1 00:00:05,172 --> 00:00:07,006 (tense music playing) 2 00:00:12,087 --> 00:00:16,573 (police officer speaking) 3 00:00:16,592 --> 00:00:18,142 (michael ward speaking) 4 00:00:27,269 --> 00:00:28,193 And he said... 5 00:00:36,428 --> 00:00:37,202 Then I realized... 6 00:00:59,209 --> 00:01:02,561 Ward: Being charged with first degree murder, it's a crock of bull. 7 00:01:02,788 --> 00:01:07,382 I was on my own land, I was defending myself. 8 00:01:07,476 --> 00:01:11,052 My whole future depends on the outcome of this trial, 9 00:01:11,146 --> 00:01:15,240 So this is a case that I have to win. 10 00:01:27,421 --> 00:01:28,670 (railway crossing alarm beeping) 11 00:01:33,152 --> 00:01:34,760 (train horn blaring) 12 00:01:42,010 --> 00:01:46,230 My name is misty fields and I am michael ward's criminal defense attorney. 13 00:01:47,833 --> 00:01:52,111 He is accused of shooting sean allen in the back. 14 00:01:56,342 --> 00:01:59,509 Michael is charged with first degree murder. 15 00:01:59,528 --> 00:02:01,078 It doesn't get much bigger than that. 16 00:02:05,033 --> 00:02:06,850 The state is going to say 17 00:02:06,869 --> 00:02:09,369 That because mr. Ward shot a man in the back 18 00:02:09,463 --> 00:02:10,963 And the man died, 19 00:02:11,190 --> 00:02:13,882 He is technically guilty of first-degree murder. 20 00:02:15,194 --> 00:02:16,802 But the big question is, 21 00:02:16,953 --> 00:02:22,099 Did mr. Ward have a right to defend himself in that situation? 22 00:02:24,887 --> 00:02:27,037 Sean allen was a known felon. 23 00:02:27,130 --> 00:02:29,556 He had an extensive criminal record. 24 00:02:29,708 --> 00:02:33,652 Burglaries, drugs, carrying firearms. 25 00:02:34,563 --> 00:02:36,989 He was just a bad dude. 26 00:02:37,216 --> 00:02:41,160 Mr. Allen had spent months terrorizing mr. Ward. 27 00:02:41,387 --> 00:02:44,237 He had perpetually trespassed on his property, 28 00:02:44,390 --> 00:02:46,406 Taking his belongings 29 00:02:46,558 --> 00:02:49,168 And mr. Ward did everything that he could to prevent this. 30 00:02:52,989 --> 00:02:59,085 I believe mike ward was justified in taking another life. 31 00:02:59,180 --> 00:03:02,514 I believe the victim is on trial here. 32 00:03:02,741 --> 00:03:06,268 The only way to right that is to win at jury trial. 33 00:03:16,939 --> 00:03:18,697 (suspenseful music playing) 34 00:03:20,201 --> 00:03:21,325 (birds chirping) 35 00:03:32,213 --> 00:03:36,122 Ward: I retired and I decided to move to spavinaw, 36 00:03:36,217 --> 00:03:37,674 Where it's peaceful and quiet. 37 00:03:45,117 --> 00:03:46,616 It's the dream of every american. 38 00:03:46,710 --> 00:03:48,618 They want to own their own home. 39 00:03:48,712 --> 00:03:52,289 Their own little slice of paradise 40 00:03:52,307 --> 00:03:54,791 That they can say that they worked for it and it's theirs. 41 00:03:54,810 --> 00:03:56,360 It's my own little piece of heaven. 42 00:04:06,822 --> 00:04:08,413 I had a good life here, 43 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:11,250 Being retired, relaxing, enjoying myself. 44 00:04:12,753 --> 00:04:15,170 And then, the neighbor from hell moves in. 45 00:04:17,332 --> 00:04:18,757 That's when all my problems got started. 46 00:04:22,170 --> 00:04:24,154 One day you're living your life. 47 00:04:24,172 --> 00:04:26,581 The next day you're charged with murder. 48 00:04:26,675 --> 00:04:28,225 It's real devastating. 49 00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:31,511 You watch these shows on tv, 50 00:04:31,663 --> 00:04:34,439 You think to yourself, "that'll never happen to me." 51 00:04:35,943 --> 00:04:37,609 I found out it can happen to anybody. 52 00:04:39,780 --> 00:04:43,448 When I go to court for this, I'll clear my name 53 00:04:43,675 --> 00:04:47,844 And this nightmare will finally be over with. 54 00:04:47,863 --> 00:04:50,038 And that's what I'm looking forward to in the future. 55 00:04:53,368 --> 00:04:55,127 (aspirational music playing) 56 00:05:05,047 --> 00:05:07,139 Fields: Today, michael is coming 57 00:05:07,366 --> 00:05:09,266 To talk about the events on that day. 58 00:05:13,296 --> 00:05:18,892 Mike is in his 60s and has never been charged with a crime before. 59 00:05:19,044 --> 00:05:21,653 He has to understand what he's charged with, 60 00:05:21,880 --> 00:05:24,972 And the sentences that that carries, 61 00:05:25,067 --> 00:05:27,326 Which are very serious. 62 00:05:30,906 --> 00:05:32,072 -Mike. -Yes. 63 00:05:32,224 --> 00:05:35,000 -You ready? -Ready. 64 00:05:35,151 --> 00:05:40,822 Why don't you just tell me your version of the events as you remember them. 65 00:05:40,916 --> 00:05:43,675 Ward: I had decided to go up on my land that morning 66 00:05:43,827 --> 00:05:45,585 And sight in my deer rifle 67 00:05:45,679 --> 00:05:47,679 'cause the deer season was going to start the next week. 68 00:05:47,906 --> 00:05:48,847 Okay. 69 00:05:49,074 --> 00:05:50,574 As I got up a bit close to my barn, 70 00:05:50,667 --> 00:05:55,078 I noticed sean allen coming towards me. 71 00:05:55,097 --> 00:05:56,838 (intense music playing) 72 00:05:56,857 --> 00:05:59,583 He was trespassing on my land, 73 00:05:59,676 --> 00:06:01,585 I knew he had warrants out on him, 74 00:06:01,678 --> 00:06:04,087 Told him to go ahead and stop, 75 00:06:04,180 --> 00:06:07,273 And I told him I was making a citizen's arrest and calling the law. 76 00:06:07,426 --> 00:06:11,928 I told him, "get down on the ground, stop," you know, and he just kept coming. 