Beth Shelburne

After initially denying it, Violet Ellison told Jason the state paid her $5,000 for testifying against to Forrest Johnson.

Taforist's legal team files a Brady claim against the state that argues the jury in Taforist's trial should have heard about the reward.

Violet Ellison knew about the reward when she came forward and that the state suppressed the information on purpose.

The state denies everything.

They deny any Brady violation, and they deny all of the allegations in Taforis' petition, including that Violet Ellison was motivated by the reward and that she was paid $5,000.

But Taforis' legal team has evidence to the contrary, the court order that was faxed to them and Violet Ellison herself.

After the state submits a written denial of all of the charges brought by Taforist's legal team, the case heads to court.

But Alabama courts won't hear the case.

They say the reward doesn't qualify as Brady.

So the appeal takes years to make its way through the courts.

When Taforis and Ty first met, Taforis' five kids were all under the age of 10.

And as the Brady claim crawls through the legal system, 17 years go by.

Taforis' oldest daughter has graduated college, and his four other kids are having kids of their own.

Finally, Tafor's legal team gets the case in front of the United States Supreme Court.

The justices tell the Alabama courts that they're wrong for not reviewing Tafor's Brady claim.

The state of Alabama must hear the evidence about the reward.

Ahead of the hearing, Judge Teresa Pulliam gives the state very clear orders.

So the state gives Taforist's legal team what they say are all of the documents about Taforist's case.

an attorney representing the state, tells Judge Pulliam the files contained nothing about anyone applying for a reward or being granted a reward.

But then, Taforist's legal team gets a tip from an insider, the woman who served as office manager at the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office when Taforist was on trial.