'Presumed Innocent': Is there more than one killer? Fans puzzled over Carolyn Polhemus's case
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'Presumed Innocent'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jake Gyllenhaal's courtroom drama 'Presumed Innocent' is creating ripples among fans owing to its ability to keep the mystery around the real murderer of Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve).
Based on Scott Turow's book of the same name, the story follows a prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), who becomes entangled in a legal battle after being accused of murdering his colleague and secret girlfriend, Carolyn.
Rusty is established as the primary suspect in the murder case, but with each episode, the show introduces a new suspect, playing the mind games with the fans.
Fans suspect Kyle Sabich to be the killer in 'Presumed Innocent'
In a Reddit thread, titled 'Multiple Killers' fans of the show speculated that Rusty's son Kyle Sabich (Kingston Rumi Southwick) could be the possible murderer of Carolyn.
A fan who wrote the thread said, "Does anyone else think it could be more than one “killer” involved? Spoilers through ep. 4 below with my theory. I personally believe it was Kyle (the son) who killed Carolyn in the heat of passion while confronting her after seeing his dad leave, but that it was Barbara who helped him cover it up. He was admittedly there that night, but in discussions about it, Rusty is ushered out of the room and later debriefed by Barbara so we aren’t clear if it’s the truth."
The fan added, "I had my suspicions about each of them carrying it out individually but together, I think it adds up. I don’t think it was premeditated on either of their behalves. I think the therapist nailed it when she insinuated Barbara would do anything to keep her family together. Finally, it could explain the DNA under Carolyn’s fingerprints if it were a close match (I don’t actually know if that’s how DNA works but I think it could provide at least a close enough hit). Thoughts?."
Sharing their opinion on the same, a fan said, "I like this theory! I hadn’t thought of what Kyle’s involvement might be but Barbara was clearly involved in the murder/cover up. Not sure what to make of the DNA or how it got under Carolyn’s nails. One thing is sure, the call is coming from inside Rusty’s house, that’s a certainty."
Another fan wrote, "That’s my new theory after E4 which would be a different spin while still being true to the original story. Barb was scrubbing that bike VERY thoroughly. I’m not sure about the DNA. Rusty and Kyle should only share 47-50% but they are suggesting the forensic guy is a hack so maybe he messed up.
The fan continued, "The only piece of the puzzle that doesn’t fit for me is the Brian thing but maybe the person Carolyn was afraid of at work had something to do with Bunny’s case, not her affair with Rusty. She could have been afraid of Molto or even Raymond over something to do with Bunny."
"It was both the son and daughter," wrote another fan.
Fans speculate over Barbara Sabich's involvement in the murder case
Now, fans are scrutinizing Rusty's wife Barbara Sabich (Ruth Negga) for her unusual behavior, speculating about her potential involvement in the murder case.
Under a different Reddit post, a fan wrote, "Anyone notice Barbara closes her eyes first as they showed everyone awake and unable to sleep the night before the trial starts? She’s able to sleep. She knows what happened. Rusty has case files at home. She’s seen what happened in the Bunny Davis murder."
Another fan added, "My $ on Barb & now that they say it was similar but not exact, that cue for Rusty to know it was her & that she was brilliant. She knew how he looked at her. Odd how C would say dies Barb do this & that you you—-either she lied abt who she was when she sold her that art or she knew her & Barb went over the next morning if nut to deliver it be art but even to talk—early am wouldn’t be an intimidating time to let the wife in."
Sharing their perspective, one fan said, "I still think it’s Rusty’s son and wife. The scene I. The kitchen about the bike confirmed it."
One fan said, "The now cheating wife. She should have split a long time ago, only a psycho would put up with that - or, she didn't put up with it. She had access to the cases through Rusty. Bike cleaning was off. Always telling her kids he didn't do it."
Is Tommy Motlo the real killer in 'Presumed Innocent'?
The show's fifth episode also hinted at a possible link between Rusty's professional rival Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) to the murder of Carolyn, sparking extensive discussion in a Reddit thread.
A fan speculated, "That reaction from Molto after Michael says he had lunch with his mom during which she endorsed being scared and worried about a man at work." Another fan said, "Definitely Tommy did it!"
One fan said, "100% think Tommy did it/was involved. Just in this episode, Nico mentions to Tommy how in the past month he’s been acting different. He was obsessed with her and knew about Rusty and her relationship, and wanted to take matters into his own hands."
Another fan stated, "My thought last week and this week is perhaps Tommy did it. Carolyn did say she was being bothered by a man at work. The assumption is Rusty, but this week’s episode opens the door that she didn’t want to work with the insecure Tommy Malto, who is presumed innocent. He has access to the same previous cases. He was likely aware of her affair with Rusty. And his hatred of Rusty runs shockingly deep, like jilted lover deep."
How to stream 'Presumed Innocent'?
If you have a streaming subscription to Apple TV+, you can explore the intriguing world of 'Presumed Innocent'.
For a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, Apple TV+ gives users access to all of the show's original episodes and movies.
'Presumed Innocent' trailer