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(suspenseful music playing)
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(man speaking)
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(policeman speaking)
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(man speaking)
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Man: I am being accused
of something I had nothing
to do with.
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If I lose and I go
spend 15 years in a cell...
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(bleep)
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Max: My name is max hiltner,
I'm a criminal defense lawyer.
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I'm currently representing
ramon nieves,
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He's charged
with felonious assault.
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Basically causing,
or attempting to cause
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Serious physical harm
to another person.
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In this case, shooting someone
in the face with a shotgun.
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And if he's convicted,
ramon's looking at 15 years
in prison.
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The shooting took place
in athens, ohio,
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In January of 2017.
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The victim's alex andrews.
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As he's doing the dishes,
he gets shot through the window
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In the left side of his face
with birdshot.
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So it's small pellets
that hit him right in the eye...
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And caused a lot of damage.
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He was a tattoo artist.
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He had to sell that business,
he can't do it anymore
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Because he's blind
in the left eye,
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And then his right eye,
he's partially blind,
but he survived.
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The prosecution investigated
this case for a couple of years.
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It wasn't until two
confidential informants,
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Ramon's friends,
found themselves arrested,
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About to be charged,
and to get out of it
they said,
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"oh, we know about
a shooting in athens, ohio,
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"and we know who did it."
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And they said ramon's name.
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After that the police got
a search warrant for ramon's
dad's hunting cabin,
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And they found the shotgun,
they determined it to be
the attempted murder weapon,
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And they have the shotgun shell
found at the scene.
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It has ramon's
dna and fingerprints on it.
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(suspenseful music playing)
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From a jury's standpoint,
there's a lot
of physical evidence,
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And it seems pretty,
you know, open and shut
that ramon did this.
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00:03:07,746 --> 00:03:11,523
But ramon's been adamant
the entire time he is innocent,
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That he was in columbus
the day of the shooting.
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So, we think that
ramon was set up.
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The problem is with the facts
and all the physical evidence,
I'd say at best,
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Twenty-five percent chance
that ramon doesn't
get convicted.
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I 100% believe
ramon' s innocent.
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But it's an extremely
tough case to win.
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(somber piano music playing)
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Ramon: It's really, like,
a first-grade science
experiment. (snickers)
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Come on, buddy.
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Yeah, we got power.
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That to me is a little victory.
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Boredom is a hell of a thing.
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And all the science books
I have, story of electricity,
elements, basic physics.
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Something that keep me occupied.
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So, this is a g.P.S. Monitor.
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I have a 300-foot radius
around my house.
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That's as far as I can go.
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Um... There's no curfew.
I'm just here.
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Trapped in my house.
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I'm not much of a homebody,
that person. I'm more...
Get out, do things.
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Now, I'm just here.
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Kind of in a fish bowl.
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I spent the last two years,
before this whole
incident happened,
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Trying to build my career,
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Working with different
human rights groups.
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Definitely the happiest
times of my life.
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I was actually at a point
where it was starting
to take off,
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And then everything
just got stripped away.
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It's ruined my career.
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Put a strain on all
my relationships, basically.
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This has ruined
who I am as a person.
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I didn't do this.
I wasn't there.
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(dramatic music playing)
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-Max.
-Ramon. What's up, man?
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-How's it going, man?
-Good, man.
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All right, ramon,
so we're here today
to talk about the charges
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That you currently
have against you.
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So you've got
the felonious assault,
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And that you used a gun
to shoot alex andrews.
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00:06:02,863 --> 00:06:04,446
Where were you
at the time of the shooting?
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I would have been in columbus.
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Columbus which is a little over
an hour away from athens.
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-Did you know alex andrews?
-Ramon: No.
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Ramon: I've only ever
met him once.
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I know of the guy.
I mean, he runs a tattoo parlor
in athens.
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Max: Okay.
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Felonious assault
is punishable by...
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Up to eight years
in prison, okay?
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And then there's
a firearm specification,
because they're alleging
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That you used
a gun, you know,
to commit this crime.
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That's an additional mandatory
three years, okay?
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And because
they say you tampered
with your ankle bracelet,
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That is tampering with evidence.
So, that's punishable
by three years,
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And then they are saying
you damaged the device.
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Vandalism is punishable
by up to one year.
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That's how we get
to a total of 15 years of total
potential liability.
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I think...
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The tampering with evidence
and the vandalism
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Shows just the lengths that
the state's willing to go
to get you on something.
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-Right.
-Okay?
101
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Because I think we both agree
that it's total bs.
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Yeah.
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The way they identified you
as a suspect in this case
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Is based on the testimony
of two old friends,
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These confidential informants,
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Who were trying to get out
of different charges,
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Told investigators that
you had something to do
with this.
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Based on what these people
told investigators,
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They searched
your dad's hunting cabin,
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And tested one of the shotguns.
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And that shotgun
was shown to be the weapon
that shot alex andrews.
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They were able to prove
that based on pinpoint
or firing pin impressions,
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'cause every firearm leaves
a certain pin impression
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And the shell casing
left at the scene
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Had that pin impression
from the gun in your dad's
hunting cabin.
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The shell casings
also have your dna
and fingerprints on them.
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But you've been adamant
from the very beginning
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That you were set up,
that you did not do this.
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So, how are we going to explain
that your fingerprints and dna
get on the shell casing?
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Ramon: That's simple.
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I handle all the shells.
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I mean, everything there
at our property is inventoried,
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And I am the one who does that.
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What do you guys do
with the shotgun shells
that you've already shot?
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Any spent casings,
if we find them, we...
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Generally tend to pick them up,
throw them away.
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Uh, well,
we keep them in our property.
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Okay.
129
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So, you mean, throw them away,
you just put them in--
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-You just mean put them
in the trashcan on the property.
-Yeah. Yeah, we got a bin.
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-Did anybody else have access,
uh, to the hunting cabin?
-Yes.
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Other individuals.
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(suspenseful music playing)
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Max: Did the confidential
informants have access?
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00:09:01,933 --> 00:09:02,707
Yeah.
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00:09:04,786 --> 00:09:07,879
-So, the cis
could have set you up.
-That's what I'm thinking.
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00:09:11,200 --> 00:09:12,942
Max: I'm gonna be super
honest with you.
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The forensic evidence
looks really bad on the surface,
okay?
139
00:09:16,539 --> 00:09:18,723
And the prosecution's gonna want
the jury to believe
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That based on that
evidence alone, you're guilty.
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We got a rough hill to climb,
but we tell your story
to the jury,
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And I think they're going
to see that other people
had access to the dome,
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And, you know,
had means and opportunity,
you know, to set you up.
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Ramon: Thanks, max.
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Max: Jurors love
to see the forensics
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And here they have
the smoking gun.
