Deep Dive
Why did Melvin and Lycurtus Reels go to jail?
They were held in contempt of court for refusing to leave their family land on Silver Dollar Road.
Why was the Reels family's land considered Ayers' property?
Their grandfather died without a will, making the land jointly owned by descendants.
Why did Shedrick try to claim part of the Reels family's land?
He used a loophole in the Torrens Act to claim 13 acres of the land.
Why did the developer want Melvin and Lycurtus to vacate their homes?
The developer claimed they were trespassing on land sold to him by Shedrick.
Why did Melvin and Lycurtus refuse to leave their land?
They believed they owned the land and refused to sign a document acknowledging otherwise.
Why did Kim Duhon struggle to find a lawyer for her uncles?
Many lawyers refused to take the case or charged high fees for consultations.
Why did the judge initially keep Melvin and Lycurtus in jail for so long?
The judge ignored the developer's request for a 90-day limit and held them indefinitely.
Why did James Hairston take on Melvin and Lycurtus' case?
A judge friend informed him about the brothers' unjust imprisonment and lack of legal precedent.
Why was the judge finally willing to release Melvin and Lycurtus?
The judge decided not to be part of the 'good old boy network' and did what was right.
Why does Mamie worry about the future of Silver Dollar Road?
She fears property taxes will rise and the land may be sold if one heir decides to sell their stake.
- The brothers were held in contempt of court for not following orders to leave their property.
- They were told they were trespassing on land sold by their grandfather's brother, Shedrick.
Shownotes Transcript