77 00:06:12,021 --> 00:06:14,021 So, he kept coming and then what? 78 00:06:14,116 --> 00:06:15,707 Next thing I know, he'd got too close 79 00:06:15,934 --> 00:06:17,024 And he grabbed the barrel of the gun 80 00:06:17,044 --> 00:06:18,126 And tried to take it away from me. 81 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:21,529 What did you do? 82 00:06:21,548 --> 00:06:22,956 I fought over the gun. 83 00:06:23,108 --> 00:06:25,050 I didn't want him to take my gun. 84 00:06:25,201 --> 00:06:28,387 What was going through your mind while you were wrestling over this gun? 85 00:06:28,538 --> 00:06:30,138 I said, "he gets this gun, he's gonna kill me." 86 00:06:33,118 --> 00:06:34,467 The two of you were wrestling over the gun. 87 00:06:34,620 --> 00:06:36,878 Yes. 88 00:06:36,897 --> 00:06:39,139 And you were thinking, if he gets your gun away from you, he was gonna kill you? 89 00:06:39,291 --> 00:06:42,526 Correct. Finally, I jerked the gun away from him. 90 00:06:43,478 --> 00:06:44,736 He turned to run. 91 00:06:45,906 --> 00:06:47,406 What did you do? 92 00:06:47,633 --> 00:06:51,076 I was scared and I throwed up the gun and... 93 00:06:52,079 --> 00:06:53,078 ...Pulled the trigger. 94 00:06:58,252 --> 00:07:00,585 I thought he had a gun on him. 95 00:07:00,737 --> 00:07:03,070 Fields: And after you shot, what did you do? 96 00:07:03,165 --> 00:07:05,165 I said "oh, god, I've hit him," 97 00:07:05,259 --> 00:07:09,010 And I grabbed my phone and called the law. 98 00:07:10,338 --> 00:07:11,930 I said, "I've had to shoot sean allen. 99 00:07:12,081 --> 00:07:14,683 "we got in a fight over the gun and I need an ambulance. 100 00:07:15,436 --> 00:07:17,769 "I need it quick." 101 00:07:17,921 --> 00:07:21,756 -You did that to try and get help as soon as possible? -Get help as quick as I could. 102 00:07:21,850 --> 00:07:26,093 -Okay. -I'd been having trouble with him for a year and a half. 103 00:07:26,188 --> 00:07:31,007 I'd had several incidents where he'd been trespassing on my land. 104 00:07:31,026 --> 00:07:34,744 Cutting trees, breaking into my barn, cutting the locks off. 105 00:07:36,105 --> 00:07:37,622 I'd call the law every time. 106 00:07:38,459 --> 00:07:39,541 They didn't do anything. 107 00:07:43,021 --> 00:07:44,296 Fields: Okay, mike. 108 00:07:44,523 --> 00:07:47,023 I think because you shot him in the back, 109 00:07:47,116 --> 00:07:51,861 The prosecution is probably going to say that there was no threat. 110 00:07:51,955 --> 00:07:55,307 However, I think you were absolutely reasonable 111 00:07:55,534 --> 00:07:58,477 In your belief that he could have been armed 112 00:07:58,704 --> 00:08:02,222 And reasonable in the fear for your own life, 113 00:08:02,316 --> 00:08:04,724 So, I think this is absolutely defensible. 114 00:08:04,876 --> 00:08:06,876 Yes. 115 00:08:06,970 --> 00:08:12,324 You have one count of murder in the first-degree, deliberate intent. 116 00:08:12,551 --> 00:08:14,659 There are three possible sentences. 117 00:08:14,811 --> 00:08:16,411 They are life, 118 00:08:18,907 --> 00:08:21,166 Life without parole, and death. 119 00:08:24,746 --> 00:08:27,339 This is very, very serious. 120 00:08:31,845 --> 00:08:33,828 (dramatic music playing) 121 00:08:33,847 --> 00:08:36,906 Fields: I think mike was victimized by this person 122 00:08:36,925 --> 00:08:40,519 Who had no business even being on his property. 123 00:08:40,746 --> 00:08:42,670 Really, there was no way out for him. 124 00:08:42,764 --> 00:08:47,025 It was either continue to be abused by this criminal 125 00:08:47,176 --> 00:08:50,103 Or fight back. 126 00:08:50,197 --> 00:08:54,533 The biggest hurdle that we have is to convince the jury that this was self-defense. 127 00:09:01,767 --> 00:09:04,100 Ward: I'll never plead guilty to first degree murder, 128 00:09:04,193 --> 00:09:05,502 'cause it's not first-degree murder. 129 00:09:07,455 --> 00:09:10,048 My whole future depends on the outcome of this trial. 130 00:09:11,443 --> 00:09:14,035 The ultimate punishment is death, 131 00:09:14,054 --> 00:09:17,514 So this is a case that I have to win. 132 00:09:20,619 --> 00:09:23,395 This is just a complete injustice 133 00:09:23,546 --> 00:09:25,188 That can happen to anybody in america. 134 00:09:34,074 --> 00:09:35,907 (tense music playing) 135 00:09:48,422 --> 00:09:53,091 Fields: I'm going to review the interrogation video of michael ward 136 00:09:53,318 --> 00:09:58,555 To evaluate any potential issues that I may need to prepare to deal with at trial. 137 00:10:33,967 --> 00:10:35,425 I'm gonna back it up just a minute. 138 00:10:44,311 --> 00:10:45,310 Where he says, 139 00:10:45,537 --> 00:10:47,646 "I ran a little bit and then shot." 140 00:10:48,874 --> 00:10:50,148 That may be a huge issue. 141 00:11:06,500 --> 00:11:07,332 Officer: Mm-hmm. 142 00:11:18,178 --> 00:11:23,348 Fields: I wish he had not stated that part. 143 00:11:23,499 --> 00:11:26,592 It strengthens the prosecution's case. 144 00:11:26,687 --> 00:11:30,504 Their argument is the more actions that took place 145 00:11:30,598 --> 00:11:35,919 Between the struggle over the gun, and the actual shooting, 146 00:11:35,937 --> 00:11:39,422 The more time there was to formulate intent. 147 00:11:39,441 --> 00:11:43,017 The prosecution is going to paint that as, 148 00:11:43,036 --> 00:11:47,855 "sean allen was running for his life, he was no longer a threat, 149 00:11:47,874 --> 00:11:50,542 "there was no longer a need for deadly force, 150 00:11:52,787 --> 00:11:56,005 "and mr. Ward ran after him and shot him down like an animal." 151 00:11:58,385 --> 00:12:03,463 If they can convince 12 jurors of that, 152 00:12:03,557 --> 00:12:06,558 Mr. Ward could be convicted of first-degree murder. 153 00:12:13,734 --> 00:12:15,567 (dramatic music playing) 154 00:12:24,319 --> 00:12:27,746 Today we are going to michael ward's property, 155 00:12:27,973 --> 00:12:31,082 So I can walk through the crime scene. 