Conviction

In 1980, the gruesome murder of Katharina Brow takes place in Massachusetts, setting off a tragic chain of events. The community is rocked by the crime, and soon, suspicions fall on Kenny, Betty Anne's brother.

Two years after Katharina Brow's murder, Kenny is re-arrested based on newly uncovered evidence. However, the evidence against him is purely circumstantial, leading to a tense situation for the family.

In 1983, Kenny is wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder and receives a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Despite his claims of innocence, the weight of circumstantial evidence from witnesses becomes too much for the jury.

As years pass, Betty Anne's life is heavily impacted by her brother's incarceration. Now married with two sons, the emotional burden of Kenny's wrongful conviction takes a toll on her family life.

Betty Anne learns about Kenny's suicide attempt in prison, which deeply affects her. This desperation compels her to take a bold step toward helping him by returning to school to pursue a law degree.

Betty Anne enrolls in Roger Williams University to study law, hoping to prove her brother's innocence. Balancing motherhood and education proves to be incredibly challenging, especially as her sons choose to live with their father.

During her law studies, Betty Anne discovers DNA testing, reigniting her hope for Kenny's exoneration. This revelation is a turning point that leads her to seek further assistance from legal professionals.

Betty Anne reaches out to attorney Barry Scheck from the Innocence Project for help in Kenny's case. Despite her determination, she faces numerous bureaucratic hurdles and difficulties in retrieving evidence.

Through her investigation, Betty Anne discovers past misconduct involving Sergeant Nancy Taylor, who had been a key witness against Kenny. This shocking finding adds a new layer to her efforts in the fight for justice.

In a pivotal moment, DNA testing shows that the blood found at the crime scene does not match Kenny's. This revelation raises hope for his release, but the District Attorney's office remains resistant, citing enough circumstantial evidence.

Betty Anne, alongside Abra and Barry, speaks with Kenny's former wife and girlfriend, who admit they were coerced into giving false testimonies. This confession becomes a crucial turning point in overturning Kenny's conviction.

After an intense 18-year battle, Kenny's conviction is finally vacated, leading to his emotional release in June 2001. This moment marks a significant victory for Betty Anne and a long-awaited reunion with her brother.

Following Kenny's exoneration, Betty Anne secures a substantial civil settlement for her brother's wrongful conviction. This financial relief is a small consolation for the years lost but symbolizes their hard-fought victory.

The film concludes with a bittersweet reunion of Kenny with his daughter Mandy and sister Betty Anne. This poignant moment captures the enduring ties of family and the resilience they demonstrated through their struggles.

The final scenes showcase the real Kenny and Betty Anne Waters, leaving the audience with a powerful message about resilience and the enduring bond between siblings. Their story inspires hope in the face of injustice.