narrator: IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
THE PEOPLE ARE REPRESENTED
BY TWO SEPARATE YET EQUALLY IMPORTANT GROUPS:
THE POLICE, WHO INVESTIGATE CRIME
AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, WHO PROSECUTE THE OFFENDERS.
THESE ARE THEIR STORIES.
WE WEREN'T FLAPPING IN THE WIND, OR ANYTHING.
-WE WERE LYING ON OUR STOMACHS. -YOU WERE LYING ON HERSTOMACH.
THAT WAS TOTALLY INNOCENT.
HEY, LOOK, PAL, IN THIS HEAT
I DON'T SEE HOW YOU COULD DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.
BUT YOU WERE, AND IT'S GOING TO COST YOU 75 BUCKS.
THIS REALLY CHEWS.
-[ rapid gunfire] -SHOTS!
[ gunfire and screaming]
WHAT'S GOING ON? WHAT'S GOING ON?
BACK THERE! HE'S SHOOTING EVERYBODY!
THIS IS PARK-10! WE HAVE SHOTS FIRED!
MAN WITH GUN BEHIND THE CONSERVATORY!
DON'T STOP. KEEP MOVING.
[ people screaming]
THIS IS PARK-10. WE GOT PEOPLE DOWN.
I SEE 15, 20...
WE'RE BEHIND THE CONSERVATORY.
WE'RE GOING TO NEED E.M.S. DOWN HERE BIG TIME!
[groaning and crying]
WITNESSES SAW A MALE WHITE
MID TO LATE 20s, AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
T-SHIRT, SHORTS, SUNGLASSES, BLUE BASEBALL CAP.
THE FASTEST WAY OUT OF THE PARK
IS THROUGH THE VANDERBILT GATE.
YOU GOT PEOPLE COVERING THAT AREA?
YES, SIR, CANVASSING FIFTH AVENUE.
FIRST SHOTS CAME FROM OVER THERE.
GUY JUST MOVED THROUGH THE CROWD
EMPTIED THE CLIP, RELOADED FROM A BLACK KNAPSACK.
WE GOT 11 PEOPLE DOWN.
WOUNDED ARE AT MOUNT SINAI.
SO, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO FIRST?
MAYBE THE GUY'S A.C. WENT ON THE FRITZ.
YOU THINK?
OH, GOD!
OH!
OH...
OH, NO! NO!
[crying]
OH, BABY. MY...
MY BABY.
[crying]
LET'S GO.
COME ON.
LET'S GO TALK TO SOME WITNESSES.
[theme music playing]
[theme music ends]
I GOT THREE KINDS OF PATIENTS DOWN HERE--
HYSTERICAL, UNCONSCIOUS AND EXPIRED.
YOU WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE, TRY X RAY, SECOND FLOOR.
EDDIE, THE ELEVATOR'S OVER HERE.
STAIRS ARE FASTER.
-HEY, LIEUT. -WHAT'S THE COUNT?
I HEARD 11 ON THE RADIO.
YEAH, PLUS FOUR HERE.
-FIFTEEN DEAD. -AND 12 WOUNDED.
WE'RE GOING UPSTAIRS
TO TALK TO ONE OF THE SURVIVORS.
Green: MS. DRAKE, I'M DETECTIVE GREEN.
THIS IS DETECTIVE BRISCOE
AND LIEUTENANT VAN BUREN.
CAN YOU TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?
YES, I THINK SO.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING?
LUCKY.
THERE WAS THIS GIRL LYING NEXT TO ME IN THE FIELD--
CLAUDIA SHUE.
I WAS SITTING WITH OUR GROUP.
WHAT GROUP IS THAT?
WE'RE PREMED AT HUDSON.
I HEARD THESE POPS AND LAURA FELL OVER.
THEN CLAUDIA... THERE WAS THIS GUY COMING TOWARDS US.
I GOT UP TO RUN, BUT MY LEG JUST GAVE OUT.
THIS GUY-- WHAT DID HE LOOK LIKE?
HE WAS WHITE. I BARELY SAW HIM.
I KEPT MY HEAD DOWN. I PLAYED DEAD.
HE WALKED RIGHT PAST ME, SHOOTING
AND MUTTERING STUFF.
MUTTERING WHAT?
"DAMN BITCHES."
HE JUST KEPT SAYING THAT.
"DAMN BITCHES."
THE WEAPON'S A NINE MILL S.M.G. FIRED AT FULL AUTO.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR A CONVERTED INGRAM OR A ROLF.
MOST OF THE DEAD AND WOUNDED ARE WOMEN?
ALL BUT TWO, AND THERE WERE PLENTY OF MEN TO SHOOT AT.
SEVENTEEN OF THE FEMALE VICTIMS WERE PREMED STUDENTS AT HUDSON.
THERE WERE THE FIRST ONES SHOT, RIGHT HERE.
SO THE GUY TROLLED THE PARK
FOR WOMEN TO SHOOT.
IS THERE A SKETCH?
YEAH, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE HALF THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM.
I GOT A CALL FROM THE DAILY NEWS.
THEY WANT TO RUN IT ON THE FRONT PAGE.
MEDIA CALLS GET ROUTED TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
THERE WAS A PERSONAL CONTACT.
I HOPE YOU DIDN'T MAKE ANY PROMISES
YOU CAN'T KEEP. QUESTIONS?
NO, BUT I THINK WE OUGHT TO RELEASE THE SKETCH.
IT'S TOO GENERIC.
THAT COULD WORK TO OUR ADVANTAGE.
IF THE GUY HAS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY
HE MIGHT MAKE A MISTAKE.
HE MIGHT MAKE ONE IF HE THINKS
THERE'S GOING TO BE A KNOCK ON HIS DOOR ANY MINUTE.
ANY OTHER GROUPS OF WOMEN IN THE AREA?
THERE WAS A SOCCER GAME IN THE EAST MEADOW.
YEAH, AND A BUNCH OF FLOWER SNIFFERS
FROM THE CONSERVATORY.
BUT HE CHOSE THESE PREMED STUDENTS.
LET'S FIND OUT WHO KNEW
THEY WERE MEETING IN THE PARK.
Woman: IT WAS AN ORIENTATION
TO DISCUSS GENDER ISSUES IN MED SCHOOL.
THERE WAS A FLYER ABOUT IT IN THE LOBBY.
YOU HAVE A COPY OF IT?
YEAH. SURE.
IT'S OKAY. TAKE YOUR TIME.
HOW LONG WAS THIS POSTED?
UH... A COUPLE WEEKS.
THIS SAYS THAT THE ORIENTATION
WAS BY THE POOL ON THE WEST SIDE.
HOW DID THEY END UP CLEAR ACROSS THE PARK?
THERE WERE PEOPLE PLAYING FRISBEE
SO WE HAD TO FIND SOMEPLACE ELSE.
OH, YOU WERE WITH THEM?
YES. WE HAD TO
WALK ACROSS THE PARK BEFORE WE FOUND SOMEPLACE QUIET.
WE HAD ALREADY WASTED HALF AN HOUR
AND I HAD TO LEAVE FOR A MEETING.
[ phone ringing]
I HAVE TO GET THAT.
ALL THESE PARENTS HAVE BEEN CALLING.
IF THE SHOOTER FOLLOWED THE GIRLS FROM THE WEST SIDE
THERE'S A CHANCE HE LEFT THAT WAY.
AND A CHANCE WE WERE LOOKING
ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE PARK.