156 00:12:32,160 --> 00:12:33,901 For about 18 months, 157 00:12:33,995 --> 00:12:37,756 Sean allen had continually gone on michael ward's property, 158 00:12:37,983 --> 00:12:41,484 And cut expensive black walnut trees, 159 00:12:41,503 --> 00:12:46,598 And broken into buildings and done a lot of damage to the property. 160 00:12:46,749 --> 00:12:50,343 I have to understand the terror that mike had lived in, 161 00:12:50,495 --> 00:12:55,665 In order to explain whether or not he was reasonable in his fear 162 00:12:55,758 --> 00:12:59,277 That sean would kill him that day. 163 00:13:03,842 --> 00:13:05,341 -Hi, mike. -Ward: Hey, how're you doing, misty? 164 00:13:05,434 --> 00:13:07,285 Ready to check out the property today? 165 00:13:07,512 --> 00:13:09,454 -Yeah. -Okay, let's head up this way. 166 00:13:11,792 --> 00:13:13,625 Fields: We're coming from your house. Ward: Uh-huh. 167 00:13:13,776 --> 00:13:15,685 And this would have been the way you walked that day. Correct? 168 00:13:15,703 --> 00:13:17,036 Ward: Yeah, correct. Uh-huh. 169 00:13:17,188 --> 00:13:20,540 Sean would come up here, cut the locks off my barn, 170 00:13:20,634 --> 00:13:22,208 Take whatever he wanted, 171 00:13:22,302 --> 00:13:25,136 And I'd come back up and replace more locks on it, 172 00:13:25,363 --> 00:13:28,473 And he'd come right back, do the same thing again and carry more stuff off. 173 00:13:30,869 --> 00:13:35,129 All right, and where was sean living at the time? 174 00:13:35,148 --> 00:13:36,815 He was living in the house right down there. 175 00:13:39,635 --> 00:13:41,152 Whenever I'd come on my property, 176 00:13:41,304 --> 00:13:44,881 He'd come running out of his house with his trash, 177 00:13:44,899 --> 00:13:48,493 And he would go over here and set fire to it. 178 00:13:52,481 --> 00:13:55,333 Fields: Did you ever confront him about burning trash on your property? 179 00:13:55,484 --> 00:13:57,894 Ward: I knew if I said something it was going to be a fight, 180 00:13:57,912 --> 00:14:01,488 And I tried to avoid any confrontation with him. 181 00:14:01,583 --> 00:14:03,842 I wanted the cops to handle it and I showed them, I said, 182 00:14:03,993 --> 00:14:05,677 "you was not doing anything about it." 183 00:14:08,348 --> 00:14:11,165 Fields: So, are these the walnut trees, some of them? 184 00:14:11,259 --> 00:14:14,686 I had one right down here and one over there that he cut. 185 00:14:15,747 --> 00:14:18,172 He got to four of them. 186 00:14:18,266 --> 00:14:21,192 Rumor was that he was selling them for $3,000 apiece. 187 00:14:23,012 --> 00:14:24,696 This is the first one that he cut on. 188 00:14:24,923 --> 00:14:26,756 And he had three of his buddies with him 189 00:14:26,774 --> 00:14:28,591 And they were jacking it up, 190 00:14:28,610 --> 00:14:31,777 Putting it on the trailer and I come up through here. 191 00:14:31,930 --> 00:14:35,098 I'm by myself and I didn't have a gun on me or nothing. 192 00:14:35,116 --> 00:14:36,708 I was scared and nervous, 193 00:14:36,935 --> 00:14:38,618 And, you know, he's laughing about it 194 00:14:38,712 --> 00:14:40,620 And thought it was real funny and everything, 195 00:14:40,772 --> 00:14:42,505 And he said, "by god, you better be scared." 196 00:14:50,891 --> 00:14:53,040 I was thinking, oh, what's going to happen next, you know? 197 00:14:53,059 --> 00:14:55,876 I said, "he's doing whatever he wants to on my land." 198 00:14:55,896 --> 00:14:57,353 I said, "he'll be up my house next." 199 00:14:59,958 --> 00:15:01,882 I sat and thought about it one day. 200 00:15:01,902 --> 00:15:04,794 If he gets rid of me, then he could cut all them trees, 201 00:15:04,887 --> 00:15:06,404 He could do whatever he wants to, 202 00:15:06,555 --> 00:15:08,573 If I'm out of the way. 203 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:10,742 I mean, I stayed nervous all the time. 204 00:15:10,969 --> 00:15:12,318 Fields: And rightly so, it sounds like. 205 00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:16,730 And I did not want to be out here without protection. 206 00:15:16,824 --> 00:15:19,566 And that probably saved my life 'cause I did carry a gun. 207 00:15:19,661 --> 00:15:21,419 (pensive music playing) 208 00:15:23,831 --> 00:15:25,239 I kept calling the cops, 209 00:15:25,258 --> 00:15:27,408 Asking them for help, I said, 210 00:15:27,427 --> 00:15:29,427 "hey, I just want him to leave me alone." 211 00:15:29,654 --> 00:15:32,764 And, uh, it just fell on deaf ears. 212 00:15:32,915 --> 00:15:35,916 And then, that day, once he had grabbed hold of the gun barrel 213 00:15:35,936 --> 00:15:38,269 And grabbed hold of me and stuff, 214 00:15:38,496 --> 00:15:41,105 I knew right then I had to either shoot him or he's going to kill me. 215 00:15:41,257 --> 00:15:43,757 Fields: Show me how you turned and squared up. 216 00:15:43,851 --> 00:15:46,260 Okay, when I jerked the gun, I just stumbled back like this. 217 00:15:46,279 --> 00:15:47,837 Fields: Uh-huh. 218 00:15:47,855 --> 00:15:51,616 Then I, you know, moved forward a bit, swung around 219 00:15:51,767 --> 00:15:53,284 And I just shot him instinctively. 220 00:15:58,124 --> 00:16:01,684 Fields: When you hear mike tell the story, it's clear that he was scared to death, 221 00:16:01,777 --> 00:16:03,962 He was afraid for his life. 222 00:16:04,189 --> 00:16:08,800 No one should have to beg the police to help you and have them just ignore you. 223 00:16:10,712 --> 00:16:11,594 That's ridiculous. 