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00:09:45,252 --> 00:09:47,160
On the shell casing
at the scene of the shooting,
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Is ramon's dna and fingerprints.
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00:09:50,406 --> 00:09:53,258
This is an extremely
strong forensic case,
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But we just have to prove
that he was set up,
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Which is going
to be very difficult.
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Ramon's life's on the line.
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00:10:00,325 --> 00:10:05,178
Ramon: I am being accused
of shooting a person
I have met one time,
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00:10:05,272 --> 00:10:07,513
Someone who I had nothing
to do with.
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00:10:07,666 --> 00:10:09,833
And I'm looking
at 15 years of my life,
156
00:10:09,851 --> 00:10:13,186
Plus the years of my life
they've already taken.
157
00:10:13,280 --> 00:10:17,431
The prosecutors
aren't interested in justice
or the truth.
158
00:10:17,525 --> 00:10:21,769
They're just interested
in a body, and currently,
I am that body.
159
00:10:21,863 --> 00:10:23,788
So, I'm terrified about prison.
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00:10:36,544 --> 00:10:40,287
Max: Ramon's charged
with felonious assault
for allegedly shooting
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00:10:40,307 --> 00:10:43,141
Alex andrews in the face
with a shotgun.
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00:10:43,292 --> 00:10:46,478
And if he's convicted,
he's looking at 15 years
in prison.
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00:10:56,231 --> 00:10:59,899
We know where ramon
was working the day that
alex andrews was shot.
164
00:11:00,051 --> 00:11:02,402
He was working on the west side
of columbus,
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00:11:02,554 --> 00:11:05,405
Several hours away at a hotel.
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00:11:05,499 --> 00:11:10,317
The prosecution are alleging
that ramon drove from columbus,
to the hunting cabin,
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00:11:10,337 --> 00:11:13,320
Picked up a gun,
went to the victim's house,
168
00:11:13,340 --> 00:11:18,584
Shot him in the face,
then drove back to columbus
in time, that night,
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To start his shift
the next morning at 6 a.M.
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00:11:25,501 --> 00:11:27,243
So, I've got to sit down
with ramon,
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Go over that route with him,
and see if it's even possible.
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00:11:33,026 --> 00:11:35,268
So, ramon,
we know based
on your work records,
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00:11:35,362 --> 00:11:37,270
Which we have,
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00:11:37,422 --> 00:11:42,033
That you worked the shift
before alex andrews
was shot in columbus
175
00:11:42,260 --> 00:11:44,351
And then you worked
a shift after...
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00:11:44,371 --> 00:11:45,704
-Right.
-...Alex andrews was shot.
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00:11:48,934 --> 00:11:52,669
The state believes
this is the route you took
to go shoot alex andrews.
178
00:11:53,714 --> 00:11:57,790
So, to go from your work
179
00:11:57,943 --> 00:12:00,885
To the hunting cabin,
where they say you
went to go get the gun.
180
00:12:01,037 --> 00:12:04,964
Then they say from there you
went to go shoot alex andrews,
181
00:12:05,058 --> 00:12:07,283
And then from there,
went back to the hunting cabin,
182
00:12:07,302 --> 00:12:09,302
Dropped the gun back off again.
183
00:12:09,454 --> 00:12:11,788
And then went
from your hunting cabin...
184
00:12:11,806 --> 00:12:14,640
To your house
in the west side of columbus.
185
00:12:14,735 --> 00:12:17,051
So, that entire trip,
186
00:12:17,070 --> 00:12:20,646
No stops, no nothing,
no delays, no gas...
187
00:12:20,741 --> 00:12:24,634
Is eight hours and 42 minutes,
and it's 538 miles.
188
00:12:24,652 --> 00:12:26,319
My car can't even do that.
189
00:12:26,471 --> 00:12:28,488
Yeah, well,
that actually brings me
to my next question.
190
00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:30,081
What kind of car
were you driving at that time?
191
00:12:30,233 --> 00:12:31,583
Uh, cavalier.
192
00:12:32,419 --> 00:12:34,235
Okay.
193
00:12:34,329 --> 00:12:36,646
So, it's just a two wheel drive,
front wheel drive car, right?
194
00:12:36,739 --> 00:12:39,549
Yeah. And I'm pretty sure
it only can get 300 miles
out of a tank.
195
00:12:41,261 --> 00:12:43,410
Max: What's the driveway
made of up to the hunting cabin?
196
00:12:43,505 --> 00:12:44,670
Because I know it's very rural.
197
00:12:44,765 --> 00:12:46,005
It's just dirt.
198
00:12:46,157 --> 00:12:47,490
I mean, there's a little bit
of gravel on it,
199
00:12:47,583 --> 00:12:48,992
But most of it is washed away.
200
00:12:49,085 --> 00:12:50,769
Okay. Is it hilly? Is it flat?
201
00:12:50,920 --> 00:12:52,437
And, uh, it's hilly.
202
00:12:52,588 --> 00:12:54,421
It's beat up.
203
00:12:54,441 --> 00:12:56,015
Max: Would your car
be able to get up there?
204
00:12:56,167 --> 00:12:57,667
Ramon: If it's wet, zero chance.
205
00:12:57,685 --> 00:12:59,185
(suspenseful music playing)
206
00:12:59,337 --> 00:13:01,762
Max: Well,
this is ohio in January.
207
00:13:01,782 --> 00:13:03,673
There's likely at least snow.
208
00:13:03,691 --> 00:13:05,933
Would you have been able
to get your car up there
in January?
209
00:13:05,952 --> 00:13:07,677
No. You need a truck.
210
00:13:07,695 --> 00:13:10,789
-Okay. Did you have
a truck at the time?
-No.
211
00:13:11,016 --> 00:13:12,290
Ramon: If the car can't get up,
you gotta walk.
212
00:13:13,460 --> 00:13:15,184
Could you have walked it
at the time?
213
00:13:15,203 --> 00:13:17,353
No. My leg was messed up.
214
00:13:17,446 --> 00:13:18,538
-You were injured?
-Yeah.
215
00:13:18,690 --> 00:13:19,872
What did you do to your leg?
216
00:13:20,025 --> 00:13:22,191
I got injured in an accident.
217
00:13:22,285 --> 00:13:23,301
I'm pretty sure I was still
on a cane.
218
00:13:24,362 --> 00:13:25,878
I did get an x-ray.
219
00:13:25,972 --> 00:13:29,307
-They told me that I probably
tore my acl.
-Okay.
220
00:13:29,458 --> 00:13:32,368
-So, your car can't get up
the driveway in January?
-No way.
221
00:13:32,461 --> 00:13:35,204
-You physically couldn't get up
the driveway in January?
-Definitely not.
