Off Duty | The Guardian Investigates Off Duty: The Last Stand
Mar 18, 2026
A hidden FBI cellphone map resurfaces and reshapes a decade-long legal fight. Courtroom tensions flare as prosecutors reveal undisclosed evidence and charges are dropped. Families confront grief, confrontation, and fragile celebrations while civil suits and calls for federal review loom. The murder remains unsolved amid allegations of systemic failure.
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Victims' Rights Used As A Stall Tactic
- Victims' families don't legally control charging decisions, but lawyers can use victims' rights statutes to delay or influence proceedings.
- James McKay used that tactic to try to stall the prosecutors, forcing strategic courtroom decisions by Jennifer and Eric.
Turning A Courtroom Stall Into A Win
- Eric realized agreeing to let the victim's lawyers appear would call McKay's bluff and prevent further postponement.
- Jennifer follows his advice, letting them appear so the hearing could proceed immediately rather than be delayed.
Prosecutors Admit Late Discovery And Drop Charges
- Prosecutor Kevin DeBoney disclosed the office had discovered a disc after sentencing that contained potentially exculpatory evidence not previously handed to the defense.
- Based on that discovery the prosecutors moved to grant Alex's petition and drop the charges, resulting in his conviction being tossed.