowing whether he had injured
or even killed his victim.
Now, we witnessed his angry outburst
here in this courtroom earlier.
We saw him lose his temper.
Just as he did that night
up on Mulholland Drive.
And there is Connie Spirakis'
description of her assailant.
Giving a word picture of the man
charged with this crime.
I ask you to consider
the evidence before you...
...and find Darryl Jackson
guilty as charged.
Darryl Jackson has no criminal record.
No history of violent behavior.
ln fact, the only thing linking
him to this crime...
...is a description
Miss Spirakis gave police...
...three and a half days
after the incident.
An interval during which she could have
seen Mr. Jackson driving...
...to the tutorial he teaches in her
neighborhood on at least two occasions.
But why would Connie Spirakis
accuse an innocent man?
Without a conviction, Miss Spirakis
won't make any money in her civil case.
The facts are ambiguous
and uncertain.
But there were no dents or scratches
on Mr. Jackson's vehicle.
And there was no description
for three and a half days.
All of which should raise
reasonable doubt.
All of which should raise
reasonable doubt.
Use your common sense
and good judgment...
...and return a verdict of not guilty.
-Neil Avedon.
-We don't take his calls.
He says it's urgent.
He says he's desperate.
Line three.
What is it, Neil?
On what basis?
There's five different reasons
I can't help you.
All right, don't say anything to anyone.
I'll be there in a little while.
Cancel my afternoon.
Jury's back.
They were only out an hour.
Is that a good or a bad sign?
Let's go find out.
"We, the jury
in the above entitled action...
...find the defendant,
Darryl Jackson, not guilty."
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
thank you for your time and attention...
...and the exercise of your
good citizenship. You're dismissed.
Jury, this way, please.
Mr. Jackson,
I hope this is a lesson for you.
Despite your allegations of
mistreatment, the systems work.
If the system worked, I wouldn't
be here for a crime I didn't commit.
Your Honor, I think our--
I wouldn't have been humiliated
in front of my neighbors.
I wouldn't have to pay every cent
I saved to keep myself out of jail.
Don't expect me to bow with gratitude
because I only got half-screwed!
Mr. Jackson, I'll require an immediate
apology from you for the disrespect...
...you have shown this court.
Darryl.
-No.
-Your Honor, may I approach?
I don't need to hear from you.
Mr. Jackson, what's it gonna be?
I said all I had to say.
I find you in contempt of this court
and sentence you to county jail.
-May I see you in chambers?
We have nothing to discuss.
-Court's adjourned.
-How long will you hold him?
As long as I can, counselor.
Darryl, you can't win this.
-I already won. I said my piece.
-Don't do this to yourself.
I did not do this. I got done to.
What I did was stand up.
I'll talk to the chief. See--
-Counselor.
-What's your approach on the case?
Anyone who's a client of mine
gets charged with this murder?
Can Avedon afford you? Or is he just
picking up someone's soap?
I assume you arrested him off something
other than your own dimwit obsession.
He left a pretty sticky deposit
on that girl.
Semen which you matched to what?
See you in court, counselor.
Man, Teddy. Am I glad you're here.
Tell me what happened.
The cops came to my house,
they put me in handcuffs...
...and they said I was under arrest
for killing Jessica.
-They gave you your Miranda rights?
-Yeah.
Have they drawn blood?
-No.
They matched your DNA
with ejaculate in her body.
-Oh, man!
-They must have gotten the report...
...we submitted last year
in that paternity suit.
Teddy, I swear to God, I didn't kill her.
You gotta believe me.
My believing you isn't relevant.
Teddy, I had sex with her.
That doesn't make me a murderer.
I was out of there by midnight.
Richard Cross showed up,
we smoked a blunt together...
...and I went home and I crashed.
You told all this to Polson in
the interview after the drug bust?
Except for me and Jess
getting it on.
Look, I didn't know
she was only 15.
And when he told me that,
I kind of freaked out.
That lie's what's biting you
in the ass now, Neil.
With the semen match and your
holding back on Polson earlier...
...it looks to him like you're hip-deep
in a rape homicide.
Help me, Teddy.
I have been trying to tell you, Neil.
I cannot represent you.
Look, I am begging you.
I know I've been a jerk in the past,
I know I owe you money.
But don't let them hang this on me,
Teddy.
It's not the money
or the jerk you've been.
Or even whether I believe
you're innocent.
-Come on.
I represent Richard Cross.
I can't defend you without creating
a conflict of interest...
...between you and Richard.
Don't go legal on me here, Ted!
-These aren't nuisance technicalities.
-Look...
...another lawyer takes this case and
he biffs it because he's not as good?
I'm the guy dead, Ted.
I am the guy dead.
Teddy, please.
Please?
I can't. I'm sorry.
I'll get you the best representation
I can.
I am not a killer, man.
Let me get rolling on this.
I'll be in touch.
Darryl, this is my boss, Ted Hoffman.
We met last Christmas
at the office party.
The judge is adamant about not
reviewing his ruling without an apology.
Then I guess I'll be in here a while.
I'm not backing down.
-Your choice.
But before you make it...
...think about Lila for a moment.
She's been there for you this whole
time. She's worried sick about you.
Well, this isn't about Lila. All I did
in that courtroom was tell the truth.
But I guess that's a crime
under our system of justice.
Not exactly a revelation that people
who are poor, non-white...
...not powerful, very often come out
on the short end of the stick.
But is your copping an attitude
gonna change anything?
-Not one bit.
-What about his attitude?
Maybe he won't call me a nigger
to my face, but this judge is a racist.
-You're a teacher, right?
-Yeah.
You like what you do? Feel you're
accomplishing something teaching kids?
-What's your point?
-Whatever's wrong with the system...
...you've managed to carve out
a world that makes sense...
...not only to you,
but to a lot of other people.
