Ep 12. Newberry: Small Town Justice

In the City Confidential season 2 episode 12 titled "Newberry: Small Town Justice," the focus is on the small town of Newberry, South Carolina. The sleepy town of 10,000 people is described as "quiet, peaceful, and unassuming" on the surface, but the episode delves into the hidden tensions and dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface.

The episode starts with a shocking crime that rocks the town to its core. An elderly couple, Joe and Katherine Leaphart, are brutally murdered in their home, leaving the town in shock and disbelief. The police launch an intensive investigation but hit a wall due to a lack of evidence and leads, leaving the community on edge and demanding answers.

The episode examines the social and political climate of Newberry, which is heavily divided along racial lines. The town has a long history of segregation, with African Americans largely marginalized from politics and commerce. The episode highlights the case of the town's first black mayor, Willie Litmon, who faced intense opposition and even death threats during his time in office. This context sets the stage for the investigation into the Leaphart murders, adding a layer of tension and complexity to the story.

The episode features interviews with a range of locals, including law enforcement officials, journalists, and community leaders. These interviews provide a glimpse into the deeply personal impact the murders had on the town, as well as the frustrations and fears that many felt in the aftermath. The investigation eventually leads to a shocking revelation that reveals just how far someone was willing to go to keep their secrets hidden.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the town's close-knit community and the sense of pride they feel in their home. However, this pride is also coupled with a distrust of outsiders and a skepticism towards authority, which complicates the efforts of law enforcement officials to solve the crime.

Overall, "Newberry: Small Town Justice" is a gripping and thought-provoking look at a small town that is both familiar and unfamiliar. It explores the complexities of a town that is steeped in history and tradition, yet struggling to come to terms with its past in a rapidly changing world. The episode offers a nuanced look at the people who call the town home, highlighting the tensions and divisions that exist beneath the surface and the potential for change and progress in even the most unlikely of places.