Jill Marker
Pregnant and working full-time at the Silk Plant Forest in December 1995, she was severely beaten over the head and left for dead. In a coma for several months, she gave birth to her son while unconscious. Now blind and disabled, she lives in Ohio under constant medical care by her parents and nurses.

Kalvin Michael Smith
At the time a petty criminal and part-time painter, Smith was first identified to police in June 1996 after an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers. In jail since December 1997, Smith has always maintained his innocence. His case has been taken up by the Duke Law School Innocence Project.

Don Williams
Robbery detective assigned to the case in 1995 who vowed to Marker and her parents that, "I may never get the guy but I'll work on it until I retire." He is now retired and believes that he arrested the right man. He remains friends with the Marker family.

Aaron Marker
Husband of Jill Marker. Considered a suspect by Detective Williams. Aaron is now divorced from Jill and living in Canton, Ohio, 20 miles south of Marker's home.

William Speaks
Smith's lawyer who decide not to present a defense believing the last word during closing argument would carry more weight with the jury. Some jurors have cited the lack of a defense as a reason they thought Smith guilty.

Tom Keith
Forsyth County district attorney, defended detectives and prosecutors against charges that information was withheld during the trial of defendant Kalvin Smith.

Kenneth Lamoureux
The first suspect in the case, Lamoureux was seen at the scene of the crime an hour before the attack by two women. Left town several months later. Now lives outside San Antonio, Texas.

Shane Fletcher
Suspect in the case and patient with Kenneth Lamoureux at psychiatric unit at Forsyth Medical Center in December 1995. Fletcher confessed to the crime, but medical records showed he was actually asleep in bed at the institution at the time of the assault.