Radio Drama Script:

ACCUSED

JUDGE
The jury have found Thomas Brodie guilty of murder. Under the
circumstances Ive got no option except to impose the maximum
penalty the law allows. Thomas Brodie you have been found
guilty of murder and I have no option but to sentence you to
death. You will be taken from this place to a place of
execution and there you will be hanged by the neck until dead.
(Crowd murmurs and fades out to Thomas)
THOMAS
I remember my whole body trembling as I heard those words. I
have never felt such intense fear. I was terrified. How could
this happen to me? Being falsely accused of such a brutal
murder of someone so young. It seemed like a nightmare. It
seemed as if I had left reality. I couldnt think straight I
could hardly force myself to walk out of the courtroom. I felt
cheated. There was a real killer out there, going home to his
family and his loved ones with no care for what was going to
happen to me. I was about to leave everyone behind. My life
was coming to an end and he had no remorse. How could he? How
could someone be so psychotic they can allow someone else to
take the fall for them. Hes a coward. Whoever he is, he
deserves this not me.
(Footsteps sound effect)
Scene changes to Thomas in the prison cell
I remember seeing it. The young boys life being taken. I was
nothing but a witness. As I ran to help the boy a woman
mistook me as the killer and men dragged me away. As the
police were called everyone was convinced it was me. I was
arrested immediately. I never thought I would have to call my
mother from prison explaining how Ive been arrested because
of murder.
(cell door shuts)
(inmates murmuring)
RUSSEL
Brodie, Im here to discuss with you the circumstances of your
punishment. I am detective inspector Russel Green. I
 understand you have contacted your family with the news. Do
you have any special requirements while remaining in this
institution?
THOMAS
No, sir.
RUSSEL
Right. We expect you will be waiting 54 months until your day
of execution. You will remain in this facility until
then. You can have visitors as long as they have been
approved by myself. I am also the detective in charge of
your case however, your case has been officially closed.
Do you have any questions?
THOMAS
No, sir.
RUSSEL
Right. I will be on my way.
(Cell door shuts)
THOMAS
And once again, I was alone. The cell was, haunting. I felt
out of place. I would scream about my innocence but no
one cared. All the guards faced away from me as if I was
nothing. I had lost all purpose. To them I was a
murderer. Why can no one see the truth? Why can no one
see Im innocent?
Scene changes outdoors

(Birds chirping)
Voice over intercom
Remain inside the fenced area of the outdoors space of the
facility.
MORGAN
Hello, Im Morgan.
THOMAS
Thomas
MORGAN
 Youre new here. What did you do?
THOMAS
Im innocent.
MORGAN
Dont be like that
THOMAS
Like what?
MORGAN
The worst has already happened. Youre on death row and
so am I. Im not going to judge you for what youve
done.
THOMAS
Im really innocent
MORGAN
Laughs
Right? So what have you been accused of?
THOMAS
Someone killed a young boy and I was mistaken for the
killer.
MORGAN
Right.
THOMAS
What about you? Why are you in here?
MORGAN
Oh dont you know? Im innocent.
THOMAS
Laughs
Really?
MORGAN
My wife cheated. I killed the fella.
THOMAS
Im sorry.
 MORGAN
Dont be. One day Thomas, youll be more content with whats
going on and also you will accept what youve done.
THOMAS
(Angrily)
But I didnt do anything. Youll see this is all a
mistake. Theyll realise.
MORGAN
In a few years. Maybe. If youre lucky. Do you really
think youre the first innocent person on death row?
THOMAS
Ill be let free. I know it.
MORGAN
If you really are innocent I hope you will be. But while
youre here. Youll need a friend.
RUSSEL
Inside for your last meal of the day inmates.
Scene changes to prisons canteen.
(Prisoners chatting)
(echo in audio clip to highlight them being inside)
MORGAN
So what happened? To the kid, how did he kill him?
THOMAS
Stabbed him. Many times. I remember the blood he was
hitting him so hard I could almost feel the pain. That
little boy deserves justice for his death.
MORGAN
So if you really didnt kill this kid? Did you see who
did?
THOMAS
Yes, but only slightly, he was dressed in dark clothing
and I couldnt see his face.
MORGAN
So no one knows who he is?
 THOMAS
No. Im from a small town everyone knows everyone.
MORGAN
(Jokingly) Anyone in your small town capable of murder?
THOMAS
No one I know of. Except there is this person, Marcus
Dwight.
MORGAN
(Shocked) Whos that? Why him?
THOMAS
Well, hes always been an aggressive person. Everyone
knows him.
MORGAN
Aggressive enough to kill a kid?
THOMAS
The kid, was his ex-girlfriends son.
MORGAN
How does that work?
THOMAS
She had an affair. During their relationship she cheated
on him with someone else and ended up being pregnant.
MORGAN
Bet that hurt.
THOMAS
I dont think Marcus understands emotional pain.
MORGAN
Do the police know that story?
THOMAS
I dont know. No one explains anything to me.
MORGAN
Are you scared?
THOMAS
 Of what?
MORGAN
What if this doesnt get sorted and you get executed?
THOMAS
Then Ill be dead. But this kid, his family. They deserve
justice more than I deserve life. But yes, I am
terrified.
MORGAN
Im sorry.
Scene changes to Russel Greens office. This is shown
through chattering of police officers.
Sound of phone hanging up
RUSSEL
So Marcus Dwight has a relation to the victim? Why was
this not confirmed earlier in the case? We must interview
Dwight as soon as possible.
SECUTARY
Should I contact the prison holding Thomas Brodie?
RUSSEL
Not yet. Im going to contact our eye witness and see if
she can recognise Marcus Dwight or Thomas Brodie as the
killer.
SECUTARY
Ill contact the witness later today.
RUSSEL
Thank you. Ill arrange some officers to help me
interview Mr. Dwight. Hes a dangerous man. Youre
dismissed.
Russel sighs.
Picks up phone
Sound effect of phone dialing
Hello, this is Inspector Detective Russel Green I need to
contact Marcus Dwight urgently.
Scene returns to the prison in Brodies cell.
 RUSSEL
Thomas Brodie. Come with me.
THOMAS
Whats going on?
RUSSEL
I must escort you to the Courtroom.
THOMAS
What? Why?
RUSSEL
New evidence has been found. This could clear your name.
THOMAS
Really?
RUSSEL
Goodbye Morgan.
MORGAN
Thank you, Sir.
THOMAS
Wait. Where are you going?
MORGAN
Its my time Thomas.
THOMAS
Morgan. Why didnt you say anything?
MORGAN
Im sorry. I believe you Thomas. I believe you are
innocent. As much as the family deserves justice, so do
you.
THOMAS
Are you scared?
MORGAN
Not anymore.
THOMAS
Thank you.
 RUSSEL
(Vaguely) Mr. Brodie we must get going.
THOMAS
Goodbye.
MORGAN
Good luck my friend.
Footsteps walking away.
Sound effect of doors opening into Courtroom and shutting
JUDGE
Thomas Brodie. Please take a seat.
Scene Ends
THOMAS
(During this monologue Thomas will have to highlight
his voice breaking when talking about the loss of his
friend Morgan)

In that courtroom, I was released of all charges against

Marshall Evington. Marcus Dwight pleaded guilty of the
murder and was sentenced to be executed in 54 months. I
cannot imagine the heartbreak of the young boys family
but now he has received justice for his death. I wrote
this piece in order to highlight the truth behind
Marshall Evingtons death and our town will never be the
same without him. May you rest in peace Marshall I trust
Morgan is up there taking care of you. Rest in Peace my
friends.

Running Time: 7 minutes