The Third Murder

At **12:30 am on October 11, 2017**, a horrifying scene was uncovered alongside the banks of the *Tama River*. The charred remains of a man lay in the shadows, marking the beginning of a dark and twisted murder investigation that would send shockwaves through the community.

Shigemori, a seasoned criminal defense attorney, begins his journey at the Yokohama Detention Center where he meets **Misumi**, the man accused of robbery and murder. Misumi's ominous past intertwines with Shigemori’s own family, as Shigemori’s father was previously the presiding judge in Misumi's earlier case.

As they investigate, Shigemori and his assistant Kawashima uncover a maze of lies within Misumi's accounts of the murder. Misumi claims to have acted under the influence of substances to kill the former owner of a food factory in *Kawasaki*, raising immediate questions about his state of mind at the time.

Misumi's previous attorney, **Settsu**, provides evidence that contradicts Misumi's claims, revealing premeditation in the crime. Additionally, surveillance footage shows Misumi stealing money post-murder, forcing Shigemori to reevaluate his defense strategy and Misumi's true intentions.

During a somber visit to the victim's family, Shigemori witnesses the emotional turmoil of the victim's teenage daughter, whose limp eerily symbolizes a clue found at the crime scene. The visit draws heavy emotion, as Misumi's letter to the family opens old wounds of grief.

Kawashima’s inquiries uncover unresolved tensions between Misumi and his former employer at the food factory, hinting at potential motives of revenge tied to unpaid wages. This newfound information prompts Shigemori to consider a narrative shift in their defense.

As the investigation deepens, Shigemori grapples with a moral dilemma involving justice and compassion towards Misumi. He uncovers hints that the victim's wife may have orchestrated the murder while Misumi asserts that she promised him security in exchange for silence.

Shigemori travels to *Rumoi*, Misumi's hometown, seeking clarity about Misumi's motivations. Encounters with an arresting officer reveal dubious aspects of Misumi's past, including allegations of coercion by his former attorney that could have influenced his confessions.

Conversations in Rumoi lead to a chilling discovery about Misumi's estranged daughter, **Megumi**, who is set to testify against him. This revelation adds personal turmoil to Misumi's case, reflecting the deep rifts in family dynamics due to his criminal past.

As the trial approaches, Shigemori attempts to delve deeper into Misumi’s psyche regarding the stolen wallet. Their discussions bring to light Misumi's struggles between sincerity and the manipulations of his legal defense, intensifying the emotional stakes.

The trial reaches a pivotal moment when **Sakie**, the victim's wife, takes the stand. Her testimony reveals unexpected ties between the victim's business dealings and the murder, challenging the defense's strategy and drawing connections to her trauma.

In the wake of Sakie’s words, Misumi reconfigures his story, declaring his innocence and asserting that the stolen money was related to illegal activities rather than greed. This unexpected alteration creates a ripple effect in the courtroom, complicating the defense’s position.

The judge ultimately sides with the prosecution, sentencing Misumi to death. This verdict not only seals Misumi's fate but also echoes the bittersweet complexities of justice, leaving Shigemori and those involved questioning the nature of truth and morality.

After the trial, Shigemori confronts Sakie once more, exploring Misumi's conflicting notions of guilt and truth. This reflection leads Shigemori to ponder the overarching themes of the human experience—the balance of hope and despair.

As Shigemori exits Misumi's home, he stands at an intersection, enveloped in a moment of introspection. The stillness around him resonates with the chaos within, representing the complex ties between humanity and the emotional weight of their shared experiences.