224 00:16:13,456 --> 00:16:14,973 I think the police just failed him. 225 00:16:23,632 --> 00:16:25,483 (dramatic music playing) 226 00:16:36,888 --> 00:16:37,662 (sighs) 227 00:16:42,227 --> 00:16:43,668 -Michael heath: Hi, mr. Hoskins? -Hello. Yes. 228 00:16:43,819 --> 00:16:45,336 Michael heath with diamond security, how are you, sir? 229 00:16:45,488 --> 00:16:46,671 -I'm fine, thank you. -Good, good. 230 00:16:52,661 --> 00:16:56,072 Hoskins: Well, just have a seat. Heath: Okay, all right. 231 00:16:56,165 --> 00:16:59,242 First of all, did you have any personal interaction with sean allen? 232 00:16:59,260 --> 00:17:01,410 I just tried to stay away from him and his bunch. 233 00:17:01,504 --> 00:17:03,337 They're a pretty scary bunch. 234 00:17:03,431 --> 00:17:04,814 He was down there cooking meth. 235 00:17:07,193 --> 00:17:10,653 You could smell it 'cause the fumes from that would blow this direction. 236 00:17:11,514 --> 00:17:13,105 At that time, 237 00:17:13,199 --> 00:17:16,942 Sean was continuously breaking into mike's barn down there. 238 00:17:17,037 --> 00:17:20,096 I mean, that type of person in the drug world, 239 00:17:20,114 --> 00:17:23,041 They'll take anything they can steal to make a buck. 240 00:17:24,026 --> 00:17:25,434 Sean would just say, 241 00:17:25,453 --> 00:17:27,603 "I'll break in there any time I want 242 00:17:27,696 --> 00:17:29,438 "and nobody's gonna stop me." 243 00:17:29,532 --> 00:17:31,031 Heath: You heard him say that? 244 00:17:31,051 --> 00:17:33,867 Oh, yeah, myself, the police, he didn't care who heard. 245 00:17:33,887 --> 00:17:36,445 He feared no one and he'd stand there and tell you, 246 00:17:36,464 --> 00:17:39,873 "I'm not afraid of you, I'm not afraid of the police, I'm not afraid of anybody, 247 00:17:39,893 --> 00:17:41,184 "and I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do." 248 00:17:43,879 --> 00:17:46,230 And I went over and pulled sean aside 249 00:17:46,457 --> 00:17:47,881 To try and work something out with him, 250 00:17:47,975 --> 00:17:49,642 Like just stop everything. 251 00:17:49,794 --> 00:17:55,131 And sean stood up, right here face to face with me and said, 252 00:17:55,224 --> 00:17:59,869 "if mike ever gets in my way, or confronts me, I will take him out." 253 00:18:01,139 --> 00:18:02,038 Amazing. 254 00:18:08,663 --> 00:18:10,546 (intense music playing) 255 00:18:21,935 --> 00:18:25,603 Fields: Blood was taken from sean allen's body at the autopsy. 256 00:18:28,499 --> 00:18:32,092 The blood was tested for illicit drugs 257 00:18:32,186 --> 00:18:37,340 And he was positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine 258 00:18:37,358 --> 00:18:38,616 At the time of his death. 259 00:18:45,700 --> 00:18:50,353 It appears from my research that death can occur from methamphetamine levels 260 00:18:50,371 --> 00:18:52,130 As low as 0.05. 261 00:18:54,025 --> 00:18:57,468 Sean allen was positive for 0.38. 262 00:18:58,529 --> 00:19:01,881 It's substantial. He was high. 263 00:19:02,033 --> 00:19:04,642 So that tells me that he had used that morning. 264 00:19:07,388 --> 00:19:09,814 Methamphetamine is a stimulant. 265 00:19:09,965 --> 00:19:13,209 It absolutely increases violent tendencies. 266 00:19:13,227 --> 00:19:15,653 It makes you think that you're ten feet tall and bulletproof, 267 00:19:16,322 --> 00:19:18,823 When you're not. 268 00:19:19,050 --> 00:19:23,494 So, I believe that the meth definitely affected his decision to charge mike 269 00:19:23,721 --> 00:19:24,954 And try to take that gun away from him. 270 00:19:26,891 --> 00:19:31,076 It's absolutely a must that the jury understand 271 00:19:31,229 --> 00:19:35,080 That this man was very high at the time of the shooting. 272 00:19:35,175 --> 00:19:38,250 I think if that is not put in front of the jury, 273 00:19:38,403 --> 00:19:41,137 Mr. Ward could be sent to prison for the rest of his life. 274 00:19:46,077 --> 00:19:47,852 (pensive music playing) 275 00:19:50,690 --> 00:19:51,981 Starting to cook. 276 00:19:53,751 --> 00:19:56,360 Today we're having a neighborhood cookout. 277 00:19:56,512 --> 00:19:59,822 I've invited some of my neighbors over, just a little get-together. 278 00:20:07,356 --> 00:20:09,165 (motorbike engine roaring) 279 00:20:11,602 --> 00:20:13,694 Ward: Anybody wants to go ahead start eating, go ahead, 280 00:20:13,788 --> 00:20:16,172 We've got most of it ready and the rest of it's cooking. 281 00:20:18,276 --> 00:20:20,276 Ron langford: Mike's a great guy. 282 00:20:20,294 --> 00:20:22,220 I don't think I've met anybody more honest. 283 00:20:23,872 --> 00:20:26,515 What happened to him is a travesty. 284 00:20:29,303 --> 00:20:32,121 Just like any red-blooded american, you know, 285 00:20:32,139 --> 00:20:35,474 What they want to do is live in peace. 286 00:20:35,568 --> 00:20:39,570 But sean moved in and then all the trouble started. 287 00:20:46,471 --> 00:20:49,989 Geoff: I don't care if the guy's on drugs, but I care if he's on crank. 288 00:20:50,141 --> 00:20:52,232 Whole different universe, you know. 289 00:20:52,326 --> 00:20:54,643 Hoskins: They're out of their mind, they got superhuman strength. 290 00:20:54,737 --> 00:20:56,254 Geoff: Yep. And they're violent. 291 00:20:56,405 --> 00:20:58,998 And... Yeah, and you can't stop them. 292 00:20:59,092 --> 00:21:01,425 Once he got on that stuff, he got his mind set, 293 00:21:01,577 --> 00:21:04,987 There was no stopping him from what he was going to do, it didn't matter. 294 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:08,657 If somebody come up on me and tried to take my weapon away from me, 295 00:21:08,751 --> 00:21:09,767 I'm going to defend myself. 296 00:21:13,088 --> 00:21:16,999 Mike's going to remain my good friend regardless, one way or the other, 297 00:21:17,092 --> 00:21:20,686 And I support him in everything he does. 298 00:21:20,838 --> 00:21:22,238 I can only hope for the best. 299 00:21:24,675 --> 00:21:26,600 Ward: My friends mean the world to me. 300 00:21:26,694 --> 00:21:27,785 They treat me just like family. 