222
00:13:35,223 --> 00:13:37,874
(suspenseful music playing)
223
00:13:37,967 --> 00:13:41,486
Max: They have nothing
that puts you in athens
or doing this trip.
224
00:13:41,637 --> 00:13:42,654
You'd have to keep
a low profile.
225
00:13:42,805 --> 00:13:44,638
No speeding tickets.
226
00:13:44,732 --> 00:13:47,492
Not captured at any gas stations
or anything like that.
No receipts.
227
00:13:47,643 --> 00:13:50,644
You know, refueling.
I mean, nothing.
228
00:13:50,664 --> 00:13:53,331
So, yeah, I think mapping
this out is extremely helpful.
229
00:13:53,558 --> 00:13:55,834
If it's impossible
for you to have done it,
230
00:13:56,061 --> 00:13:57,669
It really puts a hole
in their case.
231
00:14:03,492 --> 00:14:05,343
(dramatic music playing)
232
00:14:12,001 --> 00:14:15,186
Max: I mean,
look at how we're bouncing
around. This is insane.
233
00:14:27,516 --> 00:14:32,704
The confidential informants,
these ci's say that
ramon drove out here
234
00:14:32,931 --> 00:14:38,042
On this road in January
where there would have been
snow on the ground.
235
00:14:38,194 --> 00:14:41,880
There's no way he made
this drive in a cavalier.
No way.
236
00:14:49,114 --> 00:14:50,555
It's a lot bigger
than I thought it would be.
237
00:14:50,706 --> 00:14:54,300
It is. It's crazy that ramon
and his dad built this place.
238
00:14:54,394 --> 00:14:56,895
Max: Yeah.
239
00:14:57,046 --> 00:15:01,048
What we want to prove
as part of this elaborate setup
was that the ci's
240
00:15:01,067 --> 00:15:05,737
Could have come
out here at any point in time,
picked an ejected shotgun shell
241
00:15:05,964 --> 00:15:08,389
Out of one of ramon's guns
that's on the ground.
242
00:15:08,483 --> 00:15:12,135
-Lauren: Yeah
-max: And that would have
ramon's dna on it.
243
00:15:12,228 --> 00:15:15,972
-Right here on this panel,
that's all bird shot.
-Lauren: Yeah.
244
00:15:16,065 --> 00:15:17,898
On the pin there,
that's bird shot.
245
00:15:17,918 --> 00:15:21,310
So same type of ammunition
used to shoot alex andrews.
246
00:15:21,329 --> 00:15:22,253
So, right here.
247
00:15:26,668 --> 00:15:30,428
Yeah. Right here.
We've got a little remington,
uh, .223 round
248
00:15:30,579 --> 00:15:33,414
Now it has my touch dna
on it because we're just
dealing with skin cell dna.
249
00:15:33,433 --> 00:15:37,677
-Lauren: Yeah.
-Max: But this has
whoever's dna shot it, on it.
250
00:15:37,829 --> 00:15:40,754
Lauren: We know that
the ci's had access,
251
00:15:40,774 --> 00:15:45,276
But their dna
was never tested against
the bullet. Is that right?
252
00:15:45,428 --> 00:15:49,005
No, they just tested against
ramon and it had ramon's dna.
253
00:15:49,023 --> 00:15:51,449
But it's his gun
and he's out here
shooting stuff all the time.
254
00:15:51,600 --> 00:15:53,785
Like this,
I guarantee if we tested,
it has ramon's dna on it.
255
00:16:04,522 --> 00:16:05,421
Hey, max.
256
00:16:07,801 --> 00:16:10,860
Max: And there's
the shell casing.
Where are those at?
257
00:16:10,878 --> 00:16:12,211
-Lauren: In the trash.
-Max: Really?
258
00:16:12,363 --> 00:16:13,713
Yeah.
259
00:16:13,807 --> 00:16:16,307
These, 100%, would have
somebody's dna on it.
260
00:16:16,534 --> 00:16:20,794
So if the ci's came up here,
they would know that
ramon picks up his empties,
261
00:16:20,814 --> 00:16:24,040
Throws them in the trash.
So they wouldn't even have to go
scouring the field.
262
00:16:24,058 --> 00:16:24,983
They could walk right over,
263
00:16:26,635 --> 00:16:27,819
Pick out of the trash,
264
00:16:27,970 --> 00:16:29,654
The box of spent shells,
265
00:16:29,805 --> 00:16:32,565
Carry it with them,
drop it at the scene
of the shooting.
266
00:16:32,717 --> 00:16:34,884
And boom, you've got a suspect.
267
00:16:34,977 --> 00:16:38,145
Lauren: I think those are
the exact same type of
the spent shell casing
268
00:16:38,164 --> 00:16:39,813
That was found
at the scene, right?
269
00:16:39,833 --> 00:16:41,958
Max: They are,
and these are birdshot.
270
00:16:42,669 --> 00:16:44,168
This is huge.
271
00:16:44,395 --> 00:16:46,337
We've got to document
this for trial
272
00:16:46,564 --> 00:16:47,672
Because these are
exhibits we can use.
273
00:16:48,750 --> 00:16:50,991
Oh, we got another one.
274
00:16:51,011 --> 00:16:54,754
Today we learned that
it's entirely possible that
275
00:16:54,906 --> 00:16:57,515
The two ci's set ramon up
for the shooting
276
00:16:57,742 --> 00:17:00,167
Which is the whole theory
of our case.
277
00:17:00,186 --> 00:17:03,021
Anybody could pick up
any of these spent
shell casings,
278
00:17:03,248 --> 00:17:06,673
Any of these spent cartridges,
and that they would have
ramon's dna on them,
279
00:17:06,693 --> 00:17:08,267
And put it
wherever they wanted to.
280
00:17:08,361 --> 00:17:10,753
So that's all anybody
would have to do.
281
00:17:10,846 --> 00:17:12,697
It's totally possible that
282
00:17:12,848 --> 00:17:15,324
Ramon's dna
gets to the crime scene,
and he was never there.
283
00:17:26,212 --> 00:17:27,937
-Ramon: Hey
-hey, son, how you doing?
284
00:17:27,955 --> 00:17:29,672
Ramon: I'm good.
How are you, man?
Good to see you.
285
00:17:41,061 --> 00:17:45,229
You're in trouble now, boy.
No, your not... (laughs)
286
00:17:45,456 --> 00:17:47,640
Ramon: My dad's
one of my best friends.
287
00:17:47,792 --> 00:17:49,233
He's definitely a hero of mine.
288
00:17:51,296 --> 00:17:53,863
He's always had my back,
no matter how weird it's gotten.
289
00:17:54,890 --> 00:17:56,557
I mean, financially,
290
00:17:56,651 --> 00:17:59,318
There's no way I could have
done this without him.
291
00:17:59,470 --> 00:18:02,805
Um, I could not
afford max as a lawyer.