Yeah, and does any of that matter to the
cops or the prosecution or this judge?
lt matters to you and Lila
and your students.
Apparently it mattered
to those jurors, as well.
I'd urge you to do what you have
to do in that courtroom...
...to get back to the world
you can control.
The one you've made through your
own accomplishment and hard work.
Ms. Appleton.
-We appreciate you taking the time...
...to review this matter.
With your permission, Mr. Jackson
would like to address the court.
Your Honor, I apologize
for my behavior yesterday.
The stress of the trial
did cloud my better judgment.
I say this not as an excuse, only
to make my actions understandable.
If race was a factor in the charges
against me, as I believe it was...
...then I was vindicated by
a fair-minded jury and an impartial judge.
I came here seeking justice. I got it.
But I couldn't take yes for an answer.
I am sorry.
The court accepts your apology,
Mr. Jackson.
Because you've shown remorse for your
actions and deference to this bench...
...your sentence is hereby commuted
to time served.
Young man, I hope you realize that the
tolerance you enjoyed in this courtroom...
...is what makes this great country
and our system of justice...
...the envy of every nation on Earth.
I hear what you're saying, Your Honor.
I hope you'll put this episode behind
you and get on with your life.
Good luck.
Hope nobody got any of that
on their shoes.
But let me say something I do mean.
-Thank you. For everything.
-Just doing my job.
Listen, I know you've put in a lot
of time on this. What do we owe you?
Family discount.
You've got a wedding to cover.
Then you'd better promise to come.
Wouldn't miss it.
I talked to Leonard Greer, Teddy.
The studio will pay his fee.
-The fee is not the problem.
-What's the problem, Gary?
Well, the problem, Teddy, is Deadbolt.
It's a $70-million picture,
not counting the effects bill from ILM.
Neil Avedon, as perhaps you've read
in the periodicals...
...is the star of Deadbolt.
-Greer is fine.
-Greer is not Hoffman.
Do you have any idea what will happen
if this kid's convicted?
Deadbolt can get in line behind lshtar,
Hudson Hawk an8 Howard the Duck.
Teddy.
Richard.
-Gary.
-How are you?
-Sit.
I'm sorry I missed your premiere of
rhree-rime Mary, but I was in jail.
Yes, that's how I felt at two hours and
forty-seven minutes for a comedy.
You know what I daydreamed of
the whole time I was locked up?
The crab cakes here.
Yes.
Did he say why he's refusing
to come to the set?
Oh, please!
If you'll excuse me a minute,
I have to arbitrate a trailer problem.
-Good to see you out and about, Richard.
-Nice to be out and about, thank you.
So, life getting back to normal?
Francesca and I have a few things
to sort out.
-I hope that happens.
-Thank you.
So I understand Neil Avedon
asked you to represent him.
Richard, I'm not comfortable
discussing this.
And I understand you declined.
And I understand you declined.
Did you understand when I said
I'm not comfortable discussing it?
You turn him down because of me?
I'm not representing Neil Avedon...
...and that's all the information
I intend to disclose.
Look, Teddy, I've known this kid
for years, okay? He's a bad boy.
There's no doubt about it.
But he did not kill that girl.
If he doesn't walk away clean from this,
his career is over.
And I don't want to see that happen.
Now, if I have to sign off
on any potential conflict...
...or waive my attorney-client privilege to
get you to represent him, I will do that.
Richard, if I represent Neil Avedon...
...my obligation as his attorney
would require me to use...
...every bit of information I know
to suggest you as the murderer.
I know what it feels like
to be falsely accused.
I cannot deprive Neil Avedon
of the best representation available.
And that's you.
Will you at least think it over?
Can I count on you to do that?
I'll think about it.
All right.
Thanks, Teddy.
-Arnold, you're back. How'd it go?
-Acquittal on all counts.
-Congratulations.
-It's small potatoes really.
But they won't forget my name
up there any time soon.
I was awesome. And a lot more
spontaneous than I had planned.
Your calls. Dave Blalock's waiting
in your office.
Thanks, Louis.
Cross said he'd waive any conflict.
He wants me to represent Avedon.
Complicated man.
Davey...
...if I was making book...
...I'd make it 3-1
Avedon didn't kill that girl.
If he was guilty, you wouldn't think he'd
have said he was at the apartment...
...just to get out
from under a drug bust.
If Cross did it...
...why does he want me on the case?
Because he likes playing with fire,
and you're the hottest guy in town.
If he didn't do it,
then it makes more sense.
Take a ride with me to Parker Center.
We're gonna represent this kid.
-The allegations against Avedon
aren't worth commenting on...
...except to say that they're ludicrous
as they are unfounded.
Deadbolt has been Rerated for
violence. Is life imitating art?
This is a mistake.
You have a police department
out of control...
...trying to solve this
like it's multiple choice.
My client just happens to be
the latest scapegoat.
Is he despondent?
Not at all.
How was your day?
How was my day?
Well, Lizzie didn't have any cavities.
Dr. Mestman said she'd probably
need braces in a couple years.
Then Hector called and said he couldn't
trim the Eugenia this week either.
He's run out of sick relatives,
so we're back to...
..."my truck broke down" as the excuse.
I think it's time to find another gardener.
There's lamb stew in the oven.
And the Robinsons invited us up
to Ojai this weekend.
And the Robinsons invited us up
to Ojai this weekend.
So is this how we're going to handle
things, just not talk about it?
This is how I want to handle it.
I don't want this case and everything
that comes with it in our home.
Fine.
I'm not naive, Teddy.
But a case like this one,
with all the theatrics and media hoopla...
...it's not about getting to the truth,
it's show business.
Crime as entertainment.
Everybody's a celebrity.
Lawyers, witnesses, jurors.
And the whole idea of justice
goes right out the window.
I'd like to think the basics
haven't changed.
It's still about presenting
your case in the courtroom...