I'LL BREAK THE NEWS TO THE LIEUTENANT.
THIS IS MR. GILBERT GOOBA.
N'GOUEBA. GILBERT N'GOUEBA, FROM THE IVORY COAST.
-FROM ABIDJAN? -YES. YOU KNOW ABIDJAN?
THE PARIS OF AFRICA. MY FATHER WORKED THERE.
YOU TOLD THE OFFICERS YOU SAW SOMETHING YESTERDAY?
YES. I SAW A WHITE MAN
IN SHORT PANTS RUN OUT OF THE PARK.
HE HAD BLOOD ON HIS SHORT PANTS.
HE WENT TO THE SUBWAY.
DID YOU GET A LOOK AT HIS FACE?
NOT VERY GOOD.
HE HAD BIG SUNGLASSES AND A BASEBALL HAT.
WAS HE CARRYING ANYTHING--
LIKE A BAG OR A KNAPSACK?
NO, NO. IF HE HAD A BAG, I'D SEE IT.
HE MUST HAVE DITCHED IT IN THE PARK.
THANKS.
Green: HEY, OLD SPICE
WHAT DID THE LIEUT TELL YOU ABOUT ME?
NOTHING.
DID SHE TELL YOU I DON'T LIKE NICKNAMES?
-YEAH? -YEAH.
"LENNIE" WILL DO.
THE OLD MAN USED TO WEAR OLD SPICE.
DETECTIVES!
BLACK KNAPSACK, RIGHT?
ROLF NINE MILL.
THERE'S STILL THREE FULL CLIPS IN HERE.
ALL RIGHT, CORDON OFF THE AREA AND RADIO C.S.U.
TELL THEM WE GOT A PICKUP FOR THE LAB.
I'LL TAKE IT IN, GET THEM TO HUMP RIGHT ON IT.
HEY, ED, IT'S AFTER 7:00.
YOU KNOW SHRIER'S NOT GOING TO LOOK AT IT TONIGHT.
SURE, SHE WILL.
[ door opens]
THE WEAPON, THE BAG
AND THE CLIPS WERE CLEAN FOR FINGERPRINTS.
AND THIS IS WHY YOU PAGED ME AT 6:00 A.M.?
THE GUY TRIED TO BURN THE SERIAL NUMBER OFF
BUT THE LAB RECOVERED IT.
THE GUN MANUFACTURER SAID
THE WEAPON WAS SOLD FOUR MONTHS AGO
TO A WHOLESALER IN PENNSYLVANIA.
THE CALLER I.D.
ON YOUR PAGE SHOWED A 609 AREA CODE.
WHERE WERE YOU? ATLANTIC CITY?
UH-HUH. WENT DOWN THERE LAST NIGHT TO PLAY SOME POKER.
OH, YEAH? HOW DID YOU DO?
I STARTED UP A CADILLAC, I FINISHED DOWN A ROLEX--
A STAINLESS STEEL ROLEX.
Shrier: OKAY, I DID A PROCTOSCOPY
ON OUR LITTLE PATIENT.
YOU SEE THESE STRAIGHT LINES ON THE INSIDE OF THE BARREL?
YEAH, WHAT ARE THEY-- SCRATCHES?
AFTER SHOOTING UP THE PARK
YOUR SUSPECT RAMMED A METAL FILE DOWN THE BARREL
TO DISTORT THE RIFLING.
MEANS THE BEST I CAN DO IS A 50% MATCH
TO THE SLUGS OF THE VICTIMS.
THIS GUY PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO IT.
HE USED FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT GRIPS
CONVERTED THE PIECE FROM A SEMI TO A FULL AUTO.
A REAL HANDYMAN, HUH?
WELL, ONCE YOU BUY THE CONVERSION KIT
ALL YOU NEED IS A SCREWDRIVER
A FILE AND A SOLDERING GUN.
20 MINUTES, YOU'RE READY TO MAKE HISTORY.
FIFTY ROLF NINES CAME IN BACK IN MARCH.
THE PIECE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, IT WENT OUT TWO MONTHS AGO
TO A FIREARMS DEALER IN READING.
-A LICENSED DEALER? -OF COURSE.
BY THE LAW, I CAN ONLY SELL
TO A FEDERALLY LICENSED DEALER.
WE NEED THE STORE'S ADDRESS.
-[keys clacking] -[computer beeps]
HE DOESN'T HAVE A STORE.
NOWHERE DOES IT SAY
I CAN ONLY SELL TO A DEALER WITH A STORE.
SO WHERE DOES HE SELL HIS GUNS--
OUT OF A GOOD HUMOR TRUCK?
THIS IS MY STORE.
I SELL THROUGH THE CLASSIFIEDS ON THE INTERNET.
AND THIS IS MY DEALER'S LICENSE.
AND WHERE ARE THE GUNS?
IN THERE.
DO YOU REMEMBER SELLING THIS GUN?
ROLF NINE.
THAT'S THE SERIAL NUMBER?
[ keyboard clicking]
UH, LOOK, GUYS
TECHNICALLY, YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR JURISDICTION.
I DON'T HAVE TO TALK TO YOU.
MAYBE IF YOU TOLD ME
WHAT'S SO IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS MERCHANDISE...
THIS "MERCHANDISE" WAS USED TO KILL 15 INNOCENT PEOPLE.
OH... WAIT. THIS IS THE CENTRAL PARK THING?
OH, SHOOT.
"OH, SHOOT"?
BY LAW, WHEN I SELL A GUN, I'M SUPPOSED TO SHIP IT
TO A LICENSED DEALER WHERE THE BUYER LIVES
SO THE BUYER CAN FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK.
BUT YOU DIDN'T DO THAT?
THIS GUY SAID HE WAS HOUSEBOUND
IN A WHEELCHAIR, AND SINCE THE SHIPPING ADDRESS MATCHED
HIS ADDRESS ON HIS CREDIT CARD...
YOU SHIPPED IT RIGHT TO HIM?
MAN, THAT LICENSE IS COMING OFF THE WALL.
HEY, RELAX. READ THE FEDERAL STATUTE.
IT'S BARELY A TRAFFIC TICKET.
SO YOU WANT THE GUY'S NAME OR WHAT?
[keyboard clacking]
IT'S LEE COATS. NEW YORK CITY.
PURCHASED A MONTH AGO.
POLICE! SEARCH WARRANT!
GO! GO! GO!
SOMEBODY OPEN A WINDOW.
WELL, SHE'S AT LEAST A COUPLE OF DAYS
PAST THE EXPIRY DATE.
-LOOKS LIKE A HEART ATTACK. -HEY, LENNIE.
-HELLO. EXCUSE ME. -WHO ARE YOU?
I'M MRS. FELDER. I LIVE ACROSS THE HALL.
OH, MY.
DO YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS?
YES. IT'S LEE. LEE COATS.
SHORT FOR LEEANNE?
YES. THIS IS TERRIBLE.
SHE LIVE HERE WITH ANYONE?
NO. SHE JUST GOT OUT
OF THE HOSPITAL TWO WEEKS AGO.
-WHAT HOSPITAL? -HUDSON PRESBYTERIAN.
SHE HAD A PACEMAKER PUT IN.
SHE WAS THERE FOR NEARLY A MONTH.
THE GUN WAS SHIPPED
WHILE THE OLD LADY WAS IN THE HOSPITAL.
SHIPPING COMPANY MADE TWO TRIPS TO HER APARTMENT.
NOBODY WAS HOME, SO THEY LEFT A SIGNATURE CARD.