292
00:18:02,824 --> 00:18:05,658
All that takes money
and that's money he's saved up
293
00:18:05,810 --> 00:18:09,587
For his retirement
and now it's being spent
towards this case.
294
00:18:11,740 --> 00:18:13,091
Ah, checkmate.
295
00:18:14,335 --> 00:18:16,819
He's got me beat. Done for.
296
00:18:16,838 --> 00:18:18,930
(both laugh)
297
00:18:19,081 --> 00:18:20,431
-Good game.
-Antonio: That was good.
298
00:18:22,251 --> 00:18:24,393
(somber music playing)
299
00:18:26,088 --> 00:18:26,896
Antonio: Ramon is a go getter,
300
00:18:27,607 --> 00:18:28,439
He's a hard worker
301
00:18:29,016 --> 00:18:30,499
And so...
302
00:18:30,518 --> 00:18:32,944
Being cooped up in the house,
under house arrest
303
00:18:33,095 --> 00:18:36,339
-For two years now,
two and a half years...
-Ramon: Yeah, roughly.
304
00:18:36,432 --> 00:18:37,240
...Has been very difficult.
305
00:18:39,101 --> 00:18:41,435
I worry about you going to jail,
306
00:18:41,529 --> 00:18:45,456
I know that being in jail
is a "dog eat dog" situation.
307
00:18:47,034 --> 00:18:47,792
What are your fears?
308
00:18:50,371 --> 00:18:52,421
I mean, obviously,
I'm worried about
going to prison.
309
00:18:53,967 --> 00:18:57,135
And, you know,
it's a harsh environment.
310
00:19:00,531 --> 00:19:01,430
Antonio:
It's a dangerous situation.
311
00:19:04,627 --> 00:19:05,476
See you soon.
312
00:19:07,981 --> 00:19:09,814
Having one of your children
accused of doing
313
00:19:09,965 --> 00:19:13,225
A crime and having to spend
numbers of years in jail
314
00:19:13,378 --> 00:19:15,778
Is a very stressful
and it's very painful.
315
00:19:17,732 --> 00:19:19,973
I'm thinking about my son
and how I can help him the most
316
00:19:20,067 --> 00:19:21,492
In this dire situation.
317
00:19:23,721 --> 00:19:25,997
He's a people's person,
he's always out making friends.
318
00:19:27,000 --> 00:19:29,000
He's a good kid.
319
00:19:29,151 --> 00:19:31,836
The system has never been
for black or puerto ricans.
320
00:19:31,987 --> 00:19:35,064
He could be treated differently
because of his color.
321
00:19:35,082 --> 00:19:36,966
I'm worried about him going
to prison and never coming out.
322
00:19:41,514 --> 00:19:43,973
(dramatic music playing)
323
00:20:00,349 --> 00:20:03,259
Max:
The confidential informants,
ramon's friends,
324
00:20:03,352 --> 00:20:07,187
Are the ones that started
the whole investigation
into ramon.
325
00:20:07,207 --> 00:20:09,356
Sometimes informants
are confidential
326
00:20:09,375 --> 00:20:11,876
Because they know the person
that they are pointing
the finger at.
327
00:20:12,954 --> 00:20:15,104
It could just be john doe,
328
00:20:15,122 --> 00:20:17,197
A law-abiding citizen
who is coming forward,
329
00:20:17,217 --> 00:20:19,550
But is sort of afraid
of retribution,
330
00:20:19,702 --> 00:20:21,368
Doesn't want
their name out there.
331
00:20:21,387 --> 00:20:23,279
Or it could be like
a jailhouse snitch
332
00:20:23,297 --> 00:20:25,130
That's coming forward, you know,
333
00:20:25,225 --> 00:20:27,783
To sort of lighten a sentence
or get out of trouble.
334
00:20:27,802 --> 00:20:28,951
-Hey, lauren.
-Lauren: Hey.
335
00:20:29,044 --> 00:20:30,061
Ready to dig into these tapes?
336
00:20:30,972 --> 00:20:32,855
-Lauren: I am.
-Good.
337
00:20:36,294 --> 00:20:37,293
Max: Our theory is that
338
00:20:37,386 --> 00:20:39,962
Ramon was set up by these two.
339
00:20:39,981 --> 00:20:42,147
So seeing how credible
they are is everything,
340
00:20:42,300 --> 00:20:43,741
Because that's the story
we're going to tell to the jury.
341
00:20:57,924 --> 00:21:00,758
So both these ci friends
of ramon,
342
00:21:00,985 --> 00:21:03,168
Uh, are basically saying
he shot him
343
00:21:03,263 --> 00:21:06,413
And that he confessed
this to us at a party.
344
00:21:06,432 --> 00:21:11,602
And then they say
ramon and the victim
have, like, a woman in common.
345
00:21:14,515 --> 00:21:17,016
It sounds like
there was some bad blood
for a while between them.
346
00:21:17,110 --> 00:21:19,001
Max: Yeah.
347
00:21:19,020 --> 00:21:21,112
If you believe them,
ramon's the new boyfriend
trying to protect
348
00:21:22,023 --> 00:21:23,281
His new girlfriend.
349
00:21:24,450 --> 00:21:26,175
That gives the motive
350
00:21:26,193 --> 00:21:28,344
That we didn't know before.
351
00:21:28,437 --> 00:21:30,679
If there's a woman in common,
352
00:21:30,698 --> 00:21:34,016
Potentially some overlap,
maybe the prosecution's
going to say that's the motive.
353
00:21:34,109 --> 00:21:36,018
When it turns
into a thing about a girl
354
00:21:36,037 --> 00:21:39,297
That becomes a more clear,
understandable, relatable,
355
00:21:40,133 --> 00:21:41,132
Believable motive.
356
00:21:42,710 --> 00:21:46,286
These guys are
really tough witnesses for us.
357
00:21:46,380 --> 00:21:49,473
I mean, if the fingerprints
and the dna weren't
damning enough...
358
00:21:50,626 --> 00:21:52,535
Max: These two ci's
359
00:21:52,553 --> 00:21:53,602
Could really sink our case.
360
00:22:02,380 --> 00:22:04,213
Max: So both
these confidential informants,
361
00:22:04,231 --> 00:22:06,473
These ci's, are basically saying
362
00:22:06,492 --> 00:22:10,661
Ramon and the victim
have, like, a woman in common.
363
00:22:12,147 --> 00:22:13,622
-And that is not good for us.
-No.
364
00:22:16,318 --> 00:22:17,893
Max: The thing
that bothers me is
365
00:22:17,912 --> 00:22:21,005
The detail of the shooting that
only the shooter would know.
366
00:22:21,566 --> 00:22:23,490
Mm-hm.