...and letting the jury decide.
Mommy, Jackie invited me
to sleep over on Friday. Can l?
I thought she was your archenemy.
Not anymore. Because Daddy's
Neil Avedon's lawyer.
And Jackie wants his autograph.
-Hi, Lizzie.
-Hi.
Hello?
-How was school today?
-Good.
-Good.
Are you hungry?
-Just a minute.
It's Ricky Philbrick?
Ricky Philbrick is calling me?
He's such a babe.
I'll take this in my room.
I'm gonna be the most popular kid
in school.
I rest my case, counselor.
Subtitles by
SDl Media Group
OCR extraction
by D.Lauper
15-year-old victim...
...your presence of drugs,
your rumors of sexual depravity...
...and a gorgeous older sister
and former alleged prostitute...
...linked romantically to Richard Cross.
What kind of relationship did
Richard Cross have with your sister?
He was like a second father to her.
I'm done cleaning up after you.
Next time you push some girl
out of your car, you call somebody else.
Richard Cross has met with police
investigators as a courtesy.
This was taken in
the parking garage of your building.
She was dead when I walked in.
The hookers on Sunset got
more scruples than you got.
We treat people as innocent
till they have their shot in court...
...because it makes us better people.
Avedon was busted two hours ago.
This kid could hurt me.
I have a warrant for Mr. Cross' arrest.
That client of yours is very photogenic
in that garage film.
I'm here tonight to be with my husband.
I'm confident that he'll be home soon.
-Tell him it's going to be very expensive.
-Get me out!
-Not tonight.
-Damn it!
It's gonna turn into a circus
around here.
-We're coming to you live
from Los Angeles...
...where business tycoon-turned-
murder suspect Richard Cross...
...is about to be arraigned
for the brutal sex slaying...
...of 15-year-old Jessica Costello.
The victim's sister. Julie Costello...
...the alleged mistress of the man
charged with the crime...
...is in the courtroom.
Let's go there live as Judge
Clifford May has just taken the bench.
Be seated.
People v. Richard Cross.
Good morning. Miriam Grasso
and Mark Washington for the People.
Theodore Hoffman and Lisa Gillespie
for Mr. Cross.
Please read the charges, Ms. Grasso.
"Richard Cross, you are charged with
one count of murder in the first degree...
...a violation of California Penal Code
Section 187...
...for the death of Je:sica Costello,
a minor.
...for the death of Je:sica Costello,
a minor.
Do you wish to have the complaint
read in full?
We'll waive the reading
and enter a plea of not guilty.
Your Honor, I'd like to be heard
on the issue of bail.
This is a charge of first-degree murder.
Are the People going to seek
the death penalty?
That decision hasn't been made yet.
But the People would oppose
the setting of any bail.
Richard Cross owns a private jet.
And with assets all over the world,
he poses a significant flight risk.
The defendant was seen in a videotape
Ieaving the garage...
...of the Havenhurst address
moments after the crime occurred.
He then lied to police about having been
at the building that evening...
...indicating a consciousness of guilt.
Under the circumstances,
the People ask that bail be denied.
Mr. Cross did not commit this crime...
...and he has no intention
of leaving this jurisdiction.
He's anxious to answer these charges
and clear his name.
I'm sure the court is aware of Mr. Cross'
deep roots in this community...
...which has benefited from his many
charitable and philanthropic activities.
We're asking for reasonable bail so
that Mr. Cross' suffering in this matter...
...is not further compounded.
Court finds that bail is not appropriate
and is denied without prejudice.
Preliminary hearing will be set
within 10 court days...
...unless Mr. Cross waives his right.
A moment, Your Honor.
Understand, Richard,
with bail denied...
...waiving your right might mean
three months in custody.
But it's a mistake to go for
a quick prelim. We need to prepare.
Teddy, if there's a lesson for me
in all this...
...it's probably learning
patience and trust.
Do what you think is best.
Your Honor, Mr. Cross waives his right...
...to have the hearing set
within 10 court days.
I'm calendaring the preliminary hearing
then for January 30th, 1996...
...9 a.m., division 32. Bailiff.
I feel this is all gonna work out.
I believe in you, Teddy.
I appreciate your confidence, Richard.
-I'll see you in the morning.
-Okay.
-Cross thinks he's getting out of jail.
Why do you say that?
Because he's suddenly discovered
Christian equanimity.
Have Dave Blalock find out who paid
a visit to Richard in his cell last night...
...besides the baby Jesus.
Darryl, that is not what I said.
I'm not taking his side.
What I said was that maybe he would
Iet you pay him the rest later.
I've gotta put you on hold.
-Morning, Lila.
-Morning, Mr. Hoffman.
Louis has your messages.
And this just came in for you, Lisa.
-I caught you on Law TV.
-And?
You were terrific. Cross looked guilty
as hell. Arnold taped it for you.
You were terrific. Cross looked guilty
as hell. Arnold taped it for you.
I need everybody in the conference room
in 20 minutes.
Law offices.
I didn't hang up on you.
Darryl, I'm at work.
Then maybe we should think about
selling my ring.
We could probably get 1000 for it.
Well, if that's what you really think,
maybe I don't want the ring.
Lila, come in here for a sec.
I couldn't help overhearing.
Are you okay?
Everything's fine.
I don't want to bring
my personal stuff into the office.
Lila, if you're in some kind of trouble,
don't be afraid to ask for help.
I'd just as soon not go out of my way
to invoke stereotype...
...by talking about my boyfriend
who's about to go to prison, okay?
Let's you and I debate who's working
off stereotype some other time.
What kind of trouble
is your boyfriend in?
He's been charged with assault.
Supposedly, he rammed his truck into
some girl's car up on Mulholland.
Which is ridiculous.
It's not Darryl, one.
Plus, he'd never do that to his truck.