THE NEXT DAY, THE CARD WAS SIGNED
-SO THEY LEFT THE PACKAGE. -A NEIGHBOR?
NOBODY WHO FITS THE DESCRIPTION.
NOW, HUDSON PRESBYTERIAN
IS THE TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR HUDSON.
THE VICTIMS WERE ALL PREMEDS AT HUDSON.
A HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE?
WHO HAD ACCESS TO HER CREDIT CARD.
SOMEBODY IN ADMITTING.
GOOD PLACE TO START. OH, BY THE WAY
DID YOU HAPPEN TO READ THE NEWS THIS MORNING?
IT'S PRETTY MUCH A REHASH
OF DEPARTMENTAL PRESS RELEASES, BUT THE FUNNY THING
THE ONLY NAME THEY MENTIONED WAS YOURS, DETECTIVE GREEN.
MAYBE 'CAUSE IT WAS EASY TO SPELL.
THIS LADY HAD MEDICARE, BLUE CROSS, C.N.A.
I DIDN'T NEED HER CREDIT CARD.
FIRST THING MY DOCTOR WANTS TO SEE
IS A SPECIMEN OF MY MONEY.
WHY ARE THERE TWO ADMITTING FORMS IN HERE
WITH TWO DIFFERENT DATES?
I FILLED OUT THIS ONE WHEN THE PARAMEDICS BROUGHT HER IN.
SHE DIDN'T HAVE HER INSURANCE CARDS
SO I COULDN'T PUNCH IN THE INFORMATION.
SHE'D LOST HER PURSE.
BUT YOU HAD ALL THE INFORMATION
BY THE TIME YOU FILLED OUT THE SECOND FORM?
THEY MUST HAVE FOUND HER PURSE.
-WHO'S "THEY"? -ASK SECURITY.
FOUND HER PURSE IN THE AMBULANCE THE NEXT DAY.
MUST HAVE FALLEN OFF THE STRETCHER.
JUST LIKE THAT?
YEAH. THINGS GOT A LITTLE CRAZY.
SHE FLATLINED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RUN.
OLD LADY'S GOT NINE LIVES.
EIGHT. IF YOU DON'T MIND, WE NEED TO TALK
TO YOUR PARTNER AT THE TIME.
DENNIS TROPE?
HE'S ON DISABILITY.
WHAT KIND OF DISABILITY?
SOMETHING WITH HIS NERVES.
IS HE EVER COMING BACK TO WORK?
I'VE BEEN HOLDING SOME STUFF
HE LEFT IN HIS LOCKER.
HE WAS SUPPOSED TO COME PICK IT UP.
"DON'T TRUST ANYTHING
THAT BLEEDS FOR FIVE DAYS AND LIVES."
HILARIOUS.
WE GOT A COUPLE LADY PARAMEDICS WORKING HERE.
DENNIS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THAT.
I DON'T KNOW HIS COMINGS AND GOINGS.
-IS THAT HIS? -YOU CAN'T LOOK IN THOSE.
JUST CHECK THE WARRANT, MRS. TROPE.
WHAT'S ALL THIS ABOUT?
IT'S ABOUT THE SHOOTINGS IN CENTRAL PARK.
THE ONE ALL THOSE GIRLS GOT KILLED?
OH, NO, NO. NOT DENNIS.
BASIC RESEARCH.
I GOT MEDICAL BOOKS IN HERE.
DENNIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DOCTOR.
HE'S ALMOST BEEN ACCEPTED AT HUDSON
BUT THEY GIVE PREFERENCE TO WOMEN.
MM-HMM. LOOK, MA'AM
IT'LL WORK OUT BETTER FOR DENNIS
IF YOU TELL US WHERE HE IS.
BUT I DON'T KNOW WHERE HE IS.
WHAT? HE DIDN'T CALL ASKING ABOUT THIS?
DISABILITY CHECK.
SO IS HE COMING HERE OR ARE YOU MEETING HIM?
YOU KNOW, WE GOT TRIGGER-HAPPY PEOPLE ON THE FORCE.
IF WE HAVE TO GO FIND HIM,
HE'S LIKELY TO GET HIMSELF SHOT.
IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?
Mrs. Trope: THAT'S HIM-- OVER THERE.
HE'S GOT A GUN!
DON'T DO THAT. DON'T DO THAT.
STAY AWAY FROM ME!
[gunshot]
[Trope screaming]
Trope: OH, GOD, I'M DYING!
YOU AIN'T DYING, MAN! IT'S JUST A SCRATCH!
YOU GET NOTHING UNTIL I GET A STATEMENT FROM YOU
ABOUT THOSE GIRLS YOU SHOT!
I WANT HELP.
YOU GOT TO TAKE ME TO A HOSPITAL!
YOU WANT TO GO TO A HOSPITAL?
SAY THE MAGIC WORDS.
SAY THE MAGIC WORDS!
NO, STOP! IT HURTS!
SAY THE MAGIC WORDS! "I SHOT THE WOMEN!"
Mrs. Trope: OH, PLEASE, STOP HIM!
-GET HIM AWAY FROM MY SON! -ALL RIGHT.
ALL RIGHT, ED. LAY OFF HIM.
EDDIE, COME ON, COME ON, LET HIM GO.
YOUR SON'S GETTING MEDICAL TREATMENT, MRS. TROPE.
I DON'T KNOW WHEN YOU CAN TALK TO HIM.
WELL, I'M GETTING A LAWYER.
THE OTHER DETECTIVE, THE BLACK ONE
HE BRUTALIZED MY DENNIS.
YOU BETTER KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HIM.
WHAT DID GREEN DO TO MR. TROPE?
HE TRIED TO GET A STATEMENT, THAT'S ALL.
JUST A LITTLE ENERGETIC POLICE WORK.
I HOPE THIS DOESN'T TURN INTO ANOTHER COMPLAINT.
"ANOTHER"?
GREEN HAS TWO COMPLAINTS FOR EXCESSIVE FORCE.
REVIEW BOARD GAVE HIM PROBATION.
TROPE HAS A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST HIM
FROM A LISA FIORI ISSUED LAST FEBRUARY
WHICH EXPLAINS WHY HE USED THE OLD LADY TO BUY THE PIECE.
HOW'D THE EYEWITNESSES DO?
THEY COULDN'T PICK TROPE OUT OF THE PHOTO ARRAY.
FORENSICS PROCESSED HIS CLOTHING, HIS BELONGINGS.
NO POWDER RESIDUE, NO BLOOD SPLATTERS.
SO, EXCEPT FOR A COUPLE OF REMARKABLE COINCIDENCES
WE CAN'T TIE HIM TO THE GUN OR THE KILLINGS.
-HE ASKED FOR A LAWYER YET? -UH-UH.
WELL, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME
BEFORE HIS MOTHER COMES BACK WITH ONE.
I PULLED SOME OLD CHILDREN'S SERVICES FILES ON HIM.
THERE WAS ABUSE IN THE FAMILY.
I GOT HIS EMPLOYEE FILE FROM THE CITY
ANDI GOT HIS HUDSON MED SCHOOL APPLICATION.
I'M READY FOR HIM.
Briscoe: ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOU, DENNIS--
FROM THE GUN TO THE OLD LADY
TO THE HOSPITAL TO THE AMBULANCE TO YOU.
I DIDN'T KILL ANYBODY.
OH, NO?
YOU KNOW WHO'S ON JURIES NOWADAYS?
WOMEN. RIGHT, EDDIE?
