This was the first day of the trial. The day was hot and I knew the day was going to be long. It started out in the court room. Mr. Tate was the first witness. Mr. Tate told the jury that he had to go to Bob Ewell’s house because his girl got raped. He said he found Mayella lying in the middle of the fron room. She had been beaten up pretty bad. He pulled her up on her feet. She told Mr. Tate she was alright; she accused Tom Robinson of hurting her. He went to Tom Robinson house and arrested him. He then describes how she was injured. It was on the right side of the face.
Next came Bob Ewell. His testimony just showed that he probably beat his daughter and just decided to accuse Tom because he was there helping Bob said that he saw Tom raping his daughter. He said he heard her yelling. After Tom left, Bob ran to get the sheriff. I just could not believe either on did not get a doctor.
Mayella was up next. I really felt bad for her, but I knew she was lying. When I questioned her, Mayella cried a lot she was afraid. She needed to tell the truth, but she was to afraid of her dad.
Finally Tom had to testify. He told the truth, but made some bad mistakes. The biggest mistake he made was when he said “Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more”the rest of ‘em.”
“You felt sorry for her, you felt sorry for her?” Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise to the ceiling.”
I knew I went into this know I wouldn’t win it. I am positive I won’t win this.
July 24, 1932
When the jury came back, they told the judge that Tom Robinson was guilty. Tom was taken to a prison. Atticus left the court house looking sad. He would latter appeal this discision. When Atticus got home, he was very upset and spoke to his sister about them.
August 25, 1932
Tom gets killed. It happens at the prison. He was shot while trying to escape. Atticus went to Tom and Helen’s house to talk to the family.