367
00:22:23,509 --> 00:22:26,802
The ci says where
the shooter was positioned,
which we know is true.
368
00:22:28,997 --> 00:22:30,348
The kitchen window, right?
369
00:22:30,575 --> 00:22:33,834
Max: Yeah, outside
the kitchen window.
370
00:22:33,853 --> 00:22:36,579
And then
the most important thing,
which again,
371
00:22:36,597 --> 00:22:39,081
I think, is terrible for us is,
372
00:22:39,100 --> 00:22:42,918
He describes the shooter
shooting him once
373
00:22:42,937 --> 00:22:46,012
And then going to shoot him
with a second shot,
374
00:22:46,032 --> 00:22:51,260
But the gun jammed and that
the second round ejected
375
00:22:51,353 --> 00:22:52,286
And then was left on the ground.
376
00:22:53,931 --> 00:22:56,765
Those are extremely
accurate details
377
00:22:56,784 --> 00:22:58,767
That nobody knows
378
00:22:58,786 --> 00:23:01,295
Except for the shooter,
or somebody that was there.
379
00:23:03,457 --> 00:23:06,792
So, either ramon actually said
this stuff to these ci's
380
00:23:06,944 --> 00:23:09,128
Or these ci's were there.
381
00:23:09,280 --> 00:23:11,347
That's the only
other possible explanation.
382
00:23:13,117 --> 00:23:15,059
They have been picked up
in a criminal matter.
383
00:23:16,229 --> 00:23:18,378
And they're telling this story
384
00:23:18,398 --> 00:23:20,639
-As sort of
a get-out-of-jail-free card.
-Yeah.
385
00:23:20,733 --> 00:23:23,125
The only other alternative
is these two did it
386
00:23:23,144 --> 00:23:26,145
And are setting up ramon.
That's the only thing.
But that is...
387
00:23:26,297 --> 00:23:29,131
-That is a tall order to get
a jury to believe.
-Yeah
388
00:23:29,150 --> 00:23:31,725
Because it's ramon's dna
and fingerprints
389
00:23:31,819 --> 00:23:34,245
On the shell casing
at the scene.
390
00:23:34,472 --> 00:23:36,305
And if there's a woman
in common,
391
00:23:36,323 --> 00:23:38,641
Maybe the prosecution's going
to say that's the motive,
392
00:23:38,659 --> 00:23:40,993
And that's going to be
very bad for us.
393
00:23:41,145 --> 00:23:43,587
So we've got to talk
to ramon about this
394
00:23:43,739 --> 00:23:46,257
Because we have
to assume these are people
that are going to testify
395
00:23:46,484 --> 00:23:48,050
And we have to know
how to respond.
396
00:23:51,764 --> 00:23:55,015
(dramatic music playing)
397
00:24:12,343 --> 00:24:14,677
Max: So we've got
two confidential informants.
398
00:24:14,770 --> 00:24:17,103
Okay? We have
their audio recordings.
399
00:24:17,198 --> 00:24:18,939
Lauren and I sat down with them
400
00:24:18,958 --> 00:24:21,274
And listened to them
from start to finish.
401
00:24:21,294 --> 00:24:24,703
These people say
some very damaging things
against you.
402
00:24:24,797 --> 00:24:28,707
They provide pretty much
everything the prosecution
needs to know to lock you up.
403
00:24:28,801 --> 00:24:31,451
(dramatic music playing)
404
00:24:31,471 --> 00:24:33,378
They claim to know the motive
405
00:24:33,473 --> 00:24:36,307
For you to supposedly
shoot alex andrews, the victim.
406
00:24:38,144 --> 00:24:41,645
The fact that, um,
you and he shared
the same girlfriend.
407
00:24:42,873 --> 00:24:44,707
Right.
408
00:24:44,725 --> 00:24:47,226
This is really bad for us,
if it's true.
409
00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:49,153
The fact that
you two dated the same girl
410
00:24:50,323 --> 00:24:51,547
At some point in time.
411
00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:54,233
-Years apart.
-Years apart. Okay.
412
00:24:54,327 --> 00:24:58,237
Ramon: She dated him four years
before her and I even met.
413
00:24:58,331 --> 00:25:00,998
Max: Okay, so there's
no overlap in the relationship?
414
00:25:01,149 --> 00:25:04,335
Ramon: Not at all.
I've only ever met him once.
415
00:25:07,915 --> 00:25:09,423
Max: Is there anything else
I need to know?
416
00:25:11,902 --> 00:25:13,827
Ramon: I really don't even know
what the hell's going on.
417
00:25:13,921 --> 00:25:17,765
I'll tell you the same thing
I told the detectives.
It's a setup.
418
00:25:18,684 --> 00:25:19,600
Okay.
419
00:25:22,096 --> 00:25:23,854
The prosecution categorized
420
00:25:24,081 --> 00:25:27,858
These two ci's as subjects
of a criminal matter.
421
00:25:31,255 --> 00:25:34,606
Obviously, the information
that they're sharing
is very bad for you, okay?
422
00:25:34,759 --> 00:25:38,110
But the information
that they're sharing
is also very good for them.
423
00:25:38,262 --> 00:25:42,706
Okay? Because the only reason
to share this information
is to sort of help themselves
424
00:25:42,858 --> 00:25:45,025
Because they can potentially
get charges dismissed,
425
00:25:45,044 --> 00:25:46,544
They can get a shorter sentence.
426
00:25:46,695 --> 00:25:49,288
They have a lot of motive.
427
00:25:49,382 --> 00:25:52,883
So that's all stuff that
we can cross-examine
them with at trial.
428
00:25:53,110 --> 00:25:55,277
We can affect
their credibility at trial.
429
00:25:55,370 --> 00:25:57,629
The jury is going to look
at them much differently
430
00:25:57,723 --> 00:26:01,116
Than if they're just
a concerned citizen
coming forward
431
00:26:01,135 --> 00:26:02,059
With information.
432
00:26:03,470 --> 00:26:06,955
Because I do think knowing that
433
00:26:07,049 --> 00:26:11,569
Makes our theory of a setup
much more plausible
and much more likely.
434
00:26:11,796 --> 00:26:13,629
It also makes
what they have to say
435
00:26:13,722 --> 00:26:15,739
Much less credible,
in my opinion.
436
00:26:15,966 --> 00:26:18,742
And I believe we can,
you know, sell that to
the jury as well, okay?
437
00:26:18,969 --> 00:26:19,868
Ramon: Okay.
438
00:26:24,250 --> 00:26:26,417
(somber music playing)
439
00:26:40,082 --> 00:26:43,267
Ramon: Hey, ma,
dinner in, like, ten.
440
00:26:43,418 --> 00:26:44,893
-Mother: Yeah, that's fine.
-Ramon: All right.