He treats that 4x4
twice as sweet as me.
-Why was he arrested?
-The girl gave the police his description...
...and license number. But she's lying.
We've driven that road at night
I don't know how many times since.
Pitch-black, no street lights, no way she
could have ID'd Darryl or anybody else.
Does he have an attorney?
His name is Myron Elkins. A friend of
Darryl's recommended him.
He says he can keep Darryl out of jail if
he pleads guilty to some lesser charge.
But Darryl doesn't want to say he did
something he didn't do.
Plus the lawyer wants more
money now, which we don't have.
-What court is this being tried in?
-Downtown.
Before you hock that rock,
Iet me make a couple calls.
-I don't want to drag you into this.
-It's no biggie. Really.
I'm working on Cross' visitors.
-Good.
I'm working on Cross' visitors.
-Good.
Also, I sent a copy of the videotape of
Cross leaving the Havenhurst address...
...to John DeNardis' lab.
But it's second generation.
Any chance we can get the original?
We'll make a motion to release it.
Who's gonna handle that?
I drafted something similar for the
audio surveillance in the Campos trial.
Gentlemen, ladies...
...copies of the murder book
compliments of Miriam Grasso's office.
-We gonna take another run at bail?
-At this point it's a waste of energy.
They're kicking up dust about Cross'
fingerprints being in the apartment.
Let them. He owns the place and
acknowledges spending time there.
Dave, how soon can I get
the autopsy results?
Spoke to the coroner's office. Expect
something by the end of the week.
Arnold, I want a motion to suppress
Cross' statement to the police.
-Grounds?
-He wasn't Mirandized...
-...prior to the interview.
-He wasn't a suspect or in custody.
Page seven in your hymnals.
The police report logs in the videotape
showing Cross in the parking garage...
...before Cross and l
talked to Polson downtown.
Meaning when Polson
interviewed Cross...
...he already had the videotape
and knew its contents.
-So Cross was already a suspect.
-And should have been read his rights.
So they can't use the statement where
he lies about being at the apartment.
Now you know why I don't miss the job.
You people take all the fun
out of being a cop.
I'll prepare the motion.
We'll lose. They'll argue that the time
the tape was logged in isn't proof...
...Polson had seen it yet.
But at least we'll get Garfield's
pulse going.
Let's get to it, people.
I need your okay on something. Lila's
fiancé, Darryl Jackson, is in the system...
...on what sounds like a bogus charge.
You want to get involved?
I want to talk to the attorney.
Hear his side.
This has been really hard on Lila.
There's a way I can help.
Do it.
Hi. My name is Beverly Nichols.
I'd like to see Mr. Hoffman.
I don't have an appointment.
Will Mr. Hoffman know
what this is regarding?
Tell him it's regarding Richard Cross.
I'm Ted Hoffman, Ms. Nichols.
-Pleased to meet you.
-Lisa Gillespie, my associate.
-How do you do?
-Fine.
Have a seat.
I have information
Richard Cross is innocent.
What sort of information?
I was with him last Wednesday night
when he went to that girl's apartment.
She was dead when we got there.
I know I have to go to the police, but
I thought I should talk with you first.
Mr. Cross hasn't said anyone was
with him at the crime scene.
I'm married, Mr. Hoffman.
Richard was trying to protect me.
Why weren't you on the security camera
videotape, Mrs. Nichols?
When we found the body, Richard told
me to get out of there. I didn't argue.
So I ran out the same way I came in.
Through the front door of the building.
I guess the camera was in the garage.
Why did you go to the
Havenhurst apartment to begin with?
There was a message on
Richard's answering machine from Jessica.
When he called back, she was
fighting with her boyfriend or something.
He thought he should
drop by and check on her.
What did you do when you left?
I called my husband from Richard's car
and told him to come get me.
I made up a story about being stranded
by some girlfriend at the Bel Age Hotel.
It's right up the street from
the dead girl's apartment.
I'm sure the records from Richard's
cell phone will verify the call.
lmagine Richard allowing himself
to be charged with murder...
...just to protect your reputation.
He must care about you
very deeply.
My husband's a very violent man,
Mr. Hoffman.
Once before when he found out I was
seeing Richard, he beat me up.
The police will want to talk with you,
Beverly.
I understand.
I'll call and arrange the interview.
How long you been seeing
Richard Cross?
On and off about three years.
-You were aware that he's married?
-Yes.
-You were aware that he's married?
-Yes.
And that he was pretty
intimately involved...
...with Julie Costello during that time?
I never asked Richard for a list
of his friends, if that's what you mean.
When you found Jessica's body,
why didn't you call 911 ?
Well, that was really up to Richard.
I guess he thought it was too late.
I guess he thought it was too late.
Did he check for a pulse?
Detective...
...you could tell this girl
didn't have a pulse.
Her eyes were wide open,
Iooking straight at us.
-lnteresting.
I didn't think so.
No, I mean Mr. Cross used those words
in describing the body...
...exactly.
Well, we saw the same thing.
If you were standing in the hallway...
...for you to be able to see the eyes...
...the body must have been lying
on the bed so that it was...
...facing the door? Is that right?
She wasn't on the bed.
She was laying on the floor.
My mistake. She was on the floor.
That's right.
One wrist was tied to a bedpost.
It was the left one, I think.
Do you happen to remember what color
nightgown she was wearing?
She wasn't wearing one.
She was naked.
You have a terrific memory,
Mrs. Nichols.
Believe me, I'd just as soon never have
seen what I saw in that apartment.
Well, I'm sure Mr. Cross
is very glad you did.
That's a beautiful ring.
-Thank you.
-You say your husband is an actor?
-Yes. Jake Nichols.
-I never heard of him.
He's just making a name for himself.
Not a diamond for an actor
to be paying for...
...who's just making a name for himself.
You can contact Mrs. Nichols
through me, detective.