301 00:21:29,013 --> 00:21:29,912 You know, that means a lot. 302 00:21:31,682 --> 00:21:33,624 Without them, I'd be kinda lost. 303 00:21:36,537 --> 00:21:41,023 Everyone around here in spavinaw believes in the right to defend yourself. 304 00:21:41,042 --> 00:21:42,783 Protect your property. 305 00:21:42,877 --> 00:21:43,968 That's all I was doing. 306 00:21:53,796 --> 00:21:55,704 Gps: The destination is on your left. 307 00:21:55,798 --> 00:21:57,723 -Oh, that's it there. -Gps: Arrived. 308 00:21:57,875 --> 00:21:59,542 This should be interesting. 309 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:01,444 (intense music playing) 310 00:22:06,993 --> 00:22:09,401 My name is michael heath and I'm a private investigator. 311 00:22:09,554 --> 00:22:12,388 I'm working with mike ward's defense team. 312 00:22:12,481 --> 00:22:14,665 Can you tell me how you know sean allen? 313 00:22:14,817 --> 00:22:18,002 I live in that house, he lived in that house. 314 00:22:21,065 --> 00:22:24,825 Can you tell me what the experience was like living next door to sean allen? 315 00:22:24,844 --> 00:22:26,677 Sean was a very dangerous man. He had guns. 316 00:22:28,255 --> 00:22:29,347 They brought the drugs in. 317 00:22:31,576 --> 00:22:34,668 Heath: You ever know them to use drugs, cook drugs? 318 00:22:34,687 --> 00:22:36,579 How do you know they were cooking drugs? 319 00:22:36,672 --> 00:22:37,746 Could you smell it or you see it? 320 00:22:37,765 --> 00:22:39,598 Burch: Smell it. 321 00:22:39,692 --> 00:22:41,692 They did all kinds of horrible things over there. 322 00:22:45,272 --> 00:22:46,364 Heath: Were you afraid of sean? 323 00:22:46,515 --> 00:22:48,257 Yeah, terrified. 324 00:22:48,275 --> 00:22:49,775 -I couldn't hardly sleep at night. -Damn. 325 00:22:49,927 --> 00:22:53,186 Is there a specific incident that occurred 326 00:22:53,280 --> 00:22:56,932 To where you could say, "this is why I was afraid of him"? 327 00:22:56,951 --> 00:23:00,452 -I was right there and he had his torch. -Right. 328 00:23:00,605 --> 00:23:02,955 And he said he was gonna catch my house on fire and stuff. 329 00:23:03,107 --> 00:23:05,216 -He told you that? -Mm-hmm. 330 00:23:05,367 --> 00:23:08,777 I don't know if you can see it, but there's burn marks on my gate there. 331 00:23:08,871 --> 00:23:10,221 Heath: Where's the burn marks? 332 00:23:12,116 --> 00:23:13,224 -He burned them apart. -Wow. 333 00:23:14,969 --> 00:23:17,228 Did you ever personally see him on mike's land? 334 00:23:17,379 --> 00:23:19,455 -Oh, yeah. Uh-huh. -All the time? 335 00:23:19,548 --> 00:23:20,789 Heath: Did you ever see them-- 336 00:23:20,808 --> 00:23:23,216 And I know mike gave him a lot of warnings, 337 00:23:23,236 --> 00:23:25,069 A lot of warnings, saying this is... 338 00:23:25,220 --> 00:23:27,146 You shouldn't be on this land and stuff like that. 339 00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:28,388 Uh-huh. 340 00:23:28,482 --> 00:23:29,698 It was a horrible time. 341 00:23:30,985 --> 00:23:33,744 (intense music playing) 342 00:23:38,418 --> 00:23:39,917 (photocopier whirring) 343 00:23:41,254 --> 00:23:43,587 (dramatic music playing) 344 00:23:50,838 --> 00:23:54,432 Fields: I have just received some radio call logs 345 00:23:54,583 --> 00:23:56,508 From September 27th. 346 00:23:56,661 --> 00:23:59,103 It's the day before the shooting. 347 00:24:13,027 --> 00:24:16,269 At 8:18 in the evening, 348 00:24:16,289 --> 00:24:18,456 The police attempted to make an arrest. 349 00:24:19,517 --> 00:24:23,018 Sean allen ran on foot. 350 00:24:23,037 --> 00:24:24,795 (suspenseful music playing) 351 00:24:31,620 --> 00:24:34,363 Sean allen was a fugitive from justice, 352 00:24:34,381 --> 00:24:37,216 He ran into the woods, spent the night in the woods, 353 00:24:37,368 --> 00:24:41,645 And then the following morning saw mike ward 354 00:24:41,797 --> 00:24:46,484 And chose to just charge and try to take this gun away from him. 355 00:24:48,154 --> 00:24:50,488 That's insane. 356 00:24:50,639 --> 00:24:55,217 But given the amount of meth that we know that he had in his system, 357 00:24:55,236 --> 00:24:57,978 It's pretty clear what happened here. 358 00:24:57,997 --> 00:25:01,240 If sean had been apprehended that night by police, 359 00:25:01,392 --> 00:25:03,334 None of this would have happened. 360 00:25:03,485 --> 00:25:05,744 Sean allen would be alive, 361 00:25:05,896 --> 00:25:08,731 His mother would not be mourning for a lost son 362 00:25:08,824 --> 00:25:11,324 And mike wouldn't be on murder charges. 363 00:25:11,418 --> 00:25:14,661 (breathing heavily) 364 00:25:14,755 --> 00:25:15,346 (keyboard clacking) 365 00:25:23,856 --> 00:25:25,773 (tense music playing) 366 00:25:31,697 --> 00:25:32,530 (bell on door jingles) 367 00:25:34,516 --> 00:25:40,429 Today, mike is going to watch the video of his interrogation. 368 00:25:40,522 --> 00:25:46,118 He seemed to have no emotion on the video, which is very bad. 369 00:25:46,270 --> 00:25:48,879 We will start to go over that with kirby. 370 00:25:51,292 --> 00:25:54,218 -Okay, mike, let's step into the conference room. -Okay. Okay. 371 00:25:57,131 --> 00:25:58,806 (ward speaking) 372 00:26:03,563 --> 00:26:06,880 What were the actions surrounding that statement? 373 00:26:06,974 --> 00:26:08,882 Ward: He was just shaking his head and he said, "no way." 374 00:26:08,901 --> 00:26:11,293 Okay, but then, at some point, 375 00:26:11,386 --> 00:26:13,320 You are both in contact with each other. 376 00:26:14,389 --> 00:26:15,464 How'd that happen? 