Summary

After the Reverend was killed, there seemed to be mixed feelings. Although people were terrified of him while he was alive, “half of eastern Alabama showed up to his wake” (110). At his wake, however, many people did not want to go on the record talking to reporters about Maxwell. Some people felt safer now that he was dead, but many did not, worried that he might come back to haunt them or that there were still accomplices. Some maintained his innocence, saying that he was “killed by public opinion” (111). On the other hand, many lawmen were upset about his death because they felt like they were “deprived of the chance to finally bring him to justice,” as Shirley’s case was the first that was ruled a homicide (112).

Tom defended his role in Maxwell’s case. He claimed...