Of course, maybe it's a gift...
-...from a wealthy boyfriend.
-Let's go.
But then why would you be wearing it
so your husband can see?
I mean, him with his
terrible jealous temper and all.
They're asking about picking you up
Last week and if I know Cross.
-What's going on?
-We'll talk about it later, Jake.
Were you with him that night?
Is that what this is about?
-Jake, please.
-I ought to break your neck!
Knock it off!
You'd better not be home when I get
there, you understand? We're done!
Let's go, Mrs. Nichols.
Yeah, a lot of conviction.
He kept good eye contact.
You gotta appreciate
a nifty piece of acting.
You're gonna want to be rethinking
Mr. Cross' incarceration.
I am getting the distinct impression...
...you think I'm doing a
Iess-than-adequate job for Darryl.
I don't think you're doing any job
for Darryl.
You wanna plead it out when this
so-called eyewitness comes after him...
...and has a financial motive
to convict.
Never mind the holes in the police
report you could drive a truck through.
Mm-hm. None of that's gonna matter
to a jury, okay?
They're gonna ask themselves
one question:
Why was this guy driving around
Jack Nicholson's neighborhood...
...in the middle of the night?
People in this city move up into the
hills, out into the valleys for a reason.
Okay? On top of which you got a judge
here who's not progressive in his views.
This prejudice you're describing
is hypothetical or your own?
Hey, if I was prejudiced,
why would I represent Darryl?
Ten-thousand-dollar retainer makes
liberals out of a lot of folks.
Okay.
You think you can do a better job
on this case, be my guest.
I need Darryl's files right away.
He's due in court this afternoon.
Fine, fine. As soon as I'm paid
for expenses.
I'm out of pocket on word processing,
copying, telephone.
If I thought you were refusing
to turn over files...
...I'd have to report you to the Bar for
violating rules of professional conduct.
It's 3-700D1 .
All right.
Hey. You're a real ball-buster, lady.
Is he available?
-Go on in.
-Here's the motion to suppress.
-Good.
So I'm off.
-To?
-Oxnard. Big trial.
Cousin with the pizza franchise,
charged with embezzlement.
Oh, right. Right.
One last question,
the witness sequence.
We talked about finishing
with the circuit manager.
-But she's a hostile witness.
-Uh-huh.
So I'm thinking it would be a stronger
conclusion to have the minister go last.
The speech impediment notwithstanding,
he's a solid witness.
We end with a crescendo
of good feeling for my cousin.
Dealer's choice, Arnold. You'll have to
take the temperature of the courtroom.
So, what you're saying is I gotta
remember to be spontaneous.
-Duly noted.
-Knock, knock.
Wish me luck.
Good morning, Dave.
That Nichols woman, she models,
mostly car shows.
The actor husband's not in SAG.
Been married three years,
sublet a condominium.
Thirteen payments left on a '92 Caprice.
Fifteen hundred in joint checking.
Owe 4800 on credit cards.
No other assets.
He has one DUl. She's clean.
People who'd like a payday.
If Cross is buying her alibi,
he's smart enough to bury it.
I'll bet he was thrilled with that rock she
was wearing at Parker Center yesterday.
On Cross' visitors,
only one besides you and his wife.
His shrink, Dr. Graham Lester.
Who prepared the rehab affidavit for Neil
Avedon, which now I wonder about.
-Small world.
-And ugly.
See if you can put Dr. Lester
between Cross and Mrs. Nichols.
Somehow Beverly doesn't seem the type
to be seeking psychiatric aid.
Maybe they met in a mall.
I take it slow on Mulholland.
Especially at night.
It's windy, and sometimes kids
drag race up there.
How fast would you estimate you were
going when the truck you described...
...pulled up behind you
and flashed its lights?
...pulled up behind you
and flashed its lights?
Twenty-five. Thirty, maybe.
-Did you pull over to let him pass?
-There wasn't room to pull over.
I hit the brakes a few times to get him to
back off. He was practically in my trunk.
-Did the truck back off?
It seemed to make him angrier.
That's when he started ramming my car.
How many times did the truck
strike you?
Three, I think. Then he swerved
around in front of me...
...and ran me off the road.
Were you able to get
a good look at the driver?
When he pulled up alongside
before cutting me off.
Do you see that individual
in this courtroom?
Yes. It's the man sitting
right over there.
Let the record show the witness has
indicated the defendant. Your witness.
Had you ever seen Mr. Jackson
prior to the incident you described?
-No.
-Have you seen him in the area since?
No.
When you filed a police report
that night...
...you didn't give them a description
of your assailant, did you?
-No.
-Not until three and a half days later?
-Yes, that's right.
-You didn't come forward for days...
...because you never got
a good look at the driver, right?
No. I was very upset.
You wouldn't be thinking clearly
if someone tried to kill you.
You filed a civil case against
Mr. Jackson, didn't you?
-Objection, irrelevant.
Your Honor...
...there is only one supposed
eyewitness in this case.
If she stands to benefit financially...
...it goes to the issue of her credibility
and reason for fabricating this story.
I'll allow it.
How much money are you asking for?
A hundred thousand.
That doesn't include punitive damages...
...which my lawyer said I was entitled to
for what I've been through.
Without a conviction,
your lawyer told you it would be...
...more difficult to recover money
in the civil case, correct?
He was the man driving the truck.
Did your lawyer say it would be harder to
recover damages without a conviction?
Yeah.
Are any of your neighbors
of African-American descent?
-Objection!
-Counselor, let's not drag race into this.
We believe race has played a significant
factor in this man's prosecution.
I disagree.
But we live in sensitive times.
So I'll admonish the jury
and assure Mr. Jackson...
...his status would be no different
if he were green, blue or purple.
-Or even black.
-The objection's sustained.
No further questions.
Well, as I read this police report,
it would seem that...
