Cluverius V. The Commonwealth: Virginia's Murder Trial of the Century

A young woman is found floating in the Old Marshall Reservoir one raw, early morning in March, 1885. Her discovery ignites the City of Richmond over the next few days, as fear, desperation, and curiosity permeates the public. When a brash newspaper man suggests it was murder, the panic intensifies and the pressure builds on local authorities to find the killer. News breaks that the unmarried woman was in her eighth month of pregnancy; sadness and disgust collide. Vigilant investigators soon identify a suspect, a handsome young attorney whose mysterious behavior only fuels speculation.

Sixty days after the Lillie Madison’s death, the trial of Thomas J. Cluverius ensues. A prolific and determined effort is made by both sides to make their case. A decision is reached by the jury but a divided public is not wholly satisfied. After failed appeals, the prisoner’s final attempt to attain the verdict he seeks falls upon the newly-elected Governor of Virginia.

Fitzhugh Lee, a Virginian of exemplary pedigree with vast experience in war and peace, is faced with the difficult task of deciding the fate of a young, handsome man convicted of a heinous crime largely on circumstantial evidence. Lee must call upon his wisdom, honor, and sense of duty to come to a satisfactory conclusion. His wrenching decision, once made, will be final.