MOST OF THEM GOT NOTHING BETTER TO DO
THAN HANG AROUND AND REPORT FOR JURY DUTY.
ONCE THEY HEAR YOUR TAKE ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS
THEY'LL CUT YOUR KIWIS OFF
AND HAND THEM TO YOU ON A STICK.
YOU REALLY WANT THOSE BITCHES DECIDING IF YOU LIVE OR DIE?
YOU REALLY WANT TO GIVE THEM THAT LAST BIT OF POWER?
I MEAN, THEY ALREADY GOT BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL.
THEY'RE DRIVING BUSES, DIRECTING TRAFFIC
WORKING CONSTRUCTION...
WHO THE HELL INVITED THEM TO THE PARTY ANYWAY?
THEY SHOULD BE AT HOME WATCHING OVER THEIR KIDS.
DETECTIVE GREEN.
YES, MA'AM.
I GOT IT RIGHT HERE.
[papers rustling]
I'M SORRY I DIDN'T GET IT TO YOU SOONER.
I'VE BEEN IN THIS HOUSE A MONTH.
THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT BITCH DOESN'T RIDE MY ASS.
LENNIE-- DETECTIVE BRISCOE-- HE WAS IN LINE FOR THE JOB.
HE HAD THE SENIORITY. THEY MADE HER LIEUTENANT.
I BET IT'S THE SAME WHERE YOU WORK.
YOU KNOW WHAT?
IT BELITTLES US.
IT DISRESPECTS US.
ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU FELT?
WE DON'T SIT AROUND AND MOPE, DO WE?
TAKE YOU.
YOU TRIED TO MOVE UP THE LADDER...
TO GET INTO MED SCHOOL.
AND THEY EVEN DENIED YOU THAT OPPORTUNITY, DIDN'T THEY?
YEP.
IT'S A TERRIBLE THING THEY DID TO YOU.
THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN HELPING YOU, DENNIS...
TAKING CARE OF YOU.
THAT'S WHAT WOMEN ARE FOR--
TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU.
BUT THEY LET YOU DOWN.
THEY ALWAYS HAVE, HAVEN'T THEY?
I SAW YOUR CHILDREN'S SERVICES FILE.
YOUR OLD MAN BEAT ON YOU?
HE BEAT YOUR MOTHER?
I KNOW WHAT THAT'S LIKE.
YOUR OWN MOTHER WAS SUPPOSED TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU...
TO PROTECT YOU.
SHE JUST LET IT HAPPEN, DIDN'T SHE?
SHE DIDN'T PROTECT HER BABY...
AND NOW THESE WOMEN GET A CRACK AT KILLING YOU.
DENNIS...
YOU ARE IN A DEEP HOLE RIGHT NOW, MAN.
THERE'S ONLY ONE WAY OUT.
YOU TELL US WHAT YOU DID
THERE'S NO TRIAL, NO JURY, NO DEATH PENALTY.
[sniffles]
PLEASE, MAN, PLEASE.
DON'T LET THEM DO THIS TO YOU.
DON'T LET THEM WIN.
YOU TRIED HARD TO BE A GOOD MAN...
AND DID THEY GIVE YOU THE RESPECT YOU DESERVE?
THOSE BITCH DOCTORS AT THE HOSPITAL...
-WHAT ABOUT THEM, DENNIS? -WHAT DID THEY DO?
[ voice breaking] THEY SAID THAT
I SHOULD APPLY AT NURSING SCHOOL.
SEE?
THEY HUMILIATED YOU.
BUT IN THE PARK
YOU SET EVERYTHING RIGHT, DIDN'T YOU?
YEAH.
YOU PUT THEM BACK IN THEIR PLACE?
YES.
AND THAT'S WHY YOU SHOT THEM, RIGHT?
YES.
WE NEED TO HEAR YOU SAY IT, DENNIS.
[sniffles]
THAT'S WHY I SHOT THEM.
IT'S ALL RIGHT. IT'S ALL RIGHT.
YOU'RE GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT, DENNIS.
WE JUST NEED YOUR HELP ON ONE MORE THING
TO MAKE THIS WORK.
THE CLOTHES YOU WORE-- YOU GOT SOME BLOOD ON THEM.
YOU THREW THEM AWAY.
WHERE DID YOU PUT THEM?
IN A BAG...
-ON THE TRAIN TRACKS ON 36th. -[door opens]
Van Buren: MR. TROPE, THIS IS MR. POWELL,
A LAWYER HIRED BY YOUR MOTHER TO REPRESENT YOU.
I WANT TO TALK TO MY CLIENT ALONE.
TAKE YOUR TIME.
WE NEED TO AMEND THE CHARGES
TO INCLUDE 15 COUNTS OF MURDER.
YOU DID GOOD, DENNIS.
YOU WIN.
THEY TOLD HIS MOTHER HE WAS GETTING MEDICAL TREATMENT.
INSTEAD, THEY INTERROGATED HIM
THOUGH THEY'D BEEN TOLD A LAWYER WAS BEING HIRED.
HIRED WHEN? THAT DAY? THE NEXT DAY?
THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL DOESN'T ATTACH
UNTIL AN ATTORNEY IS ACTUALLY...
MR. McCOY, THIS IS A MESS.
MR. TROPE'S STATEMENT
DOESN'T HAVE MUCH PROBATIVE VALUE ANYWAY.
-I'M GOING TO SUPPRESS IT. -McCoy: YOUR HONOR
THIS WASN'T SOME BODEGA ROBBERY.
MR. TROPE SPRAYED CENTRAL PARK WITH AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE.
HE WAS OUT TO KILL EVERY WOMAN HE ENCOUNTERED.
HE FACES THE DEATH PENALTY.
IF ANYTHING, THE POLICE SHOULD BE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD.
THE STATEMENT LED THE POLICE TO SOME CLOTHING.
I WANT THAT OUT, TOO, JUDGE.
THAT CLOTHING HAD BLOOD SPLATTERS FROM FIVE VICTIMS.
FRUIT OF THE POISONOUS TREE.
I'M SORRY. MOTION GRANTED.
DO WE KNOW WHERE TROPE GOT
THE CONVERSION KIT FOR HIS WEAPON?
NOT YET. BUT EVEN IF WE DID, IT WON'T SOLVE OUR BIG PROBLEM.
WE HAVE SMALL PROBLEMS?
WELL, SINCE THE RIFLING WAS SCRATCHED UP
BALLISTICS COULD ONLY GIVE US
A 50% MATCH-UP FROM THE WEAPON TO THE SLUGS.
THAT'S REASONABLE DOUBT.
DON'T WE HAVE ROCKET SCIENTISTS ON THE PAYROLL?
WELL, THEY SAY THEY CAN RECREATE
THE RIFLING ON THE COMPUTER
BUT THEY NEED TECHNICAL DATA
FROM THE GUN MAKER, ROLF FIREARMS.
OKAY.
WELL, THE COMPANY'S IGNORED ALL OF OUR REQUESTS SO FAR.
WE WEREN'T IGNORING YOUR REQUEST.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAD A MEETING
WITH OUR LAWYERS ABOUT IT.
AND WHAT DID YOU ALL DECIDE?
MUCH AS WE'D LIKE TO COOPERATE
IT WOULD FORCE US TO REVEAL TRADE SECRETS
THAT WOULD DAMAGE OUR ABILITY TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
TRADE SECRETS?
MR. WEBER, YOU MAKE GUNS NOT SODA POP.