377 00:26:15,482 --> 00:26:18,150 He just, uh, kept coming towards me. 378 00:26:18,244 --> 00:26:21,078 I thought he was going to stop you know, but he never stopped, he just kept coming. 379 00:26:21,305 --> 00:26:25,416 Kirby: So, "he's running towards me yelling, 'no way.'" or, "he said, 'no way.'"? 380 00:26:25,567 --> 00:26:26,975 He's coming towards me saying, "no way." 381 00:26:27,069 --> 00:26:28,419 Kirby: Better storytelling, thank you. 382 00:26:28,646 --> 00:26:30,087 Fields: Your ability to tell the story 383 00:26:30,238 --> 00:26:31,589 Is the crux of this whole defense. 384 00:26:31,740 --> 00:26:33,591 -Yes. -You have to be a good storyteller. 385 00:26:35,502 --> 00:26:36,927 Kirby: Moving forward? Okay. Fields: Mm-hmm. 386 00:26:37,671 --> 00:26:39,680 (ward speaking) 387 00:26:41,508 --> 00:26:43,583 Fields: Stop it. 388 00:26:43,677 --> 00:26:46,186 That's the biggest problem that we have in this whole case. 389 00:26:48,332 --> 00:26:52,017 Because you said you chased him a little ways. 390 00:26:52,111 --> 00:26:53,760 -I never chased after him or anything. -Kirby: Okay. 391 00:26:53,779 --> 00:26:56,113 Well, that's how they're gonna go after you. 392 00:26:56,264 --> 00:26:58,023 They're gonna paint you as a cold-blooded killer 393 00:26:58,117 --> 00:27:00,117 Who chased a man down and killed him like an animal. 394 00:27:01,528 --> 00:27:03,195 Ward: That's not what happened, though. 395 00:27:03,289 --> 00:27:07,516 Fields: Well, the prosecutor will be relentless with that. 396 00:27:07,609 --> 00:27:11,128 It's two things that are happening, mike. It's the actual event, 397 00:27:12,447 --> 00:27:14,948 And it's your words about the event. 398 00:27:15,042 --> 00:27:17,951 We can't really do anything about the actual event. 399 00:27:17,970 --> 00:27:22,473 But at this point, you have an opportunity to have another say. 400 00:27:22,624 --> 00:27:25,367 -Your mouth can get you in, it can get you out of it. -Fields: Mm-hmm. 401 00:27:25,460 --> 00:27:28,053 Explain it in a different fashion, 402 00:27:28,147 --> 00:27:30,314 The same story, but it's a whole different fashion. 403 00:27:30,541 --> 00:27:32,391 Ward: I need to tell my story with some feeling. 404 00:27:32,543 --> 00:27:35,560 That is the way out. 405 00:27:35,655 --> 00:27:37,396 Fields: You have to realize that, right now, 406 00:27:37,548 --> 00:27:40,382 You are literally fighting to save your life. 407 00:27:40,475 --> 00:27:41,659 -That's what's happening. -(tapping pen) 408 00:27:41,810 --> 00:27:44,236 That's... We're all fighting to save your life. 409 00:27:44,330 --> 00:27:46,246 (tense music playing) 410 00:27:54,656 --> 00:27:56,006 Fields: I call michael ward to the stand. 411 00:28:05,592 --> 00:28:09,411 Stand right here in front and the judge will tell you to raise your hand, 412 00:28:09,504 --> 00:28:11,263 She'll ask you if you swear to tell the truth. 413 00:28:11,357 --> 00:28:12,272 I do. 414 00:28:15,753 --> 00:28:17,010 Patrick abitol: So, sir, is it a fair statement 415 00:28:17,029 --> 00:28:22,533 That on September 28th of 2018 416 00:28:22,760 --> 00:28:25,202 That you shot and killed sean allen? 417 00:28:26,931 --> 00:28:28,947 Yes. 418 00:28:29,041 --> 00:28:31,616 Abitol: So that day, you carried a rifle, is that correct? 419 00:28:31,711 --> 00:28:33,118 Correct. 420 00:28:33,270 --> 00:28:35,361 That firearm was chamber loaded, is that correct? 421 00:28:35,381 --> 00:28:37,289 That is correct. 422 00:28:37,383 --> 00:28:41,443 Abitol: Is there any reason that mr. Allen wouldn't think 423 00:28:41,462 --> 00:28:43,137 -That you were out there to shoot him? -(kirby whispering) 424 00:28:46,892 --> 00:28:48,058 I don't know. 425 00:28:49,562 --> 00:28:51,895 When he runs up, 426 00:28:52,122 --> 00:28:55,232 What... What does he do? What's the first thing he does with his hands? 427 00:28:55,459 --> 00:28:57,476 Ward: Grabs ahold of my gun barrel. 428 00:28:57,570 --> 00:28:59,737 Abitol: Okay, so you grab the gun away from him. 429 00:29:00,814 --> 00:29:01,572 What happens at that point? 430 00:29:03,650 --> 00:29:05,242 -Ward: I stumble back. -Okay. 431 00:29:05,986 --> 00:29:08,078 (fields whispering) 432 00:29:10,065 --> 00:29:11,206 Abitol: And then what does allen do? 433 00:29:12,067 --> 00:29:13,900 Ward: Turn to run. 434 00:29:13,994 --> 00:29:16,879 Abitol: The day that you decided you were gonna shoot and kill him, 435 00:29:17,739 --> 00:29:19,498 He had turned, 436 00:29:19,592 --> 00:29:21,074 And in your statement, 437 00:29:21,093 --> 00:29:23,010 He was 15 yards away from you. 438 00:29:27,658 --> 00:29:31,660 Fields: Mike, this is where it's time to lose your (bleep). 439 00:29:31,753 --> 00:29:34,271 I thought he had a gun on me and he could have killed me at any second. 440 00:29:37,851 --> 00:29:38,692 Abitol: But the only person 441 00:29:40,170 --> 00:29:43,280 Showing any degree of aggressive conduct 442 00:29:45,009 --> 00:29:47,576 Is not mr. Allen, it's you. Fair statement? 443 00:29:49,863 --> 00:29:53,682 No. I had to shoot him in self-defense. 444 00:29:53,775 --> 00:29:55,534 Fields: No, this is where you say, 445 00:29:55,686 --> 00:29:58,278 -(smacks table) -"I was afraid for my life. He was fixing to kill me. 446 00:29:58,372 --> 00:29:59,871 "I thought I was gonna die." 447 00:29:59,965 --> 00:30:01,882 (dramatic music playing) 448 00:30:11,218 --> 00:30:12,976 (intense music playing) 449 00:30:15,481 --> 00:30:17,272 Ward: The trial is finally starting today. 450 00:30:18,392 --> 00:30:19,483 Been a long time coming. 451 00:30:20,894 --> 00:30:22,611 A lot of pressure. Lot of stress. 