Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Contents
54. Vice Versa
Overview
As the jury deliberates, they request the bus drivers’ and coroner’s testimony, signaling careful review. The court reconvenes and returns a not-guilty verdict for Kya, freeing her after two months in jail. Relief and muted dissent ripple through town as Kya thanks her supporters and leaves with Jodie.
Summary
Tom settles Tate, Jodie, Scupper, and Robert Foster in a courthouse room to await the verdict, outlining contingency plans for appeals or a mistrial if needed. Outside, barred from the courthouse, Jumpin’ and Mabel wait in the rain among other Black townsfolk. Meanwhile, Kya sits alone in her cell, confronting a deeper isolation than any she has known and fearing a quick, prejudiced conviction.
Hours pass. The jury first asks to see the bus drivers’ testimonies, suggesting deliberation on Kya’s alibi and the disputed disguises. Later, they request the coroner’s testimony, leaving Tom unsure of the tilt. By late afternoon, the jury announces it has reached a verdict.
In a packed, tense courtroom, Kya is led in, barely steady. The jurors file in solemnly. Judge Sims has the verdict read aloud: not guilty of first-degree murder. Shock holds the room; whispers and protests flare, but the judge dismisses court and apologizes for Kya’s two months in jail.
Reactions divide the town—some angry, others secretly relieved. Kya’s supporters surround her without crowding: Jodie offers to drive her home; Robert encourages her work; Mabel embraces her; Tom and Scupper show quiet solidarity. Kya thanks them and follows the bailiff out with Jodie, brushing Sunday Justice’s tail as a muted farewell.
Stepping through the door, Kya feels the breath of the sea, finally free, as the trial’s threat lifts and life in the marsh beckons again.
Who Appears
- Kya (Catherine Danielle Clark)Defendant awaiting the verdict; endures intense isolation; acquitted of Chase Andrews’s murder and released.
- Tom MiltonDefense attorney; manages the wait, prepares appeal options, interprets jury requests, and supports Kya through the verdict.
- Tate WalkerWaits anxiously for the verdict, refuses the diner, remains near Kya, and is relieved at her acquittal.
- Jodie ClarkKya’s brother; waits with Tate, offers to drive Kya home after the not-guilty verdict.
- Judge SimsPresides over the verdict; accepts the jury’s decision and apologizes for Kya’s jail time.
- Mr. TomlinsonJury foreman; delivers the not-guilty verdict in court.
- Miss JonesCourt recorder who reads the jury’s not-guilty verdict aloud.
- Jumpin’Waits outside due to segregation; supports Kya and later gathers near her after the verdict.
- MabelWaits in the rain outside; embraces Kya and weeps with relief after the acquittal.
- ScupperTate’s father; waits with the defense group and quietly shows support to Kya.
- Robert FosterKya’s publisher; encourages her to continue her work after she’s acquitted.
- Patti Love AndrewsChase’s mother; weeps as the not-guilty verdict is announced.
- Mrs. CulpepperJuror who glances at Kya; later shows a subtle, relieved reaction.
- Sunday JusticeCourthouse cat; Kya lightly touches his tail as she leaves, a quiet goodbye.
- Jacob (jailer/bailiff)Locks Kya in her cell earlier; later bailiff supports her into court during the verdict.