The Investigation into Coffey's Innocence

The Green Mile

Paul Edgecombe's quest to prove John Coffey innocent of the Detterick murders, uncovering evidence that points to William Wharton.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Paul Visits the Reporter Paul Visits the Reporter from "The Green Mile". Seeking Answers The Trip to Tefton Paul drives to Tefton to meet Burt Hammersmith, the reporter who covered the Coffey trial.

Paul Visits the Reporter from "The Green Mile". Seeking Answers The Trip to Tefton Paul drives to Tefton to meet Burt Hammersmith, the reporter who covered the Coffey trial.

Seeking Answers The Trip to Tefton Paul drives to Tefton to meet Burt Hammersmith, the reporter who covered the Coffey trial. He wants to know details not in the papers. Hammersmith's Story Hammersmith tells Paul about the dog, the lunch, and the posse. He also shows Paul his own son, disfigured by a dog bite, to illustrate that even gentle creatures can turn violent without reason. A Dark View Hammersmith believes Coffey is guilty, comparing him to a mongrel dog. Paul leaves disturbed, but his doubts remain.

The Shoe Test The Shoe Test from "The Green Mile". A Simple Proof The Idea Paul realizes that Coffey cannot tie his shoes. He gives Coffey his own shoe and asks him to tie it.

The Shoe Test from "The Green Mile". A Simple Proof The Idea Paul realizes that Coffey cannot tie his shoes. He gives Coffey his own shoe and asks him to tie it.

A Simple Proof The Idea Paul realizes that Coffey cannot tie his shoes. He gives Coffey his own shoe and asks him to tie it. Coffey fails, confirming that he could not have retied the lunch bag after feeding sausages to the dog. The Significance This small detail suggests that someone else—the real killer—fed the dog and tied the bag. Coffey's confession was misinterpreted. Paul's Certainty Paul becomes convinced of Coffey's innocence. This knowledge torments him, as he must still participate in the execution.

Tracing Wharton's Past Tracing Wharton's Past from "The Green Mile". The Real Killer Purdom County Records Paul travels to Purdom County to investigate William Wharton's history.

Tracing Wharton's Past from "The Green Mile". The Real Killer Purdom County Records Paul travels to Purdom County to investigate William Wharton's history.

The Real Killer Purdom County Records Paul travels to Purdom County to investigate William Wharton's history. He learns that Wharton had molested a nine-year-old girl and had worked at the Detterick farm under the alias Will Bonney. The Confirmation Deputy Rob McGee reluctantly confirms that Wharton was in the area. Paul realizes Wharton killed the twins. But without proof, the case cannot be reopened. A Bitter Truth Paul knows the truth but cannot save Coffey. The system is too rigid, and Coffey's race makes him an easy scapegoat. Paul's investigation only deepens his despair.

Day after Coffey heals Paul, mid-October 1932

Night of Delacroix's execution, October 24-25, 1932

November 1932, after the botched execution