CHAPTER ELEVEN: I’LL FLY AWAY
1 In a landmark ruling, New York Times v. Sullivan ... New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376
U.S. 254 ( 1964 ).
2 When he was first arrested ... Several local newspapers highlighted the sodomy charge.
Mary Lett, “McMillian Is Charged with Sodomy,” Monroe Journal (June 18 , 1987 ); “Myers
Files Sodomy Charges Against McMillan [sic],” Evergreen Courant (June 18 , 1987 ); Bob
Forbish, “Accused Murderer Files Sodomy Charges Against His Accomplice,” Brewton
Standard (June 13 – 14 , 1987 ).
3 “Those entering the courtroom”... Dianne Shaw, “McMillian Sentenced to Death,”
Monroe Journal (September 22 , 1988 ).
4 Despite all of the evidence ... On the same day it published an article on the ongoing
hearings in the McMillian case, the Mobile Press Register reminded readers in another
article that Walter McMillian had been arrested and charged with the Pittman murder.
Connie Baggett, “Ronda Wasn’t Only Girl Killed,” Mobile Press Register (July 5 , 1992 ). A
Monroe Journal article about the McMillian proceedings also mentioned Walter
McMillian’s indictment in the Pittman murder. Marilyn Handley, “Tape About Murder
Played at Hearing for the First Time,” Monroe Journal (April 23 , 1992 ).
5 “Convicted Slayer Wanted in East Brewton”...“Convicted Slayer Wanted in EB
Student Murder,” Brewton Standard (August 22 , 1988 ).
6 “Myers and McMillian were part”... Connie Baggett, “Infamous Murder Leaves
Questions,” Mobile Press Register (July 5 , 1992 ).
7 “Too many of these [out-of-town] writers”... Editorial, “ ‘ 60 Minutes’ Comes to Town,”
Monroe Journal (June 25 , 1992 ).
8 The Journal added that Chapman offered ... Marilyn Handley, “CBS Examines Murder
Case,” Monroe Journal (July 8 , 1992 ).
9 The local writers complained ... Connie Baggett, “DA: TV Account of McMillian’s
Conviction a ‘Disgrace,’ ” Mobile Press Register (November 24 , 1992 ).10 The attorney general’s motion ... Motion from State to Hold Case in Abeyance,
McMillian v. State, 616 So. 2 d 933 (Ala. Crim. App. 1993 ), filed February 3 , 1993.
11 But Havel had said that these ... Václav Havel, “Never Hope Against Hope,” Esquire
(October 1993 ), 68.