Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

The next edition of Willie's paper led with the story of the Rhoda's rape and murder. It included pictures of Rhoda, as well as photos of Padgitt in handcuffs with blood all over him. Using primarily unnamed sources, Willie recounted the entire story of how the crime happened. He included pictures of the crime scene and Rhoda's house. He had no idea the backlash would be so strong and quick.

The morning the paper came out, Willie was at the Ford County courthouse for the bail hearing. As Willie was sitting waiting for court to convene, Lucien Wilbanks, the defense lawyer, walked over and began yelling and waving a copy of the Times. He accused Willie of sensationalism and yellow journalism and threatened to file suit against him. The judge entered the courtroom, and the bail hearing began. Bail would only...