YOU'RE ASKING US FOR THE SPECS TO OUR
-MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT... -I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
IF IT WAS MY PRODUCT THAT WAS USED TO KILL 15 PEOPLE
I'D SURE AS HELL FEEL IT WAS MY CIVIC DUTY
TO HELP CONVICT THE PERSON WHO PULLED THE TRIGGER.
BEING GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENS ALSO MEANS
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR EMPLOYEES
TO KEEP THIS COMPANY IN BUSINESS.
OKAY, WE'LL GO THE HARD WAY, THEN.
YOU CAN EXPECT A SUBPOENA ON YOUR DESK
BY TOMORROW MORNING.
MY LAWYERS TELL ME SUBPOENAS FROM NEW YORK
DON'T TRAVEL WELL.
I'M SORRY YOU CAME ALL THE WAY
UP TO CONNECTICUT FOR NOTHING.
IT'S NOT TRADE SECRETS; IT'S LAWSUITS.
WE'RE ASKING THEM TO HELP PROVE THEIR GUN KILLED 15 PEOPLE.
SO, THEY'D RATHER SPEND A HALF A MILLION DOLLARS
FIGHTING A SUBPOENA?
IT'S LIKE THE BASTARDS ARE ASKING FOR IT.
Briscoe: 15 DEAD PREMED STUDENTS.
WHAT'S THAT WORTH THESE DAYS?
GOT TO BE BILL GATES BALLPARK.
I MEAN, A FAMILY IN CALIFORNIA
GOT $5 BILLION FOR AN EXPLODING GAS TANK.
I'D BE HAPPY IF MR. TROPE GOT A FIVE-DOLLAR INJECTION.
HE MADE A TOLL CALL TO NEWBURGH IN JUNE...
ABOUT A WEEK AFTER HE BROUGHT THE GUN.
-WHAT'S IN NEWBURGH? -BESIDES DEER TICKS?
HELLO?
AUTOMATED INFORMATION LINE FOR THE NEWBURGH ARENA.
WAIT A MINUTE! I JUST SAW
AN AD IN ONE OF THESE... YEAH.
"SHOW-GUN GUN SHOW. JUNE 10. NEWBURGH ARENA."
"CHINESE AKs, GERMAN MACHINE PISTOLS.
THOUSANDS OF GUNS, BARRELS OF FUN."
SO I HAD A BOOTH AT NEWBURGH.
I TAKE A BOOTH AT A SHOW EVERY WEEKEND.
SINCE I'M NOT GETTING RICH ON MY STOCK OPTIONS...
NO, YOU'RE DOING IT THE ALL-AMERICAN WAY:
SELLING CONVERSION KITS FOR ASSAULT WEAPONS.
I DON'T SELL KITS. I SELL INSTRUCTION SHEETS
WHICH IS LEGAL UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
AND ON THE OTHER END OF THE TABLE
YOU SELL RECOIL SPRINGS
AND A GUIDE PLATE FOR A 30-ROUND CLIP.
YOU SAY GUIDE PLATE.
I SAY A PIECE OF JUNK METAL.
AT $50 A POP?
MR. LIDELL, WE JUST WANT TO KNOW
IF YOU SOLD A KIT FOR A ROLF NINE THAT WEEKEND.
I HAD ONE CUSTOMER BOUGHT ONE SET OF INSTRUCTIONS
ONE SET OF HARDWARE.
Briscoe: GOOD. NOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK AT ONE SET OF PICTURES.
BIG DEMAND FOR YOUR KITS?
MOSTLY AS IT RELATES TO THE ROLF NINE.
IT'S THE EASIEST TO CONVERT.
Carmichael: THANKS TO YOU.
YOU WANT TO PUT ME OUT OF BUSINESS?
MAKE THE GUN TAMPER-PROOF?
JUST REDESIGN THE SLIDE BOLT.
IT'LL COST YOU ALL OF $10 PER UNIT.
THIS IS HIM.
Carmichael: IT DOESN'T ADDRESS OUR CORE PROBLEM.
WE STILL HAVE TO PROVE WE HAVE THE RIGHT GUN.
YOU CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AGAIN?
THEY FILED A MOTION TO QUASH THE SUBPOENA THIS MORNING.
-DO YOU FEEL LUCKY? -I WON'T OFFER TROPE A DEAL.
WELL, AS A MATTER OF LAW
CAN YOU PROVE THAT YOU HAVE THE MURDER WEAPON?
'CAUSE THE JURY MIGHT WANT TO ACQUIT
RATHER THAN SEND AN INNOCENT MAN TO DEATH ROW.
THAT SUBPOENA HASN'T BEEN QUASHED YET.
YES. THAT'S WHY NOW MIGHT BE THE TIME
TO MAKE YOUR BEST DEAL WITH TROPE.
Powell: YOU'RE TAKING THE DEATH PENALTY
OFF THE TABLE WITH THE CITY SCREAMING FOR BLOOD?
THE VICTIM'S FAMILIES NEED CLOSURE, NOT BLOOD.
OH. MY CLIENT'S A HEALTHY, YOUNG MAN.
LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE-- THAT COULD BE 50, 60 YEARS.
HE COULD ALWAYS TAKE UP SMOKING.
[ door buzzes]
GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE...
I WAS READING THE LAW JOURNAL ON THE BUS.
I NOTICED THIS MOTION HEARING
IN THE CRIMINAL COURT CALENDAR LISTING:
ROLF FIREARMS v. NEW YORK.
JUDGE FLINT PRESIDING. I CALLED FLINT'S CLERK.
SEEMS YOU HAVE AN EVIDENTIARY PROBLEM.
MY PROBLEM IS, I'VE GOT TOO MUCH EVIDENCE.
THE ONLY EVIDENCE THAT MATTERS IS THE GUN--
WHICH YOU CAN'T PROVE BEYOND A DOUBT IS THE MURDER WEAPON.
YOU'RE WILLING TO BET YOUR CLIENT'S LIFE ON THAT?
YOU MUST HAVE QUITE A PAIR OF CRYSTAL BALLS.
WE'D GO 25 YEARS TO LIFE. ALL SENTENCES TO BE CONCURRENT.
THAT'S A LOT OF CLOSURE.
Judge: MR. TROPE, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH YOUR PLEA AGREEMENT WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
I SENTENCE YOU TO A TERM OF NOT LESS THAN 25 YEARS
AND NOT MORE THAN YOUR NATURAL LIFE
TO BE SERVED AT A FACILITY
TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION.
WAIT! THIS SON OF A BITCH COULD BE OUT IN 25 YEARS?
YOUR HONOR, THIS ISN'T RIGHT. HE KILLED MY GIRL!
ORDER! OFFICERS, CLEAR THE GALLERY.
McCOY, YOU... WHY ARE YOU JUST SITTING THERE?
IT ISN'T RIGHT. MY GIRL'S DEAD!
HE KILLED MY GIRL!
IT ISN'T RIGHT!
THOSE FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER.
THEY DESERVE TO GET THEIR DAUGHTERS BACK.
McCoy: THEY WERE ENTITLED TO AN EYE FOR AN EYE.
WE COULDN'T DELIVER BECAUSE ROLF FIREARMS GOT IN THE WAY.
THE LEAST WE CAN DO NOW IS GIVE THEM A SENSE
THAT THEIR KIDS DIDN'T DIE FOR NO PURPOSE.
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
ROLF MAKES A PRODUCT THAT ANY CLEVER 12-YEAR-OLD
CAN TURN INTO A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
I'M APPALLED. WRITE THEM A LETTER.