441
00:27:00,344 --> 00:27:03,362
Ramon: So my mom
needs me to cook for her
442
00:27:03,456 --> 00:27:06,457
Because of her vision,
it's deteriorating.
443
00:27:06,684 --> 00:27:08,867
She's got a few
health complications.
444
00:27:09,019 --> 00:27:10,961
She had a stroke
a few years back
445
00:27:11,188 --> 00:27:13,464
And she's at high risk
for strokes again.
446
00:27:13,691 --> 00:27:14,923
I'm her caretaker.
447
00:27:17,119 --> 00:27:19,261
So, (sighs) you know,
if things go south at trial,
448
00:27:21,198 --> 00:27:22,097
I don't know what
she's going to do.
449
00:27:23,792 --> 00:27:25,309
I hope that she can
take care of herself.
450
00:27:26,387 --> 00:27:28,203
That worries the hell out of me.
451
00:27:28,222 --> 00:27:29,563
That's one of the things
that makes me angry, too.
452
00:27:32,042 --> 00:27:35,069
Any time I can't support her,
I get mad.
453
00:27:42,403 --> 00:27:44,828
Mother: Bless me father
for this meal we are about
to receive
454
00:27:45,055 --> 00:27:50,167
There's just one thing
our bodies want to your wealth,
in jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
455
00:27:50,394 --> 00:27:53,820
Ramon: This whole situation
is backwards.
456
00:27:53,839 --> 00:27:57,733
It's just a bunch of criminals
trying to get away with this
and throw me under the bus.
457
00:27:57,826 --> 00:27:59,584
Can you pass me
the hot sauce please?
458
00:27:59,737 --> 00:28:01,345
-Mother: Uh, which one?
-Green.
459
00:28:02,589 --> 00:28:04,014
They want to frame me for this,
460
00:28:04,241 --> 00:28:06,350
Then let them do the work.
Let's go to trial.
461
00:28:17,087 --> 00:28:18,921
All right. So it looks like
we are coming up
462
00:28:19,014 --> 00:28:21,532
On the house here on the left.
463
00:28:31,693 --> 00:28:36,529
So the prosecution's alleging
that ramon parked his car
up that hill.
464
00:28:36,623 --> 00:28:39,775
Um, there's a little alleyway
back behind this house.
465
00:28:39,793 --> 00:28:42,702
I think that's the alley
they're talking about.
466
00:28:42,722 --> 00:28:45,447
Lauren: Oh, I see that there.
Yeah, there's like a...
467
00:28:45,466 --> 00:28:48,708
-Max: There is an alley.
-Lauren: A gravel path there.
Yeah.
468
00:28:48,728 --> 00:28:51,286
Max: You know, it seems
like what the state's theory is,
469
00:28:51,379 --> 00:28:55,399
He parked over there,
stood in wait outside
the back of the house,
470
00:28:55,550 --> 00:28:57,459
Waiting for him to come
into the kitchen
471
00:28:57,552 --> 00:28:59,903
And then shot him, you know,
point blank in the face
with the shotgun.
472
00:29:04,985 --> 00:29:06,985
I think what's interesting,
though, is how close
473
00:29:07,079 --> 00:29:09,037
And how on top of each other
all these houses are.
474
00:29:12,476 --> 00:29:14,585
This is a college neighborhood,
475
00:29:14,812 --> 00:29:19,147
So it's not weird for people
to be up at like 1:30
in the morning.
476
00:29:19,241 --> 00:29:21,908
So I think it's strange,
there's no witnesses
that saw anything,
477
00:29:21,927 --> 00:29:25,763
Heard anything or saw anybody
running away or limping away
478
00:29:25,990 --> 00:29:28,265
Because we know ramon
would have been limping
because he had the bad leg
479
00:29:28,492 --> 00:29:30,342
And he was using a cane
at the time.
480
00:29:30,494 --> 00:29:33,419
-Um...
-You'd think the police would
have found at least one witness
481
00:29:33,439 --> 00:29:35,755
That could say, " yeah, I saw
a red cavalier was parked
482
00:29:35,849 --> 00:29:38,066
-In the back of my house
or in front of my house.
-Max: Right.
483
00:29:39,686 --> 00:29:44,339
So, I took a look
at the 911 dispatch transcript.
484
00:29:44,432 --> 00:29:47,117
The shooting happened
at, like, 1:52.
485
00:29:47,269 --> 00:29:49,845
Uh, the call came
into the police at 1:54,
486
00:29:49,938 --> 00:29:51,696
And they were dispatched then.
487
00:29:51,849 --> 00:29:56,184
And then the first officer
is clocked in at getting here
at 1:55.
488
00:29:56,203 --> 00:29:59,187
So the police, like,
arrived at the scene
within three minutes
489
00:29:59,206 --> 00:30:01,189
Of the actual shooting.
490
00:30:01,208 --> 00:30:05,618
So, the perpetrator would have
had to flee like, super,
super-fast.
491
00:30:05,712 --> 00:30:08,955
I mean, you would still be--
you'd be hearing
the sirens coming
492
00:30:09,049 --> 00:30:11,049
And that the person would still
be fleeing at the same time.
493
00:30:11,201 --> 00:30:12,434
That's how tight of a timeline
they were on.
494
00:30:15,205 --> 00:30:17,147
I don't think it's possible
ramon could have done this,
495
00:30:17,299 --> 00:30:20,392
Just given his physical ailments
at the time, with his bad knee.
496
00:30:20,486 --> 00:30:22,969
It would have required him
to carry a shotgun,
497
00:30:22,988 --> 00:30:26,472
Park his car, and then go up
that slippery, muddy hill,
498
00:30:26,492 --> 00:30:29,618
Um, to his car and drive away
undetected. I just don't think
it's possible.
499
00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:42,172
(cell phone ringing)
500
00:30:50,850 --> 00:30:52,182
Okay, cool. Sounds good.
501
00:30:53,427 --> 00:30:54,810
All right. Bye-bye.
502
00:31:01,509 --> 00:31:02,860
So, I've just heard
from the prosecutors.
503
00:31:03,011 --> 00:31:04,753
They've just reached out
and offered
504
00:31:04,771 --> 00:31:06,922
A pretty appealing plea bargain.
505
00:31:07,015 --> 00:31:09,015
Two and a half years in prison
506
00:31:09,034 --> 00:31:11,684
And pay the victim,
alex andrews,
507
00:31:11,778 --> 00:31:13,495
$100,000, restitution.
508
00:31:26,110 --> 00:31:28,051
I think it's an extremely
good offer.
509
00:31:28,203 --> 00:31:31,613
I was shocked
that the prosecution
was willing to make that offer.
510
00:31:31,632 --> 00:31:34,132
It's something ramon's
really got to consider.
