Walter's Story Timeline by Finley Hendricks

Walter created his own pulpwood business (1970s)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 15:29:24 UTC

Walter McMillian had limited opportunities for work based on the color of his skin and where he lived, so he started his own business. He bought equipment and worked with a crew. He became succesful and gained respect from his community.

Walter had an illegal affair with Karen Kelly, which put him under some suspicion (1980s)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 15:36:18 UTC

At this time, interracial romance was against the law and gave you a bad reputation. Karen Kelly was the white woman he had an affair with, and it turned into a public scandal. It took a toll on her especially, and everyone was talking about it. She was also married and he was unaware of that.

Ronda Morrison was shot dead (November 1, 1986)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 15:40:28 UTC

On November 1, 1986, Ronda Morrison, an 18 year old white women, was shot dead at work. The police initially believed that nobody in the community could have done something so horrific, black or white.

Walter was put under arrest (June 7, 1987)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 15:45:45 UTC

Sheriff Tate led an army of over a dozen officers to a backcountry road to find Walter, once they did in his truck, they drew their weapons and announced he was under arrest for sodomy. Walter was frantic and confused, and even laughed. He then was locked up.

Walter charged with the murder of Ronda Morrison (1987)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 19:19:25 UTC

Walter McMillian was officially charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Ronda Morrison. After 2 witnesses told their stories, it gave law enforcement enough "evidence" to charge him. I do not know the exact date of this event.

Walter transferred to death row (August 1, 1987)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 19:24:35 UTC

Death row is the most extreme punititive confinement permitted. On this day, both McMilian and Myers were transferred there but on seperate floors.

Walter's case scheduled for trial (February 1988)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 19:27:15 UTC

His case has turned out to be the opposite of ordinary. The DA believes that they are ready with 2 witnesses, and he proceeds to schedule his case for trial in February of 1988

McMillian's lawayers presented a change-of-venue motion (October 1987)

hendricf — 2025-10-02 19:31:28 UTC

Walter's lawyers feared that in the county the trial was taking place, they would have to face an all white jury. So, they requested a change of venue and to their suprise.. they got it! Although, the one county that would have been worse, Baldwin County, was chosen. This was disastrous for Walter.

Walter's time in death row (1988)

hendricf — 2025-10-03 00:41:07 UTC

Since Walter was sent back to death row, many things have happened. But during this time in August of 1988, Walter has had a very hard time adjusting and has been there for a year. He is struggling to comprehend and accept that this is now his life, and its a nightmare.

Walter pronounced guilty (2000s)

hendricf — 2025-10-03 00:44:01 UTC

In the 2000s, (2002) an almost all white jur pronounced Walter guilty for murder after waiting 15 months to be vindicated. Walter's reaction was full of complete shock and paralyzation. All he could feel was seething anger. He realized that it was foolish to give the jury the benefit of the doubt.