IF THEY DON'T KNOW IT ALREADY, ADAM, THEY SHOULD.
LAST YEAR, 284 VIOLENT CRIMES
WERE COMMITTED IN THE STATE USING A ROLF NINE.
ALL BUT SIX OF THEM HAD BEEN MODIFIED
FOR AUTOMATIC FIRE.
Carmichael: AND THAT'S THEIR FAULT?
WHAT ARE THOSE, GRAND JURY SLIPS?
YES.
WHAT ARE YOU CHARGING THEM WITH?
FIFTEEN COUNTS OF CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE?
IT'S UNPRECEDENTED.
MR. WEBER MAKES A LEGAL PRODUCT.
MR. McCOY
IF THE ADMITTED KILLER TAMPERED WITH THEIR PRODUCT
WHY BLAME MR. WEBER AND HIS COMPANY?
BECAUSE THE EVIDENCE
THEIR PRODUCT POSED AN UNJUSTIFIABLE RISK
WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM, AND THEY FAILED TO LOOK.
NEW YORK HAS STRICT GUN LAWS WHICH AREN'T ENFORCED.
HER CLIENT'S BUSINESS PRACTICES HELP CRIMINALS
CIRCUMVENT OUR LAWS.
THE WEAPONS USED TO COMMIT CRIMES IN NEW YORK
WERE TRACED BACK TO WHOLESALERS
IN STATES WITH FAR MORE LENIENT GUN LAWS.
RECORDS SHOW THAT ROLF
SHIPPED WEAPONS TO THOSE STATES
FAR IN EXCESS OF THE LOCAL DEMAND.
MY CLIENT WAS FILLING LEGITIMATE ORDERS.
THEY NEVER ASK WHO'S BUYING THEIR GUNS
OR WHAT THEY'RE DOING WITH THEM.
ONE LOOK AT THE STATISTICS--
THOSE GUNS ARE FINDING THEIR WAY BACK TO NEW YORK
-IN THE HANDS OF CRIMINALS. -YOUR HONOUR,
ROLF FIREARMS IS A CONNECTICUT COMPANY.
THEY DON'T SELL, MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORT
OR ADVERTISE THEIR PRODUCT IN NEW YORK STATE.
THERE IS NO JURISDICTIONAL NEXUS FOR THESE CHARGES.
THE VICTIMS WERE KILLED HERE.
THEY'RE DEAD BECAUSE THE DESIGN OF MR. WEBER'S GUN
MADE IT ATTRACTIVE TO MR. TROPE.
HIS MARKETING PRACTICES AS GOOD AS PUT IT
IN MR. TROPE'S HANDS.
MR. McCOY, YOU'RE TRYING TO USE MY COURT TO MAKE SOCIAL POLICY.
I WON'T STAND FOR IT.
AND MY INTERPRETATION OF THE STATUTE
DOESN'T PERMIT IT.
YOU DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO BRING THESE CHARGES.
MOTION TO DISMISS IS GRANTED.
JUDGE WRIGHT-- 30 YEARS I'VE SEEN HIM
EAT THE SAME PORK CHOP FOR LUNCH AT FORLINI'S.
-I'M FILING AN APPEAL. -MAN OF LA MANCHA?
YOU READ THE OP-EDS, ADAM.
THE PUBLIC WANTS US TO DO SOMETHING.
McCoy: THE FACT THAT ROLF FIREARMS PRODUCTS
ARE USED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
DE JURE GIVES US JURISDICTION
OVER THE CORPORATION AND ITS OFFICERS.
THAT ALL THE CRIMINAL ACTS EXCEPT THE MURDERS
TOOK PLACE OUTSIDE THE STATE IS IMMATERIAL.
THANK YOU, MR. McCOY.
MR. McCOY WANTS TO PUNISH MY CLIENT
FOR EXERCISING HIS RIGHTS UNDER THE SECOND AMENDMENT.
AS LONG AS THE SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
THE MANUFACTURE OF THOSE ARMS...
THE SUPREME COURT DOES RECOGNIZE
THE STATE'S RIGHT TO REGULATE FIREARMS.
THAT'S THE POINT.
MR. WEBER MAKES FIREARMS THAT CANLEGALLY
BE SOLD IN NEW YORK STATE.
HE ENGAGES IN BUSINESS PRACTICES
THAT ARE LEGAL UNDER NEW YORK LAW.
MR. McCOY'S PROBLEM IS WITH THE LAW.
LET HIM SEEK REDRESS IN THE LEGISLATURE,
NOT THE COURTS.
THANK YOU, COUNSELOR. YOUR POINT IS WELL TAKEN.
MR. McCOY... IN THE REMAINING TIME...
CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE IS NOT A LEGAL ACTIVITY.
WHILE ADHERING ONLY TO THE LETTER OF THE LAW
MR. WEBER IGNORES THE FACT THAT HIS PRODUCT
IS THE PREFERRED CHOICE
OF BANK ROBBERS, GANG MEMBERS AND MASS MURDERERS.
IT DOES SOUND LIKE YOU WANT TO MAKE SOCIAL POLICY.
THE COURTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGENTS OF SOCIAL CHANGE.
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO THIS ISSUE
HAS BEEN CORRUPTED
BY WELL-FUNDED SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS.
SO I URGE YOU TO LET A JURY-- TO LET 12 ORDINARY CITIZENS--
IMPARTIAL AND ANSWERABLE ONLY TO THEIR CONSCIENCES
DECIDE ON THE EVIDENCE WHERE THE CRIMINAL LIABILITY RESTS.
IN THEIR INFINITE WISDOM
THE APPELLATE COURT HAS OVERTURNED MY RULING
AND REMANDED THIS CASE FOR TRIAL.
I'VE GIVEN A LOT OF THOUGHT TO THIS MATTER
PARTICULARLY TO THE PEOPLE'S BURDEN OF PROOF.
NOW, HERE'S WHAT THE GROUND RULES ARE GOING TO BE:
MR. McCOY, THE PEOPLE MUST PROVE
THAT THE FIREARM AS MANUFACTURED
-WAS HAZARDOUS PER SE. -YOUR HONOR...
NOW BE QUIET.
UNLESS YOU CAN SHOW THAT MR. TROPE USED THE WEAPON
AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BE USED BY ROLF FIREARMS
I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO DISMISS
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PEOPLE'S CASE.
THAT'S AN IMPOSSIBLE STANDARD, YOUR HONOR.
TRIAL DATE TO BE SET IN TWO WEEKS.
[door closes]
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, INDUSTRY ANALYSTS
-MARKETING SPECIALISTS... -RIVETING WITNESS LIST.
ONCE THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES TAKE THE STAND...
YES, YOU HAVE THEM.
THE OTHER SIDE HAS JUDGE WRIGHT,
AND HE HAS SET THE BAR HIGHER
THAN YOU CAN JUMP WITH A POGO STICK.
JACK WANTS THE JURY TO MAKE
A FINDING OF EMOTION, NOT OF FACT.
THIS ISN'T A TRIAL; THIS IS GUN CONTROL BY OTHER MEANS.
WHEN THEY CAN SELL GUNS
ON THE INTERNET, TALKING ABOUT CONTROL IS A JOKE.
SO, THIS IS YOUR ANSWER, PUTTING GUN MAKERS IN JAIL?
I'D LIKE TO START BY PUTTING
ROLF FIREARMS OUT OF BUSINESS.