511
00:31:34,226 --> 00:31:36,968
You know, he's looking
at 15 years in prison,
512
00:31:37,062 --> 00:31:39,045
If he goes to trial
and is convicted on everything.
513
00:31:39,064 --> 00:31:41,899
So I've texted ramon
to call me asap,
514
00:31:42,126 --> 00:31:43,734
And I'm just waiting
on that call now.
515
00:31:45,646 --> 00:31:47,571
I think we've gotten this offer
516
00:31:47,722 --> 00:31:50,908
Because the prosecution's
getting a little more nervous
about their case
517
00:31:51,135 --> 00:31:53,318
And seeing that,
"hey, look, you know,
518
00:31:53,470 --> 00:31:55,895
"we do have
two confidential informants
519
00:31:55,989 --> 00:32:00,825
"that have a lot of reasons
to lie and a lot of reasons
to point the finger at ramon."
520
00:32:00,978 --> 00:32:05,981
They're worried that, uh,
potentially, ramon
could walk, entirely,
521
00:32:05,999 --> 00:32:09,668
If they put these,
these couple of witnesses
on the stand.
522
00:32:09,820 --> 00:32:12,930
So, I think they finally decided
to make us a somewhat
reasonable offer.
523
00:32:16,084 --> 00:32:18,343
(cell phone ringing)
524
00:32:18,437 --> 00:32:21,087
-Hey, ramon, how you doing, bud?
-(ramon speaking over phone)
525
00:32:21,181 --> 00:32:23,682
Yeah. So I just got off
the phone with the prosecution.
526
00:32:23,834 --> 00:32:28,186
Um, they are offering,
in exchange for a plea
to the felonious assault,
527
00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:32,432
And criminal damage,
two and a half years in prison,
528
00:32:32,451 --> 00:32:38,513
And restitution of approximately
$100,000 to alex andrews.
529
00:32:38,532 --> 00:32:40,015
(ramon speaking over phone)
530
00:32:40,033 --> 00:32:42,626
So, I know with trial coming up,
that's a big decision,
531
00:32:42,777 --> 00:32:45,704
But the prosecution
is going to want an answer
essentially right away.
532
00:32:45,856 --> 00:32:48,206
And so that's where they're at.
533
00:32:48,300 --> 00:32:50,025
I mean, what are you feeling?
What's your initial instinct
534
00:32:50,118 --> 00:32:51,426
Hearing, you know,
what that offer is?
535
00:33:01,872 --> 00:33:05,816
Max: The prosecution
are offering a pretty
appealing plea bargain.
536
00:33:05,967 --> 00:33:11,804
Two and a half years in prison
and restitution of $100,000.
537
00:33:11,824 --> 00:33:14,449
What's your initial instinct
hearing, you know,
what that offer is?
538
00:33:19,481 --> 00:33:20,739
(ramon speaking over phone)
539
00:33:20,833 --> 00:33:23,500
(ramon sighs and continues
speaking over phone)
540
00:33:31,159 --> 00:33:32,342
Okay. All right.
541
00:33:32,569 --> 00:33:34,327
So, all right.
We'll just, you know--
542
00:33:34,346 --> 00:33:36,571
Do me a favor, ramon,
shoot that to me in an email,
543
00:33:36,590 --> 00:33:39,332
You know, and then
I'll email her right away.
544
00:33:39,351 --> 00:33:41,259
-Okay?
-(ramon speaking over phone)
545
00:33:41,411 --> 00:33:42,853
All right. Take it easy.
Bye-bye.
546
00:33:46,416 --> 00:33:49,417
Max: Well,
I'm somewhat surprised.
547
00:33:49,436 --> 00:33:53,513
The entire time ramon's been
adamant he's going to trial,
548
00:33:53,607 --> 00:33:57,183
But it seems ramon's weighed
the risks associated with it
549
00:33:57,202 --> 00:34:01,096
And has decided that,
you know, the sure thing of
two and a half years
550
00:34:01,189 --> 00:34:02,539
Is pretty appealing to him.
551
00:34:04,268 --> 00:34:06,526
Limiting his risk from 15 years
552
00:34:06,545 --> 00:34:09,862
To two and a half and being able
to move on with his life,
553
00:34:09,882 --> 00:34:12,624
You know, before he's 30,
have a family
554
00:34:12,776 --> 00:34:15,052
And, you know,
get his career going again.
555
00:34:15,279 --> 00:34:17,445
I think he's making
the right choice.
556
00:34:17,464 --> 00:34:18,889
It's a tough choice.
But I think it's the right one.
557
00:34:21,451 --> 00:34:24,953
All right.
So I just sent that email
off to the prosecutor.
558
00:34:25,046 --> 00:34:28,231
So, um, I don't really think
there's anything else
to button up
559
00:34:28,383 --> 00:34:30,125
Other than signing
the final paperwork.
560
00:34:30,143 --> 00:34:34,071
We have a deal, in principle,
and case is over.
561
00:34:45,066 --> 00:34:47,475
(cell phone ringing)
562
00:34:47,569 --> 00:34:48,977
Max: Hey, ramon, what's up, bud?
563
00:34:48,995 --> 00:34:51,088
(ramon speaking over phone)
564
00:34:55,502 --> 00:34:57,243
Max: Okay.
565
00:34:57,262 --> 00:34:59,596
I mean, I guess I just kind of
want to know your rationale.
566
00:35:00,841 --> 00:35:02,265
(ramon speaking over phone)
567
00:35:04,770 --> 00:35:05,769
-Uh-huh.
-(ramon speaking over phone)
568
00:35:07,998 --> 00:35:09,272
-All right.
-(ramon speaking over phone)
569
00:35:12,260 --> 00:35:14,352
Ramon, I'm just--
I'm very confused
570
00:35:14,446 --> 00:35:17,948
Because you represented that
this was a done deal.
571
00:35:18,099 --> 00:35:21,025
I let them know that, you know,
I tell them that we're
good to go.
572
00:35:21,178 --> 00:35:23,027
The prosecution relies on that.
573
00:35:23,122 --> 00:35:25,080
And, you know,
they relayed that to the victim.
574
00:35:26,700 --> 00:35:28,608
(ramon speaking over phone)
575
00:35:28,627 --> 00:35:31,628
Okay, well, I--
I think you just need
to sleep on it.
576
00:35:31,779 --> 00:35:35,023
If you're open to that,
let's just reconvene tomorrow.
577
00:35:35,116 --> 00:35:38,360
You, me and your dad.
Let's get on the phone
and let's talk this out.
578
00:35:38,378 --> 00:35:40,786
You know, I know this is
a tough decision, but, you know,
579
00:35:40,806 --> 00:35:43,882
I think before I tell them
what you want me to,
I think we all got to talk.
