The Abusive Marriage’s Final Collision

The Rainmaker

The longstanding violence between Kelly and Cliff reaches a lethal confrontation that changes Rudy’s life and forces Kelly into the criminal justice system.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Threatening Pattern A Threatening Pattern from "The Rainmaker". Abuse Without Consequence Earlier Assaults Cliff repeatedly attacks Kelly, and prior police responses fail to break the cycle because she withdraws her…

A Threatening Pattern from "The Rainmaker". Abuse Without Consequence Earlier Assaults Cliff repeatedly attacks Kelly, and prior police responses fail to break the cycle because she withdraws her…

Abuse Without Consequence Earlier Assaults Cliff repeatedly attacks Kelly, and prior police responses fail to break the cycle because she withdraws her complaints. His threats make legal separation dangerous. A Weapon of Choice The aluminum softball bat becomes part of the violence. Kelly’s broken ankle and earlier injuries show that each reconciliation carries the possibility of a worse assault.

The Last Beating The Last Beating from "The Rainmaker". Kelly Seeks Safety Another Attack Cliff returns drunk and beats Kelly with a belt.

Kelly Seeks Safety Another Attack Cliff returns drunk and beats Kelly with a belt. A friend takes her to a clinic and then to a shelter after learning that she cannot safely remain at home. Immediate Action Rudy visits Kelly, files for divorce, and secures an emergency order. The trial’s final hours compete with a separate emergency in his personal life.

The Clothes Retrieval The Clothes Retrieval from "The Rainmaker". A Risky Return A Brief Plan Rudy and Kelly return to her apartment while Cliff is supposed to be at softball.

The Clothes Retrieval from "The Rainmaker". A Risky Return A Brief Plan Rudy and Kelly return to her apartment while Cliff is supposed to be at softball.

A Risky Return A Brief Plan Rudy and Kelly return to her apartment while Cliff is supposed to be at softball. They intend to collect clothes quickly and leave without contact. The Trap Closes Cliff appears with the bat and attacks Rudy. The apparent errand becomes a physical struggle in a confined space, with Kelly caught between two men and the door.

Rudy Fights Back Rudy Fights Back from "The Rainmaker". A Fatal Defense The Bat Changes Hands Rudy dodges Cliff’s swings, punches and kicks him, then takes the bat and strikes him.

Rudy Fights Back from "The Rainmaker". A Fatal Defense The Bat Changes Hands Rudy dodges Cliff’s swings, punches and kicks him, then takes the bat and strikes him.

A Fatal Defense The Bat Changes Hands Rudy dodges Cliff’s swings, punches and kicks him, then takes the bat and strikes him. Kelly tells Rudy to stop after Cliff falls. A Secret Kept Kelly urges Rudy to leave and says she will handle the scene. Rudy walks away, carrying the knowledge that his violence, however defensive, may place her at risk.

Arrest and Release Arrest and Release from "The Rainmaker". Kelly Becomes the Suspect Police Questioning Kelly tells detectives she was alone with Cliff and describes the history of abuse.

Arrest and Release from "The Rainmaker". Kelly Becomes the Suspect Police Questioning Kelly tells detectives she was alone with Cliff and describes the history of abuse.

Kelly Becomes the Suspect Police Questioning Kelly tells detectives she was alone with Cliff and describes the history of abuse. Rudy appears as her lawyer but withholds that he was present. Charges Dropped After reviewing the record, Morgan Wilson and the district attorney decide prosecution is unlikely to succeed. Kelly is released from the criminal charge and leaves Memphis with Rudy.

months before the trial

the night before Rudy’s closing argument

the Monday after the verdict

minutes after Cliff bursts into the apartment

the following night and next day