“Once the murder is discovered, Roland Ferguson is informed by police that his wife was murdered at seven o'clock that evening. Why the delay in notifying her next of kin? The Detectives don't go into any detail about the crime. They don't tell him that she was found brutally murdered in a cabin with another man. Detective Benjamin testified that upon receiving the news of his wife's death, Roland Ferguson began to cry, and I quote from detective Benjamin's testimony, 'he got weak in the knees and became somewhat hysterical'. Roland Ferguson comes in to identify his wife's body and is asked to speak with the detectives assigned to the case. The murder occurred in the city of Hiawassee, in Towns County. Why were City of Atlanta police assigned to the case?
“You see, the prosecution had spoken with officials of Towns County and just that quick, had the case transferred to their jurisdiction. Before the investigation was complete the prosecution had already found their man. Roland Ferguson was their only suspect. Roland Ferguson is the owner of Atlanta Life Insurance Company, among other things. He is a wealthy, well known and high profile member of the Atlanta business community. The press, after hearing of Roland Ferguson's arrest, had a field day. What a feather in their cap to bring down a man of his stature. States Attorney General, Justice Department, maybe even Attorney General of the United States. This city has a long history of unwarranted prosecutions of high profile individuals like Roland Ferguson. This was a rush to judgment of the highest order. I submit to you, ladies and gentlemen that the prosecution looked no further then Roland Ferguson and created an organized set of assumptions devised to convict him of the murder of his wife Desireé Taylor Ferguson and Rasheed Damali. Ladies and gentlemen, Roland Ferguson didn't commit these murders, he couldn't have. And the prosecution has not presented you with any evidence to support their theory of how this crime took place. I only ask that in your deliberations that you consider the facts of this case. That you then separate the facts from the organized set of assumptions. Once you do, I am confident that you will return a verdict of not guilty. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen for your attention.”
THE VERDICT
The court room was packed with spectators and members of the press, all anxiously awaiting the jury’s verdict. It had been two days since Judge Wynn gave the jurors their instructions and sent them to their task.
“Have you reached a verdict?” Judge Wynn said.
“Yes your honor, we have.”
The jury foreperson said as she stood and handed their verdict to the bailiff, who in turn handed it to the Judge. The Judge looked it over carefully and then looked briefly in the direction of the prosecutors.
“Will the defendant please rise.” Roland Ferguson stood up and Marcus stood with him. “On the first count of the indictment, murder in the first degree, how do you find?”
“We find the defendant, not guilty.”
The court room erupted, the judge banged his gavel. “On the second count of the indictment, murder in the first degree, how do you find?”
“We find the defendant, not guilty.”
Roland Ferguson looked at Marcus and shook his hand. “Thank you, Marcus. You did a fine job, an excellent job. I am forever in your debt.”
Ferguson was immediately surrounded by supporters and reporters. As the crowd began to sweep him out of the court room, he turned back to Marcus and said, “I'm having a little get together tonight. Drop by around nine and we'll talk then.”
“I'll see you then,” Marcus replied as he gathered his materials together.
Izella Hawkins walked over to him with her hand extended.
“Congratulations, Marcus,” Izella said.
“Thank you, Izella.”
“You shot holes in our whole case. Excuse me, what am I saying. Our theory, designed to fit the facts.”
“Izella, you know that all I did was add reasonable doubt.”
“No, Marcus, it's not that simple. You controlled the jury from the word go. Had them eating out of your hand. Their advocate, huh,” Izella rolled her eyes. “I'll have to use that one on my next case. Well enjoy the moment. You deserve it. You worked hard for it,” Izella said as she walked out of the court room. “Call me sometime, we'll do lunch. And, Marcus.”
“Yes, Izella.”
“You have fun talking t
o the reporters. You seem to have a flair for it,” Izella smiled a fake smile. She hated talking to reporters, and losing would only make it worst.
“You first,” Marcus said, as he motioned toward the door.
At nine thirty that evening, Marcus arrived at Ferguson's house. As soon as he entered the room it exploded in applause. As he made his way around the room, people rushed at Marcus to shake his hand.
“Congratulations!”
Others patted him on the back, “Nicely done!”
Once the crowd of well wishers faded, he made his way to the bar and ordered a drink.
“Congratulations, Mr. Douglas,” the bartender said. “What will you have?”
“Hennessy neat,” he replied and looked around for Ferguson. I do not want to be here, Marcus thought. But he knew why he was there. He had just won his first high profile media case. And here before him was a room full of potential clients. So he knew it wouldn't be his last. Still, Marcus had other things on his mind.