580
00:35:44,034 --> 00:35:46,034
-Okay? All right.
-(ramon speaking over phone)
581
00:35:46,052 --> 00:35:48,145
All right. Talk to you tomorrow.
Bye-bye.
582
00:35:53,226 --> 00:35:54,151
(exhales)
583
00:35:56,880 --> 00:36:01,716
It's so frustrating
because this is really going to
piss the prosecutors off. 100%.
584
00:36:01,809 --> 00:36:05,720
Um, you know,
what they could do,
is they could re-indict him.
585
00:36:05,739 --> 00:36:08,556
They could re-indict him
with attempted murder.
586
00:36:08,575 --> 00:36:11,393
You know, then his 15 years
of potential prison
587
00:36:11,486 --> 00:36:14,504
Could turn into several
more decades.
588
00:36:14,731 --> 00:36:16,339
It is really
going to anger them.
589
00:36:16,491 --> 00:36:18,675
And it's really going
to harm ramon, I think.
590
00:36:33,358 --> 00:36:35,025
(exhales)
591
00:36:38,363 --> 00:36:40,255
For the last
two and a half years,
592
00:36:40,273 --> 00:36:43,516
I've pretty much
told myself every day
593
00:36:43,535 --> 00:36:44,367
That I would fight this.
594
00:36:49,023 --> 00:36:50,040
I don't know.
595
00:36:58,458 --> 00:37:03,278
At least if I fight them,
I can say that I tried.
596
00:37:03,296 --> 00:37:05,222
And I didn't just roll over
and give up.
597
00:37:06,950 --> 00:37:08,391
(exhales)
598
00:37:08,543 --> 00:37:09,684
But, um...
599
00:37:12,622 --> 00:37:16,066
If I lose, I'm really screwed.
600
00:37:20,146 --> 00:37:21,813
Just everything about this
just screams, like,
601
00:37:21,965 --> 00:37:24,574
They don't really
have it together.
602
00:37:24,801 --> 00:37:26,743
'cause I think
if we really presented it,
603
00:37:29,230 --> 00:37:30,080
I could clear my name.
604
00:37:33,085 --> 00:37:35,043
Everyone I've talked to
wants me to sleep on this.
605
00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,588
I've slept on it
for two and a half years.
606
00:37:42,002 --> 00:37:43,093
I want to fight this case.
607
00:38:14,518 --> 00:38:15,417
Ramon: I talked to some friends.
608
00:38:17,445 --> 00:38:18,586
I talked to my mother.
609
00:38:19,856 --> 00:38:22,465
I talked to my old man.
610
00:38:22,692 --> 00:38:25,302
Everybody seems to think
the best course of action
is to take this deal.
611
00:38:27,881 --> 00:38:29,139
I'm not inclined to agree.
612
00:38:31,643 --> 00:38:32,809
I'd rather go down fighting.
613
00:38:35,314 --> 00:38:37,314
I could roll the dice and, uh...
614
00:38:39,484 --> 00:38:40,317
I could lose.
615
00:38:41,878 --> 00:38:43,153
And my parents are old.
616
00:38:46,140 --> 00:38:49,659
And my dad is my hero
and my mother's done
everything she can.
617
00:38:51,813 --> 00:38:53,121
She's a good woman.
618
00:38:55,075 --> 00:38:56,291
(exhales)
619
00:38:58,486 --> 00:39:01,338
If I lose,
then I go spend 15 years
in a (bleep) cell.
620
00:39:02,916 --> 00:39:04,174
And, if my mother dies...
621
00:39:09,739 --> 00:39:10,805
(sobbing)
how could I forgive myself?
622
00:39:25,030 --> 00:39:26,196
(bleep)
623
00:39:33,113 --> 00:39:34,371
(cries)
624
00:39:35,765 --> 00:39:36,706
(sobs)
625
00:39:45,384 --> 00:39:46,549
Damn it!
626
00:40:11,410 --> 00:40:13,317
Max: Today is ramon's
plea decision.
627
00:40:13,470 --> 00:40:15,895
Only he can make that decision.
628
00:40:15,914 --> 00:40:18,581
So we're about to go in there
and ramon's going to
learn his fate.
629
00:40:20,401 --> 00:40:22,660
Ramon's got
an extremely good offer.
630
00:40:22,812 --> 00:40:25,571
But I can't tell him what to do.
631
00:40:25,590 --> 00:40:29,759
Accepting this deal,
he'd be a convicted felon
for the rest of his life.
632
00:40:29,911 --> 00:40:32,503
But if he goes to trial
and is convicted on everything,
633
00:40:32,597 --> 00:40:35,098
He's looking at
at least 15 years in prison.
634
00:40:35,249 --> 00:40:38,101
So, it's an incredibly
difficult decision to make.
635
00:40:41,106 --> 00:40:43,347
Ramon: I've been playing this
over in my mind a lot.
636
00:40:43,500 --> 00:40:46,834
There is a lot of emotions
going on.
637
00:40:46,853 --> 00:40:47,944
A lot of things going
through my head.
638
00:40:53,359 --> 00:40:55,693
Everything about this situation
makes me angry.
639
00:40:55,845 --> 00:40:57,454
But I can't afford
to be angry right now.
640
00:41:10,193 --> 00:41:11,801
(suspenseful music playing)
641
00:41:38,555 --> 00:41:40,330
(melancholic music playing)
642
00:41:54,738 --> 00:41:57,405
We had to watch ramon
go away in handcuffs.
643
00:41:57,498 --> 00:42:00,408
Had to watch him, you know,
tear up saying goodbye
to his dad.
644
00:42:00,501 --> 00:42:01,518
It was just very emotional.
645
00:42:03,930 --> 00:42:06,748
But, you know,
at the same time,
this was a decision
646
00:42:06,766 --> 00:42:08,691
That was made,
not about himself,
but about his family.
647
00:42:11,846 --> 00:42:14,179
It is a tough pill to swallow.
648
00:42:14,199 --> 00:42:17,942
But they were threatening
to re-indict him with
attempted murder.
649
00:42:18,094 --> 00:42:20,370
They could have stacked all that
on top of him at trial
650
00:42:20,597 --> 00:42:22,096
And he'd be doing
decades in prison.
651
00:42:22,115 --> 00:42:23,498
That would ruin his life.
652
00:42:27,361 --> 00:42:29,620
Ramon: I took
the deal because it was
the least risky thing
653
00:42:29,773 --> 00:42:31,214
I could do in this situation.
654
00:42:33,885 --> 00:42:38,221
I'd rather go down fighting,
but, um, both my parents
are old.
655
00:42:38,372 --> 00:42:41,299
There's a time to be selfish
and there's a time to not be.
656
00:42:41,393 --> 00:42:42,725
That's what I'm going to keep
in my mind.