Ep 2. A Warrant to Kill

In American Justice season 2005 episode 2, titled "A Warrant to Kill", the show examines the case of a young woman named Cheryl Nesler who was brutally murdered in her home in rural California. The prime suspect is her husband, Mark Nesler, who was known to have a rocky relationship with his wife. However, he had an alibi for the time of the murder and there was no physical evidence connecting him to the crime.

The case becomes more complicated when a man named Bobby Nichols comes forward with a shocking claim. He says that Mark Nesler had hired him to kill Cheryl and provided him with a detailed map of the couple's home. Nichols states that he had decided not to go through with the murder but had kept the map and other evidence as insurance.

The prosecution decides to pursue the case against Mark Nesler and relies heavily on Bobby Nichols' testimony. However, Nesler's defense team argues that Nichols is a known criminal and drug addict with a history of lying. They also point out that the physical evidence does not match Nichols' account of the crime, and that there are inconsistencies in his story.

The trial concludes with a verdict of guilty for Mark Nesler. However, the case raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the use of informants in criminal proceedings. It also highlights the difficulties of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in the absence of physical evidence.

Through interviews with key players in the case, as well as archival footage and reenactments, "A Warrant to Kill" provides a gripping look at the intricacies of the criminal justice system and the challenges of seeking justice for victims of violent crime.