James Jordan, the father of NBA player Michael Jordan, is found dead in a swamp in South Carolina resulting in a multi-state manhunt searching for his killer.

It is revealed that James Jordan was killed in Robeson County, N.C.; an exploration of the dark history of this rural area on the southern border of the state, one reportedly replete with crime, racial injustice and corruption in law enforcement.

Daniel Green tells his story after being arrested for the murder; while Daniel declares his innocence, Larry Demery takes a plea deal and prepares to testify against him.

Larry Demery takes the stand and pins the murder on Daniel Green; the defence makes its case, but the jurors do not hear all the evidence, and one piece of information brings the entire case into doubt.

Daniel Green and Larry Demery begin their prison sentences, and Daniel continues to maintain his innocence; Daniel finds an advocate in Christine Mumma, who reevaluates the case in an effort to receive a new hearing from the courts.