...Mrs. Nichols' story checks out.
You mean it's got a beginning,
middle and an end?
Detective Polson's emotionally invested.
Roger, Miriam, I think you're objective
enough to recognize...
...that the sole evidence you have
against Cross...
...is a statement Neil Avedon
gave Detective Polson...
...to get out from under a drug bust.
I won't pursue just now
how much of that statement...
...he was spoon-fed by parties unnamed.
Come on, Hoffman.
Why would Cross have lied if he
didn't have something to hide?
Mr. Cross was trying to protect Beverly
Nichols from an abusive husband.
And make the world safe for democracy.
Bottom line, you have no case
against Richard Cross.
Whose Armani suits I needn't remind you
have very deep pockets...
...if he were to pursue the fact that
his civil rights may have been violated.
There's no need for threats, Teddy.
ln light of Mrs. Nichols coming forward
with this information--
Don't do this to me.
And my personal knowledge of
Richard Cross as a man of probity...
...we're gonna dismiss the charges.
Detective Polson, you'll see
to Mr. Cross' release.
Son of a bitch.
Will you be filing a lawsuit
against the police for false arrest?
I harbor no ill will.
I was confident my innocence would
be proven and my name cleared.
I'm thankful to my wife, Francesca, for
standing by me as well as the others...
...especially my attorney, Ted Hoffman.
Thank you very much.
It's been a long ordeal, folks. All
Mr. Cross wants to do now is go home.
You okay?
More or less.
I'm worried sick about Beverly, though,
what her husband might do.
Well, Richard, these things have a way
of working themselves out.
From your lips to God's ears, Teddy.
I am going to go and take
the longest shower in recorded history.
Seventy-two hours.
Hell of a stretch of jail time.
Well, I wouldn't recommend it.
You learn a lot about yourself, though.
-ls that so?
-Mm-hm.
What did you learn, Richard?
I'm glad you're my friend, Teddy.
Sergeant Campagna, how would you
characterize Miss Spirakis'...
...deportment when taking
her statement?
Distracted, agitated,
like someone in shock.
ln your experience, is that uncommon
for a person who's just been assaulted?
No, her reaction seemed typical.
When you take statements
from crime victims...
...is it unusual for them to leave out
important pieces of information?
-Not at all.
-Connie Spirakis isn't the first victim...
...in your experience who's come back
after her initial statement...
-...with additional information?
-Happens all the time.
When you took the defendant
into custody...
...did Mr. Jackson come along
peacefully?
Anything but. It took two officers
to subdue him.
Nothing further, Your Honor.
When Miss Spirakis filed her first police
report, you asked for a description...
-...of the other driver, correct?
-Yes, I did.
-She could not give you a description?
-No.
You've said she might
have been in shock.
Did you request medical attention
for her?
No. She hadn't sustained any injuries.
Other than being shook up,
she seemed basically okay.
Did you request a car to drive
her home because she was in shock?
lt was a busy night. There'd been
a gang shooting in the area.
And she said she was able to drive.
So she wasn't so distracted, agitated
or shook up that you were concerned...
...about her ability to drive.
Well, like I said,
she seemed okay to drive.
But not okay enough to describe
her alleged assailant that evening?
I guess not.
You described damage
to Miss Spirakis' car.
Did you also inspect
Mr. Jackson's truck?
Yes, at the time he was taken
into custody.
What damage did you find?
There's a heavy-duty bumper
on the front of his truck...
...that's designed to sustain high impact.
Officer, I asked if you observed
any damage.
With that bumper,
there might not have been any.
Was there damage or not?
There didn't appear to be any damage
to his vehicle.
You testified that a partial plate
number and description of the assailant...
...given to you by Miss Spirakis
several days after the incident...
...led you to conclude that Mr. Jackson
was the primary suspect.
-ls that correct?
-Yes.
Did you interview Mr. Jackson,
either by phone or in person...
...prior to taking him into custody?
-No.
-Why not?
I was afraid he would
try to avoid arrest.
-Did Mr. Jackson have a criminal record?
-No.
Did you conclude he was
the assailant because he's black?
Was it his race that led you to conclude
he may try to avoid arrest?
Objection, irrelevant.
Arrest procedures aren't on trial here.
Why not? That cop knew my name
was Darryl, but he called me Leroy.
-Restrict yourself to the questions asked.
-He put handcuffs on me.
Do you think they'd cuff me if I looked
like you? Calling me Leroy?!
-Sit down and be quiet.
-That got me here!
You will not carry on and
jump up and down in my court.
You understand me?
-Yeah, boss.
-I apologize on behalf of my client...
...and I'd like a brief recess.
-I know how frustrating this is for you.
-No, you don't.
I'm the one who's going to get convicted
for something I didn't do.
ls he right? Are they gonna
convict him no matter what?
No, they're not. If I could have
put him on the stand...
...this would have been a ground ball.
But you can't put him on now?
The prosecution will provoke him.
Get the jury thinking he is some
angry black guy with a short temper...
...who might run somebody off the road.
Talking about Leroy?
Darryl, stop it.
Your job is to decide whether
it was Darryl Jackson behind the wheel...
...of the truck that ran Connie Spirakis
off the road last April 7th.
Whether it was Darryl Jackson
who fled the scene.
Not knowing whether he had injured
or even killed his victim.
Now, we witnessed his angry outburst
here in this courtroom earlier.
We saw him lose his temper.
Just as he did that night
up on Mulholland Drive.
And there is Connie Spirakis'
description of her assailant.
Giving a word picture of the man
charged with this crime.
I ask you to consider
the evidence before you...
...and find Darryl Jackson
guilty as charged.
Darryl Jackson has no criminal record.
No history of violent behavior.
ln fact, the only thing linking
him to this crime...
...is a description
Miss Spirakis gave police...
...three and a half days
after the incident.