452 00:30:23,823 --> 00:30:26,898 My nerves are shot. 453 00:30:26,992 --> 00:30:28,659 This is harder than I thought it would be. 454 00:30:31,313 --> 00:30:33,738 Fields: Defending someone who is on trial for murder, 455 00:30:33,891 --> 00:30:36,575 Who could literally spend the rest of their life in prison 456 00:30:36,727 --> 00:30:39,628 Comes with incredible pressure and stress. 457 00:30:44,068 --> 00:30:47,493 I fight as hard as I possibly can. 458 00:30:47,513 --> 00:30:49,346 I fight with everything that I have. 459 00:30:50,908 --> 00:30:52,591 Ward: Your mind's never at ease. 460 00:30:52,743 --> 00:30:54,184 You're always thinking about going to prison. 461 00:30:55,412 --> 00:30:56,353 I just want it to be over with. 462 00:30:58,006 --> 00:30:58,856 Fields: Are we ready? 463 00:31:00,100 --> 00:31:01,859 (suspenseful music playing) 464 00:31:23,048 --> 00:31:25,457 Fields: The prosecution said to the jury, 465 00:31:25,609 --> 00:31:31,537 Michael ward took a deer rifle and went onto his property to hunt sean allen. 466 00:31:31,557 --> 00:31:35,893 He tried to indicate that there was absolutely no struggle over the gun, 467 00:31:36,120 --> 00:31:37,561 Which couldn't be further from the truth. 468 00:31:52,819 --> 00:31:55,913 Fields: The state is working overtime to try to keep out 469 00:31:56,064 --> 00:32:00,042 Evidence regarding sean allen's extracurricular activities. 470 00:32:02,254 --> 00:32:06,331 That is problematic because mike was afraid of sean, 471 00:32:06,483 --> 00:32:08,425 By and large, because of his criminal history. 472 00:32:10,504 --> 00:32:11,762 He was a career criminal. 473 00:32:13,157 --> 00:32:14,765 He'd been to prison multiple times. 474 00:32:16,326 --> 00:32:20,586 He was terrorizing an entire town 475 00:32:20,606 --> 00:32:27,427 And that all factors into mike's beliefs about his safety on the day of the shooting. 476 00:32:27,521 --> 00:32:30,188 We have to get it in front of the jury as soon as possible. 477 00:32:30,340 --> 00:32:32,115 (intense music playing) 478 00:33:06,376 --> 00:33:07,967 Fields: If the jury doesn't understand 479 00:33:07,987 --> 00:33:09,611 That he was in fear for his life, 480 00:33:11,306 --> 00:33:13,490 That is a failed self-defense, 481 00:33:16,053 --> 00:33:17,828 And that amounts to a conviction. 482 00:33:20,332 --> 00:33:21,498 Damn it. 483 00:33:29,900 --> 00:33:31,675 (suspenseful music playing) 484 00:33:42,337 --> 00:33:44,079 Fields: Did you sleep last night? 485 00:33:44,097 --> 00:33:45,671 Not too good, to be honest. 486 00:33:45,766 --> 00:33:48,191 -Yep. -Nerves, I guess. 487 00:33:48,418 --> 00:33:50,935 -I recommend that you don't eat. -Okay. 488 00:33:51,030 --> 00:33:53,271 The art of war says you never eat in battle. 489 00:33:53,423 --> 00:33:55,032 I... 490 00:33:55,183 --> 00:33:58,160 And I find that the hungrier I get, the meaner I get, so... 491 00:34:04,192 --> 00:34:07,602 Fields: Mike's performance in the mock was less than stellar, 492 00:34:07,621 --> 00:34:09,337 And I'm being kind there. 493 00:34:11,775 --> 00:34:14,959 If mike folds in his testimony, 494 00:34:15,112 --> 00:34:17,962 I think that could send him to prison. 495 00:34:18,115 --> 00:34:21,800 He has to tell his story and bring the jury into his mind 496 00:34:21,952 --> 00:34:23,185 And make them feel what he felt. 497 00:34:24,045 --> 00:34:25,854 (tense music playing) 498 00:34:39,060 --> 00:34:40,577 Ward: It was rough. 499 00:34:43,749 --> 00:34:46,249 It's not easy to sit there. You're under scrutiny. 500 00:34:47,644 --> 00:34:49,252 You can feel their eyes on you. 501 00:34:52,407 --> 00:34:54,482 Fields: Mike performed beautifully. 502 00:34:54,501 --> 00:34:57,485 He told his story with emotion. 503 00:34:57,504 --> 00:35:00,580 He held it together honestly better than I expected him to. 504 00:35:00,599 --> 00:35:02,157 And I believe that 505 00:35:02,175 --> 00:35:03,583 He's probably saved his life 506 00:35:03,602 --> 00:35:04,559 A second time. 507 00:35:06,012 --> 00:35:07,896 (intense music playing) 508 00:35:10,517 --> 00:35:11,850 Ward: Yeah. 509 00:35:11,944 --> 00:35:14,686 So we're gonna... (clears throat) go back in... 510 00:35:14,780 --> 00:35:15,779 Ward: Mm-hmm. 511 00:35:17,007 --> 00:35:18,281 ...And I think we're gonna rest. 512 00:35:20,844 --> 00:35:24,770 I almost want to blindside them with "we rest." 513 00:35:24,790 --> 00:35:26,848 But I'm gonna try to do it fast, okay? 514 00:35:26,867 --> 00:35:29,775 -Okay. -'cause I want to rest today. 515 00:35:29,795 --> 00:35:30,752 Okay, I trust you. 516 00:35:32,022 --> 00:35:32,963 Okay, let's do this. 517 00:35:37,285 --> 00:35:39,094 (dramatic music playing) 518 00:35:46,036 --> 00:35:48,370 Tell us the story and let us make a decision. 519 00:35:48,463 --> 00:35:50,872 That's typically what juries want, 520 00:35:50,891 --> 00:35:52,482 And that's essentially what we've done today. 521 00:36:00,141 --> 00:36:00,991 Bailiff: All rise. 522 00:36:05,980 --> 00:36:07,998 -Judge gore: Be seated. Thank you very much. -(door closes) 523 00:36:12,820 --> 00:36:15,063 Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, 524 00:36:15,081 --> 00:36:18,175 You will now listen to the argument of counsel. 525 00:36:18,326 --> 00:36:21,085 Miss fields, you may close on behalf of the defendant. 526 00:36:21,180 --> 00:36:22,179 Yes, ma'am, thank you. 527 00:36:23,998 --> 00:36:27,851 Ladies and gentlemen, the truth is like a lion. 528 00:36:28,078 --> 00:36:30,687 You turn it loose and it will defend itself. 529 00:36:32,599 --> 00:36:35,750 In the interview, he said repeatedly, 530 00:36:35,769 --> 00:36:39,754 "I was afraid for my life. I was scared." repeatedly. 