After a delay in the case a missing witness is found, revealing sloppy detective work. Kalief is faced with time served but refuses to plead guilty to a crime he didn't commit. He is released a month later without explanation.

Kalief becomes a folk hero and the poster child of a broken system, attracting journalists and celebrities as he fights for justice, but he begins to deteriorate under the bright spotlight of the media.

Family tensions are high when Kalief's estranged father tries to take over the case and settlement negotiation. Kalief's mother, Venida, fights depression and bad health but suffers a massive heart attack, dying at the hospital.