An interval during which she could have
seen Mr. Jackson driving...
...to the tutorial he teaches in her
neighborhood on at least two occasions.
But why would Connie Spirakis
accuse an innocent man?
Without a conviction, Miss Spirakis
won't make any money in her civil case.
The facts are ambiguous
and uncertain.
But there were no dents or scratches
on Mr. Jackson's vehicle.
And there was no description
for three and a half days.
All of which should raise
reasonable doubt.
All of which should raise
reasonable doubt.
Use your common sense
and good judgment...
...and return a verdict of not guilty.
-Neil Avedon.
-We don't take his calls.
He says it's urgent.
He says he's desperate.
Line three.
What is it, Neil?
On what basis?
There's five different reasons
I can't help you.
All right, don't say anything to anyone.
I'll be there in a little while.
Cancel my afternoon.
Jury's back.
They were only out an hour.
Is that a good or a bad sign?
Let's go find out.
"We, the jury
in the above entitled action...
...find the defendant,
Darryl Jackson, not guilty."
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
thank you for your time and attention...
...and the exercise of your
good citizenship. You're dismissed.
Jury, this way, please.
Mr. Jackson,
I hope this is a lesson for you.
Despite your allegations of
mistreatment, the systems work.
If the system worked, I wouldn't
be here for a crime I didn't commit.
Your Honor, I think our--
I wouldn't have been humiliated
in front of my neighbors.
I wouldn't have to pay every cent
I saved to keep myself out of jail.
Don't expect me to bow with gratitude
because I only got half-screwed!
Mr. Jackson, I'll require an immediate
apology from you for the disrespect...
...you have shown this court.
Darryl.
-No.
-Your Honor, may I approach?
I don't need to hear from you.
Mr. Jackson, what's it gonna be?
I said all I had to say.
I find you in contempt of this court
and sentence you to county jail.
-May I see you in chambers?
We have nothing to discuss.
-Court's adjourned.
-How long will you hold him?
As long as I can, counselor.
Darryl, you can't win this.
-I already won. I said my piece.
-Don't do this to yourself.
I did not do this. I got done to.
What I did was stand up.
I'll talk to the chief. See--
-Counselor.
-What's your approach on the case?
Anyone who's a client of mine
gets charged with this murder?
Can Avedon afford you? Or is he just
picking up someone's soap?
I assume you arrested him off something
other than your own dimwit obsession.
He left a pretty sticky deposit
on that girl.
Semen which you matched to what?
See you in court, counselor.
Man, Teddy. Am I glad you're here.
Tell me what happened.
The cops came to my house,
they put me in handcuffs...
...and they said I was under arrest
for killing Jessica.
-They gave you your Miranda rights?
-Yeah.
Have they drawn blood?
-No.
They matched your DNA
with ejaculate in her body.
-Oh, man!
-They must have gotten the report...
...we submitted last year
in that paternity suit.
Teddy, I swear to God, I didn't kill her.
You gotta believe me.
My believing you isn't relevant.
Teddy, I had sex with her.
That doesn't make me a murderer.
I was out of there by midnight.
Richard Cross showed up,
we smoked a blunt together...
...and I went home and I crashed.
You told all this to Polson in
the interview after the drug bust?
Except for me and Jess
getting it on.
Look, I didn't know
she was only 15.
And when he told me that,
I kind of freaked out.
That lie's what's biting you
in the ass now, Neil.
With the semen match and your
holding back on Polson earlier...
...it looks to him like you're hip-deep
in a rape homicide.
Help me, Teddy.
I have been trying to tell you, Neil.
I cannot represent you.
Look, I am begging you.
I know I've been a jerk in the past,
I know I owe you money.
But don't let them hang this on me,
Teddy.
It's not the money
or the jerk you've been.
Or even whether I believe
you're innocent.
-Come on.
I represent Richard Cross.
I can't defend you without creating
a conflict of interest...
...between you and Richard.
Don't go legal on me here, Ted!
-These aren't nuisance technicalities.
-Look...
...another lawyer takes this case and
he biffs it because he's not as good?
I'm the guy dead, Ted.
I am the guy dead.
Teddy, please.
Please?
I can't. I'm sorry.
I'll get you the best representation
I can.
I am not a killer, man.
Let me get rolling on this.
I'll be in touch.
Darryl, this is my boss, Ted Hoffman.
We met last Christmas
at the office party.
The judge is adamant about not
reviewing his ruling without an apology.
Then I guess I'll be in here a while.
I'm not backing down.
-Your choice.
But before you make it...
...think about Lila for a moment.
She's been there for you this whole
time. She's worried sick about you.
Well, this isn't about Lila. All I did
in that courtroom was tell the truth.
But I guess that's a crime
under our system of justice.
Not exactly a revelation that people
who are poor, non-white...
...not powerful, very often come out
on the short end of the stick.
But is your copping an attitude
gonna change anything?
-Not one bit.
-What about his attitude?
Maybe he won't call me a nigger
to my face, but this judge is a racist.
-You're a teacher, right?
-Yeah.
You like what you do? Feel you're
accomplishing something teaching kids?
-What's your point?
-Whatever's wrong with the system...
...you've managed to carve out
a world that makes sense...
...not only to you,
but to a lot of other people.
Yeah, and does any of that matter to the
cops or the prosecution or this judge?
lt matters to you and Lila
and your students.
Apparently it mattered
to those jurors, as well.
I'd urge you to do what you have
to do in that courtroom...
...to get back to the world
you can control.
The one you've made through your
own accomplishment and hard work.
Ms. Appleton.
-We appreciate you taking the time...
...to review this matter.
With your permission, Mr. Jackson
would like to address the court.
Your Honor, I apologize
for my behavior yesterday.
The stress of the trial
did cloud my better judgment.
I say this not as an excuse, only
to make my actions understandable.
