Murder on a Sunday Morning

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Murder on a Sunday Morning
Direct Cinema
(video)
Release dates
  • September 14, 2001 (2001-09-14) (United States)
  • February 26, 2003 (2003-02-26) (France)
Running time
111 minutes
CountriesFrance
United States
LanguageEnglish

Murder on a Sunday Morning (

Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002.[2]

Background

In

physical evidence against him. At trial, the prosecution's case was based solely on the positive eyewitness identification and Butler's signed confession, which Butler later testified he had signed due to physical coercion
by police.

Summary

The film follows Butler's defense team as they build their case and present it in court. Beginning with the primary witness, Steven's husband and moving towards the confession; the film showcases how the public defender's office rebukes the prosecution's narrative. Defense attorneys submit photographs of Butler's bruised face, confirming their claim that Butler was hit in the face and stomach. In the end, the jury only deliberates for 45 minutes before finding Butler not guilty of any criminal misconduct. Following Butler's acquittal the public defender's office brought forth another suspect, Juan Curtis.

Aftermath

After Butler was

acquitted
, the police and the prosecutors were heavily criticized by a grand jury that investigated the case and the behavior of the police.

Eventually, the Duval County sheriff was put in charge of the murder case and ordered it reopened. In 2002, Juan Curtis was convicted of the murder.[3]

References

External links