Presumed Innocent

The brutal discovery of Carolyn Polhemus' body in her apartment sets off a horrific chain of events. This shocking incident becomes the catalyst for a high-stakes murder investigation that entangles Rusty, challenging both his career and personal life.

Detective Harold Greer leads the investigation into Carolyn's murder, initially working alone. Rusty, hoping to protect his own interests, brings in his friend Dan Lipranzer to assist in the case, revealing his underlying fears.

Rusty struggles to keep his affair with Carolyn a secret, attempting to distance himself from being a suspect. His conflict escalates as he navigates the complexities of maintaining his relationship's secrecy amidst a murder investigation.

As the electoral season heats up, Tommy Molto begins to investigate Carolyn's murder on behalf of Nico Della Guardia's campaign. This political pressure adds a new dimension to the case, complicating Rusty's efforts further.

Lipranzer gets removed from the case as Greer uncovers disturbing truths about Rusty’s secret affair with the victim. The tension between Rusty and the investigators builds, compounding the fear of exposure.

Rusty turns to defense attorney Sandy Stern for legal guidance as the trial begins. The court proceedings reveal cracks in Rusty's defenses but also unveil complex layers of deception.

A crucial piece of evidence—a beer glass with Rusty's fingerprints—mysteriously disappears. This loss casts a long shadow over Rusty's innocence, intensifying the scrutiny on his actions.

Rusty and Lipranzer confront Leon Wells, uncovering his involvement in a bribery scandal that ties directly to the case. Wells' confession reveals Carolyn's role in illegal activities, further complicating Rusty's situation.

During the coroner's examination, the discovery that Carolyn had undergone tubal ligation raises serious questions about the evidence presented against Rusty. The possibility of the evidence being manipulated shakes the foundation of the prosecution.

Judge Lyttle ultimately dismisses the charges against Rusty based on the compiled contradictions in the evidence. This legal victory, however, incites a tense confrontation between Rusty and Sandy Stern.

In a heated discussion, Stern reveals damaging secrets about Judge Lyttle's past connections with Carolyn. The acknowledgement of Lyttle's corruption leads to his immediate resignation, leaving the legal scene in turmoil.

Lipranzer discloses the truth regarding the missing beer glass and Rusty takes a symbolic step by discarding it into the river. This act symbolizes his desire to break free from the entanglements of the investigation.

Rusty finds a hatchet that leads to Barbara's heartfelt confession about her role in Carolyn's murder. Her feelings of betrayal and deliberate clues add layers of complexity to Rusty's understanding of the tragedy.

In the aftermath, Rusty comes to grips with the devastating realization that Carolyn's murder will likely remain unsolved. He confronts the moral complexities of justice and his own complicity in the tragedy that unfolded.