Carmichael: RESPONSIBLE ADULTS CAN OWN FIREARMS
WITHOUT THE COUNTRY SINKING INTO CRIMINAL ANARCHY.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
MAYBE WHEN REDCOATS CAME OVER BUNKER HILL...
HOW ABOUT SOMEBODY SIX-FOOT-FIVE
COMING THROUGH MY DOOR?
THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES.
AND COPS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT RUNNING INTO RAMBO
EVERY TIME THEY PULL OVER A CAR.
BEFORE YOU SETTLE THIS SPAT WITH A DUEL
FIND A WAY TO WIN YOUR CASE OR DROP IT.
ROLF NEVER PUT RESTRICTIONS ON US.
WE CAN SELL TO ANY RETAILER.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER HE HAS A STORE
OR A BOOTH AT A GUN SHOW
AS LONG AS HE HAS A FEDERAL LICENSE.
DID THEY EVER QUESTION WHY THEIR GUNS WERE
IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND IN YOUR AREA?
WELL, UH, I GOT A CALL
LAST YEAR FROM SOMEBODY AT ROLF ASKING ME
ABOUT SALES VOLUME... RETAIL OUTLETS.
WHAT WAS HE-- SALES REP?
HE WAS IN MARKETING. UH, DIRECTOROF MARKETING.
GUY BY THE NAME OF VICTOR COLBY.
HE SAID HE WAS DOING A SURVEY FOR ROLF.
HE'S NOT ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT ROLLS.
UNLESS ROLF FIREARMS GIVES ME PERMISSION
THERE ISN'T MUCH I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT MY WORK THERE--
JUST NAME, RANK AND SERIAL NUMBER.
YOU SIGNED A NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT WHEN YOU LEFT?
YES. WE ALLDID.
THEY LAID OFF A THIRD OF THE SALES DEPARTMENT.
THEY LAID YOU OFF... AFTER 16 YEARS...
AND YOU WON'T TALK TO US ABOUT A MARKETING SURVEY?
I CAN'T.
DID THEY OFFER YOU A FINANCIAL INCENTIVE
TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT?
YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO LEAVE.
I'M SURE YOU KNOW WHAT KILLED THESE PEOPLE.
McCoy: ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE US...
[keys rattling]
[file drawer opens, then closes]
IT'S AN INTERNAL MEMO ABOUT THE SURVEY.
THE COMPANY CONCLUDED
THAT MAKING THE ROLF NINE TAMPERPROOF
WOULD REDUCE SALES BY ALMOST 40%.
IT WAS CHEAPER TO SETTLE ANY LAWSUITS
THAN TO CHANGE THE DESIGN.
WITH THIS, WE CAN MEET JUDGE WRIGHT'S STANDARD OF PROOF.
THEY KNOW THEIR GUN'S EASY TO MODIFY.
IT'S THEIR WHOLE MARKETING STRATEGY.
MMM, TROPE USED THE GUN THE WAY THEY INTENDED IT TO BE USED.
FIRST THING TOMORROW, WE REFILE THE INDICTMENT--
MURDER TWO, DEPRAVED INDIFFERENCE...
15 COUNTS.
Swann: MR. COLBY SIGNED
A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT WITH ROLF FIREARMS.
IF HE CHOOSES TO TESTIFY
HER CLIENTS CAN SEEK THEIR REMEDIES IN CIVILCOURT.
YOU CAN'T KEEP HIM OFF THE STAND, MS. SWANN.
-MOTION DENIED. -NOW, WHAT ABOUT THIS MEMO?
IT'S A PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION.
McCoy: WRITTEN BY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING
AND ADDRESSED TO MR. WEBER. WHERE'S THE PRIVILEGE?
IT WAS C.C.'d TO THE COMPANY'S IN-HOUSE COUNSEL.
IT'S A COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CLIENT--
THE CORPORATION AND ITS OFFICERS--
AND AN ATTORNEY.
-THE MEMO'S PRIVILEGED. -MOTION GRANTED.
Weber: WE FUND SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
WE PARTICIPATE IN AN INDUSTRY-WIDE EFFORT
TO DEVELOP "SMART GUN" TECHNOLOGY...
Swann: AND YET, TRAGICALLY
INNOCENT PEOPLE STILL GET KILLED
BY CRIMINALS USING YOUR GUN.
YES. WE DEEPLY REGRET THAT.
WE KNOW THE VERY NATURE OF WHAT WE DO IMPOSES ON US
A GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY.
THE IDEATHAT WE PASSIVELY ENCOURAGE
CRIMINAL CONDUCT JUST TO MAKE A PROFIT IS REPUGNANT.
IT NEVER HAPPENED.
YOU KNEW YOUR GUNS
WERE BEING SOLD UNLAWFULLY TO CRIMINALS?
WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THAT.
IF A LIQUOR STORE SELLS BEER
TO AN ADULT WHO TURNS AROUND AND SELLS IT TO A MINOR
IS THE BREWER RESPONSIBLE?
HE IS IF HE MAKES BUBBLE GUM-FLAVORED BEER.
THIS IS THE SLIDE BOLT FOR A ROLF NINE
THE PART THAT'S BEING MODIFIED FOR AUTOMATIC FIRE.
THIS IS WHERE THE DESIGN FLAW IS, ISN'T IT?
THE DESIGN IS NOT FLAWED.
THE GUN IS SIMPLY VULNERABLE TO TAMPERING,
LIKE ALL FIREARMS.
IF IT'S VULNERABLE, WHY DIDN'T YOU CORRECT IT?
SUPPOSE WE DID.
WE SHUT DOWN PRODUCTION. WE REDESIGNED THE GUN.
WE RETOOLED THE FACTORIES.
SIX MONTHS FROM NOW, SOME OTHER BRIGHT KID
FINDS ANOTHER WAY TO TAMPER WITH THE GUN.
DO WE CHANGE THE DESIGN AGAIN
JUST TO KEEP PACE WITH THE CRIMINAL MIND?
BUT THE REALPROBLEM IS SALES, ISN'T IT?
NO. THE REALPROBLEM IS, NO ONE'S ENFORCING THE LAWS.
"THE LAWS."
MR. WEBER, DIDN'T YOU CONTRIBUTE
TO A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP THAT LOBBIED CONGRESS
TO PASS THE SO-CALLED "GUN OWNERS' RIGHTS BILL"
THAT WEAKENED GUN CONTROL LAWS?
WE HAVE A RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS.
McCoy: YOU NOT ONLY ARMED DENNIS TROPE
YOU UNDERMINED THE VERY LAWS
THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US FROM HIM, DIDN'T YOU?
NO. NO, THAT'S NOT TRUE.
LOOK, NONE OF THIS IS OUR FAULT.
NO MORE QUESTIONS.
YOUR HONOR, THE DEFENSE RESTS.
MR. McCOY, REBUTTAL WITNESSES?
McCoy: YES, YOUR HONOR. THE PEOPLE CALL DENNIS TROPE.
Trope: THOSE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS OUT WEST
HAD SEMIAUTOMATICS, BUT THERE WERE TWO OF THEM.
TO... DO WHAT I WANTED TO DO... ALONE
I WAS GOING TO NEED TO CONVERT A SEMIAUTO TO A FULL AUTO
AND THE EASIEST ONE, I FOUND OUT, WAS THE ROLF NINE.
IS THIS THE ONE YOU BOUGHT THROUGH THE INTERNET?
Trope: YES.
