Moment of Truth: Why My Daughter?

In the early 1980s in Portland, Diana's world is shaken when her parents file for divorce and her boyfriend dumps her. The double blow leaves her vulnerable and seeking solace in a new attachment. This upheaval sets the stage for the troubling path that follows.

Diana begins a relationship with 23-year-old A.J. Treace, drawn to him despite the age gap. Gayle senses trouble and warns that A.J. may be bad news. The relationship becomes the doorway to the darker life that follows.

A.J. is revealed as a pimp who abuses Diana and lures her into prostitution. Diana drops out of school, quits her job, and becomes estranged from her family as she sinks deeper into the criminal world he controls. She loses touch with her former life and is shaped by A.J.'s influence.

Devastated by her daughter's life, Gayle confronts Diana in the strip club where she works. She dedicates herself to saving Diana and begins searching for ways to intervene. This marks the start of her relentless pursuit for Diana's safety.

Diana sometimes shows interest in her old life but finds it hard to break away from A.J.'s grip. The tension underscores her inability to escape the predatory world she has entered. Her internal conflict highlights the fragility of any chance for a fresh start.

After a violent confrontation, Diana disassociates herself from A.J., returns home with Gayle, and agrees to press charges against him. This moment represents a rare bid for safety and accountability. It sets up the subsequent struggle over whether justice will hold him responsible.

Diana eventually retracts the charges after A.J. convinces her that he will change. A.J. talks her out of pressing charges, undermining Gayle's efforts. The episode shows how manipulation can derail justice.

Diana is mysteriously murdered, shocking Gayle and fueling her belief that A.J. is involved. Gayle resolves to pursue justice and contacts the police. Her determination marks a new phase of the fight against A.J.'s crimes.

Gayle meets Sgt. Jack Powell, but the police cannot charge A.J. because he claims innocence. Gayle remains convinced of A.J.'s guilt despite the lack of a solid charge. The case stalls at the initial hurdle, prompting a deeper investigation.

To build a case, Gayle befriends April, another of A.J.'s prostitutes and a friend of Diana. April shares details about A.J.'s operations that begin to piece together the truth. This alliance becomes key to pursuing charges.

Jack arrests A.J. on charges of racketeering and promoting prostitution. A.J. pleads ignorance, but the evidence sticks. The legal process leads to a conviction against him.

In the epilogue, A.J. is sentenced to 17 years for his crimes, and Diana's murder remains officially unsolved. Gayle's vigil for her daughter continues beyond the courtroom. The film closes with a sense of unfinished justice.