Bill Baxley

Deputy Bill Hardy was shot right in the middle of that time frame, around 12.50 a.m., four miles away at the Crown Sterling Suites Hotel.

People like Kenyara, Deidre, Stanley, Queasy, Mama Cat, all remember that night.

Their corroborated statements weave together a shield.

That shield should protect Taforist and Ardragus from the accusations about to head their way.

But it doesn't.

the state would arrest DeForest and Ardragas, try them, and seek the death penalty against both of them for Deputy Hardy's murder.

For the last three years, I've been trying to figure out how this happened.

I've read through thousands of pages of court transcripts and investigative documents.

I've done a full audit of all the media coverage and interviewed more than 80 people, including several who were directly involved in this investigation and prosecution, and many who have never spoken publicly about the case.

I'm not trying to find the real killer of Deputy Hardy.

I'm investigating why that person was never found.

One of the first things I tried to unwind, how did Taforest Johnson and Ardragus Ford end up at the center of the investigation when they were somewhere else at the time Deputy Hardy was killed?

Here's one thing everyone agrees on.

After they leave T's place, Taforest and Ardragus pick up two girls in the Monte Carlo.

One sits in the back by Ardragus' wheelchair.

The other one sits between Ardragus and Taforist in the front.

And that girl, the one in the front seat, what she tells police will land Taforist and Ardragus right at the center of the investigation.

That's next time.

Ear Witness is a production of Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Company No.

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