THE LITERATURE SAID IT HAD A TENDENCY TO JAM
BUT... IT WORKED LIKE A PRO FOR ME.
AFTER YOU GOT THIS WEAPON, WHAT DID YOU DO?
Trope: I BOUGHT A CONVERSION KIT AT A GUN SHOW FOR $50.
SHOW US HOW YOU CONVERTED THIS WEAPON.
THE BOLT COMES WITH A LITTLE HUMP RIGHT HERE.
THAT KEEPS THE GUN FROM FIRING ON AUTOMATIC.
I FILED IT DOWN.
HOW LONG DID THAT TAKE?
TEN MINUTES.
THEN I CHANGED THE RECOIL SPRING--
THAT TOOK FIVE MINUTES-- AND, THEN...
I SOLDERED THE NEW GUIDE PLATE
ON THE MAGAZINE FEED RIGHT HERE.
HOW MUCH TIME, ALL TOLD?
HALF AN HOUR.
NO MORE QUESTIONS.
Swann: LET ME MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND.
YOU WANTED TO KILL AS MANY WOMEN AS POSSIBLE
IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME?
YES.
Swann: AND THE ROLF NINE AS YOU BOUGHT IT
WASN'T ADEQUATE TO THE TASK?
NO.
NO MORE QUESTIONS.
GUN MAKERS ARE AMONG THE MOST HEAVILY REGULATED GROUPS
IN THIS COUNTRY, WITH AN ARMY OF PEOPLE WATCHING OVER THEM.
BUT DESPITE ALL THAT, THISFELL THROUGH THE CRACKS.
FIFTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
NOW, MR. McCOY WANTS YOU
TO BELIEVE THERE'S A STRAIGHT LINE
BETWEEN THEIR SHATTERED BODIES AND MY CLIENT'S FACTORY.
THERE ISN'T.
THERE'S JUST DENNIS TROPE.
HEWAS THE ONE WHO BROKE THE LAW
WHEN HE BOUGHT THE GUN, MODIFIED IT
AND FIRED IT INTO THAT CROWD.
HORRIFYINGLY SIMPLE.
SO...
WHY DOESN'T MR. McCOY GET IT?
RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP IS AN AMERICAN TRADITION
PROTECTED BY THE CONSTITUTION
BUT MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF GUNS.
WELL, WE ALL KNOW CAIN DIDN'T NEED A GUN TO KILL HIS BROTHER.
AS LONG AS THERE ARE DENNIS TROPES IN THIS WORLD
THEY WILL FIND A WAY TO KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE
WHETHER IT'S WITH A GUN
OR A FEW HUNDRED POUNDS OF FERTILIZER.
BUT YOU CAN'T BLAME THE FERTILIZER COMPANY
ANY MORE THAN THE GUN MAKER FOR THAT.
YOU PUT THE BLAME WHERE IT BELONGS.
THAT'S ANOTHER AMERICAN TRADITION.
GUN OWNERSHIP IS NOT AN AMERICAN TRADITION.
THAT'S A MYTH
LIKE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S CHERRY TREE.
MOST AMERICANS, GOING BACK TO COLONIAL TIMES
DID NOT OWN A GUN
DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO SHOOT ONE.
THAT'S STILL TRUE TODAY.
YOU HEARD EXPERT TESTIMONY THAT REDESIGNING THE SLIDE BOLT
OF A ROLF NINE WOULD ADD $27.64 TO THE MANUFACTURING COST
OF A WEAPON THAT SELLS FOR $900.
MR. WEBER KNEW THAT HIS GUN
WAS BEING BOUGHT FOR THE PURPOSE
OF BEING CONVERTED TO AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON.
HIS REFUSAL TO CHANGE THE DESIGN
IS TANTAMOUNT TO ADMITTING
THAT ITS INTENDED USE WAS ASAN AUTOMATIC WEAPON.
REASONABLE PEOPLE CAN DISAGREE ABOUT THE SECOND AMENDMENT
BUT THISCAN'T BE
WHAT THE FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION HAD IN MIND.
OF COURSE, YOU MUST HOLD DENNIS TROPE RESPONSIBLE--
HE PULLED THE TRIGGER--
BUT REMEMBER...
BECAUSE OF MR. WEBER'S REFUSAL TO CHANGE THE DESIGN OF HIS GUN
INSTEAD OF FIRING THIS MANYBULLETS...
IN THE 30 SECONDS THAT HE PULLED THE TRIGGER...
DENNIS TROPE WAS ABLE TO FIRE THISMANY.
[bullets clattering]
[clattering continuing]
[sobbing]
Judge Wright: MADAM FOREPERSON
AS TO EACH OF THE 15 COUNTS OF THE INDICTMENT
MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE
HAS THE JURY REACHED A UNANIMOUSVERDICT?
Foreperson: YES, WE HAVE, YOUR HONOR.
WE FIND THE DEFENDANT GUILTY.
[murmuring/relieved sighs]
Judge Wright: ORDER. ORDER!
[pounds gavel]
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
YOU ARE EXCUSED.
DON'T PACK IT UP JUST YET, LINDA.
I'M FINDING
AS A MATTER OF LAW, THE PEOPLE FAILED
TO MEET THE STANDARD OF PROOF I SET
AT THE BEGINNING OF TRIAL.
THE PEOPLE DID NOT ESTABLISH
THAT THE WEAPON WAS HAZARDOUS PER SE
NOR THAT THE MAIN ACTOR
IN THE HOMICIDES USED THE WEAPON
AS IT WAS INTENDED TO BE USED BY MR. WEBER.
THEREFORE, I'M SETTING ASIDE THE JURY VERDICT
AND ISSUING A DIRECTED VERDICT OF "NOT GUILTY."
THE DEFENDANT IS FREE TO GO.
-McCoy: OBJECTION! -Judge Wright: ORDER!
-ORDER! -I'M FILING NOTICE
OF THE PEOPLE'S INTENT TO APPEAL.
THIS IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF YOUR AUTHORITY.
MR. McCOY, I'M NOT GOING TO SANCTION A VERDICT
THAT CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SUSTAINED ON APPEAL.
THIS CONVICTION ISN'T BASED ON ANY PROVEN FACTS.
IT'S BASED ON THE JURY'S OUTRAGE
AT MR. WEBER'S IRRESPONSIBLE AND INEXCUSABLE CONDUCT.
YOU WANT TO END THE VIOLENCE, THE BLOODLETTING.
SO, DO I, MR. McCOY.
IN MY 30 YEARS ON THE BENCH
I'VE SEEN EVERY PERMUTATION OF IT
AND IT SICKENS ME WHEN SOMEBODY PROFITS FROM IT.
BUT TEMPTED THOUGH I MAY BE
PUTTING MR. WEBER IN JAIL WON'T END THE CARNAGE.
UNTIL WE CURE WHAT AILS THE HUMAN HEART
WE WON'T MAKE A DENT IN THE BODY COUNT.
IN THE MEANTIME, NO MATTER HOW PROFOUND OUR GRIEF
OUR INDIGNATION, I CAN'T LET YOU
USE THIS COURT TO RAISE A LYNCH MOB.
I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO EXPLOIT THE SAME BASE PASSIONS
MR. WEBER COUNTS ONTO BEEF UP HIS BOTTOM LINE.
IT'S NOT ABOUT BEINGRIGHT, MR. McCOY.
IT'S ABOUT DOINGRIGHT.
NOW WE'RE ADJOURNED.
[gavel pounds]
[theme music starts]
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