If race was a factor in the charges
against me, as I believe it was...
...then I was vindicated by
a fair-minded jury and an impartial judge.
I came here seeking justice. I got it.
But I couldn't take yes for an answer.
I am sorry.
The court accepts your apology,
Mr. Jackson.
Because you've shown remorse for your
actions and deference to this bench...
...your sentence is hereby commuted
to time served.
Young man, I hope you realize that the
tolerance you enjoyed in this courtroom...
...is what makes this great country
and our system of justice...
...the envy of every nation on Earth.
I hear what you're saying, Your Honor.
I hope you'll put this episode behind
you and get on with your life.
Good luck.
Hope nobody got any of that
on their shoes.
But let me say something I do mean.
-Thank you. For everything.
-Just doing my job.
Listen, I know you've put in a lot
of time on this. What do we owe you?
Family discount.
You've got a wedding to cover.
Then you'd better promise to come.
Wouldn't miss it.
I talked to Leonard Greer, Teddy.
The studio will pay his fee.
-The fee is not the problem.
-What's the problem, Gary?
Well, the problem, Teddy, is Deadbolt.
It's a $70-million picture,
not counting the effects bill from ILM.
Neil Avedon, as perhaps you've read
in the periodicals...
...is the star of Deadbolt.
-Greer is fine.
-Greer is not Hoffman.
Do you have any idea what will happen
if this kid's convicted?
Deadbolt can get in line behind lshtar,
Hudson Hawk an8 Howard the Duck.
Teddy.
Richard.
-Gary.
-How are you?
-Sit.
I'm sorry I missed your premiere of
rhree-rime Mary, but I was in jail.
Yes, that's how I felt at two hours and
forty-seven minutes for a comedy.
You know what I daydreamed of
the whole time I was locked up?
The crab cakes here.
Yes.
Did he say why he's refusing
to come to the set?
Oh, please!
If you'll excuse me a minute,
I have to arbitrate a trailer problem.
-Good to see you out and about, Richard.
-Nice to be out and about, thank you.
So, life getting back to normal?
Francesca and I have a few things
to sort out.
-I hope that happens.
-Thank you.
So I understand Neil Avedon
asked you to represent him.
Richard, I'm not comfortable
discussing this.
And I understand you declined.
And I understand you declined.
Did you understand when I said
I'm not comfortable discussing it?
You turn him down because of me?
I'm not representing Neil Avedon...
...and that's all the information
I intend to disclose.
Look, Teddy, I've known this kid
for years, okay? He's a bad boy.
There's no doubt about it.
But he did not kill that girl.
If he doesn't walk away clean from this,
his career is over.
And I don't want to see that happen.
Now, if I have to sign off
on any potential conflict...
...or waive my attorney-client privilege to
get you to represent him, I will do that.
Richard, if I represent Neil Avedon...
...my obligation as his attorney
would require me to use...
...every bit of information I know
to suggest you as the murderer.
I know what it feels like
to be falsely accused.
I cannot deprive Neil Avedon
of the best representation available.
And that's you.
Will you at least think it over?
Can I count on you to do that?
I'll think about it.
All right.
Thanks, Teddy.
-Arnold, you're back. How'd it go?
-Acquittal on all counts.
-Congratulations.
-It's small potatoes really.
But they won't forget my name
up there any time soon.
I was awesome. And a lot more
spontaneous than I had planned.
Your calls. Dave Blalock's waiting
in your office.
Thanks, Louis.
Cross said he'd waive any conflict.
He wants me to represent Avedon.
Complicated man.
Davey...
...if I was making book...
...I'd make it 3-1
Avedon didn't kill that girl.
If he was guilty, you wouldn't think he'd
have said he was at the apartment...
...just to get out
from under a drug bust.
If Cross did it...
...why does he want me on the case?
Because he likes playing with fire,
and you're the hottest guy in town.
If he didn't do it,
then it makes more sense.
Take a ride with me to Parker Center.
We're gonna represent this kid.
-The allegations against Avedon
aren't worth commenting on...
...except to say that they're ludicrous
as they are unfounded.
Deadbolt has been Rerated for
violence. Is life imitating art?
This is a mistake.
You have a police department
out of control...
...trying to solve this
like it's multiple choice.
My client just happens to be
the latest scapegoat.
Is he despondent?
Not at all.
How was your day?
How was my day?
Well, Lizzie didn't have any cavities.
Dr. Mestman said she'd probably
need braces in a couple years.
Then Hector called and said he couldn't
trim the Eugenia this week either.
He's run out of sick relatives,
so we're back to...
..."my truck broke down" as the excuse.
I think it's time to find another gardener.
There's lamb stew in the oven.
And the Robinsons invited us up
to Ojai this weekend.
And the Robinsons invited us up
to Ojai this weekend.
So is this how we're going to handle
things, just not talk about it?
This is how I want to handle it.
I don't want this case and everything
that comes with it in our home.
Fine.
I'm not naive, Teddy.
But a case like this one,
with all the theatrics and media hoopla...
...it's not about getting to the truth,
it's show business.
Crime as entertainment.
Everybody's a celebrity.
Lawyers, witnesses, jurors.
And the whole idea of justice
goes right out the window.
I'd like to think the basics
haven't changed.
It's still about presenting
your case in the courtroom...
...and letting the jury decide.
Mommy, Jackie invited me
to sleep over on Friday. Can l?
I thought she was your archenemy.
Not anymore. Because Daddy's
Neil Avedon's lawyer.
And Jackie wants his autograph.
-Hi, Lizzie.
-Hi.
Hello?
-How was school today?
-Good.
-Good.
Are you hungry?
-Just a minute.
It's Ricky Philbrick?
Ricky Philbrick is calling me?
He's such a babe.
I'll take this in my room.
I'm gonna be the most popular kid
in school.
I rest my case, counselor.
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