The State of Texas vs. Melissa 2020
Plot: This documentary meticulously investigates the controversial case of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman on death row in Texas. Accused and convicted of the murder of her two-year-old daughter Mariah, Melissa has spent over a decade awaiting her execution, now facing her last appeal. The film delves into her life, exploring her challenging childhood and the systemic issues of prejudice and poverty that shaped her adult life. It scrutinizes the alleged miscarriage of justice in her trial, highlighting critical questions about the investigation, the conduct of her court-appointed attorney, and the actions of a district attorney later convicted of bribery and corruption. Through compelling interviews and examination of evidence, the documentary argues that Melissa's conviction was based on a flawed legal process, painting a portrait of a woman battling an entire system.
