After recounting various news reports covering the robbery and murder, Steve documents his arrest and his mother's panicked reaction. Steve recounts a visit from his father, who wishes Steve would have gone on to attend his alma mater, Morehouse College.

Cruz admits to participating in the crime only due to coercion by Bobo.

Petrocelli calls as a witness Osvaldo Cruz, who is affiliated with the Diablos, a violent street gang. The story of the trial is often broken up by a variety of flashbacks, including ones showing that King is only acquainted with Steve, that King had accused Steve of pulling the trigger during the robbery. Petrocelli labels the four accused men, including Steve, as 'monsters.' The lawyers call on several witnesses, including Salvatore Zinzi and Wendell Bolden, illicit cigarette traders, who admit to buying cigarettes that came from a drugstore robbery that led to the murder. The trial begins with the opening statements of the prosecutor Sandra Petrocelli, Miss O'Brien, and King's lawyer, Asa Briggs. When the trial first begins, Steve flashes back to a movie he saw in his school's film of predictability.

At this stage, only two of the four accused – James King and Steve – will be tried, since the other two accused – Richard 'Bobo' Evans and Osvaldo Cruz – have entered into a plea bargain. Kathy O'Brien, Steve's lawyer, informs him on what will happen during the trial. Musing on his short time in prison so far, he decides to record this upcoming experience in the form of a movie screenplay. The novel begins with 16-year-old Steve Harmon writing in his book awaiting for his trial for murder.

Monster den bunni how we first met