531 00:36:39,773 --> 00:36:42,941 And you watched his demeanor change on the stand 532 00:36:43,035 --> 00:36:45,368 In talking about the struggle over the gun. 533 00:36:45,520 --> 00:36:49,021 And the realization that, "if he gets this gun away from me, 534 00:36:49,041 --> 00:36:50,540 "he was gonna kill me with my own gun." 535 00:36:53,361 --> 00:36:56,696 You heard him talk about mustering every bit of strength that he had 536 00:36:56,715 --> 00:36:59,865 To get that gun back away from this man, 537 00:36:59,885 --> 00:37:02,277 In a fight for his life. 538 00:37:02,295 --> 00:37:06,389 And he ran back up on the trail and sean allen was turning around, he could see him. 539 00:37:08,952 --> 00:37:10,969 And he said he raised his gun and he shot it 540 00:37:11,121 --> 00:37:13,137 And he intended to do so, 541 00:37:13,290 --> 00:37:17,567 Because he believed that that person was coming back for him. 542 00:37:19,738 --> 00:37:23,556 Ladies and gentlemen, I want justice for michael ward. 543 00:37:23,575 --> 00:37:25,967 What justice looks like in this case 544 00:37:25,986 --> 00:37:28,078 Is michael ward walking out these doors a free man. 545 00:37:36,329 --> 00:37:38,088 (suspenseful music playing) 546 00:37:41,593 --> 00:37:45,320 Let's just say sean allen was absolutely trespassing. 547 00:37:45,338 --> 00:37:48,156 Let's say he was absolutely stealing trees. 548 00:37:48,174 --> 00:37:51,159 That that angered mr. Ward. 549 00:37:51,177 --> 00:37:54,345 He was frustrated. Law enforcement was doing nothing about it. 550 00:37:54,439 --> 00:37:57,399 Michael ward decided he was gonna put an end to it. 551 00:37:59,427 --> 00:38:00,610 Michael ward went out there 552 00:38:00,837 --> 00:38:04,430 Fully planning on finding sean allen. 553 00:38:04,449 --> 00:38:07,175 If sean would have hit the ground and said, "you're right, you got me." 554 00:38:07,268 --> 00:38:08,451 Maybe that's where it would have ended. 555 00:38:10,347 --> 00:38:11,288 But no way. 556 00:38:12,958 --> 00:38:14,791 Sean was a runner. Ran from the law. 557 00:38:17,687 --> 00:38:18,628 Michael ward knew that. 558 00:38:23,117 --> 00:38:24,968 He told you in front of this court 559 00:38:25,119 --> 00:38:27,470 That he had the deliberate intent to kill sean allen. 560 00:38:27,622 --> 00:38:28,471 He said that. 561 00:38:29,808 --> 00:38:33,793 If you believe everything he said, 562 00:38:33,812 --> 00:38:36,813 He is guilty of murder in the first-degree. 563 00:38:39,392 --> 00:38:40,775 That boy deserves justice. 564 00:38:42,379 --> 00:38:43,320 And you give it to him. 565 00:38:48,234 --> 00:38:49,159 (ward whispering) 566 00:38:51,979 --> 00:38:52,829 (fields whispering) 567 00:39:03,342 --> 00:39:09,587 Fields: Waiting for the verdict is the most intense pressure that I've ever felt. 568 00:39:09,739 --> 00:39:12,182 Mike's innocent, he doesn't deserve prison, 569 00:39:13,852 --> 00:39:16,978 But I feel very good about this case. 570 00:39:18,598 --> 00:39:19,522 Now we wait. 571 00:39:21,267 --> 00:39:23,526 (suspenseful music playing) 572 00:39:24,604 --> 00:39:26,363 (cell phone ringing) 573 00:39:26,514 --> 00:39:27,530 (fields clears throat) 574 00:39:28,367 --> 00:39:29,366 Hello? 575 00:39:35,782 --> 00:39:36,706 We have a verdict. 576 00:39:58,288 --> 00:40:00,121 Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, 577 00:40:00,214 --> 00:40:01,456 Have you reached a verdict? 578 00:40:01,474 --> 00:40:02,565 (jury foreperson speaking) 579 00:40:10,316 --> 00:40:12,634 Ladies and gentlemen, is this in fact your verdict? 580 00:40:12,652 --> 00:40:13,701 (jury foreperson speaking) 581 00:40:16,322 --> 00:40:19,082 We will have the court clerk publish the verdict. 582 00:40:21,903 --> 00:40:23,828 Court clerk: "the state of oklahoma, plaintiff, 583 00:40:23,980 --> 00:40:26,589 "vs. Michael ward, defendant, 584 00:40:26,816 --> 00:40:30,743 "verdict, count one, murder in the first degree, 585 00:40:30,762 --> 00:40:35,765 "we the jury in the above-entitled cause do, upon our oath, find as follows: 586 00:40:38,828 --> 00:40:43,273 "defendant is guilty and fixed punishment at life and no fine." 587 00:40:51,450 --> 00:40:53,616 Judge gore: Does either side wish to poll the jury? 588 00:40:53,768 --> 00:40:54,617 No, ma'am. 589 00:41:00,959 --> 00:41:05,128 Judge gore: Mr. Ward, the jury of your peers has made a determination 590 00:41:05,279 --> 00:41:08,798 That you are in fact guilty of murder in the first degree. 591 00:41:08,950 --> 00:41:11,025 You're remanded to the custody of the sheriff. 592 00:41:11,118 --> 00:41:13,261 We are in recess. Thank you. 593 00:41:14,139 --> 00:41:15,972 (mournful music playing) 594 00:41:18,034 --> 00:41:18,975 (fields whispering) 595 00:41:27,727 --> 00:41:29,969 (chains clinking) 596 00:41:29,988 --> 00:41:31,488 Fields: The verdict means mike dies in prison. 597 00:41:33,717 --> 00:41:35,717 A sweet old man comes to oklahoma 598 00:41:35,735 --> 00:41:39,387 To spend the remainder of his years in peace, 599 00:41:39,405 --> 00:41:42,457 And now he is spending them in the penitentiary. 600 00:41:49,156 --> 00:41:51,007 I don't know that I'll ever bounce back from this. 601 00:41:58,742 --> 00:42:03,311 The jury did not understand the threats that mike faced from sean allen. 602 00:42:05,098 --> 00:42:09,767 The judge did not allow us to get into his meth use. 603 00:42:09,861 --> 00:42:16,181 We weren't allowed to let the jury know that he was high on meth at the time. 604 00:42:16,201 --> 00:42:19,035 I don't think they were allowed to know the whole story. 605 00:42:22,690 --> 00:42:26,100 The plan at this point is to launch an appeal for mike 606 00:42:26,193 --> 00:42:29,528 To try to get him a new trial. 607 00:42:29,548 --> 00:42:33,550 I feel like this was the worst miscarriage of justice that I've ever seen.