'Presumed Innocent': Witness or murderer? Fans speculate on true nature of Rusty's son

Based on the book of the same name by Scott Turow, the courtroom drama, 'Presumed Innocent' delves into the murky waters of law
PUBLISHED JUL 8, 2024
Jake Gyllenhaal and Kingston Rumi Southwick's 'Presumed Innocent' is getting interesting with each new episode (@appletv+)
Jake Gyllenhaal and Kingston Rumi Southwick's 'Presumed Innocent' is getting interesting with each new episode (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers and speculations for 'Presumed Innocent'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans are immersed in the legal thriller 'Presumed Innocent' on Apple TV+ thanks to its captivating plotline and edgy twists and turns.

Based on Scott Turow's book of the same name, the plot of the show follows prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), who becomes involved in a legal struggle after being suspected of murdering his colleague and secret girlfriend, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve ).

Rusty is established as the key suspect in the murder investigation, but he maintains his innocence and is seen struggling to obtain evidence.

Later, when studying the evidence, Rusty is taken aback by his son Kyle Sabich's (Kingston Rumi Southwick) startling connection to the murder case, which may cause further complications for our protagonist in the future.

How is Kyle Sabich tied to Carolyn Polhemus's murder case in 'Presumed Innocent'?

Kingston Rumi Southwick as Kyle Sabich in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)
Kingston Rumi Southwick as Kyle Sabich in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

Rusty is plunged into even more upheaval while analyzing the incriminating photographs and videos shot by Carolyn's son, Michael Caldwell (Tate Birchmore), on the day of her murder.

To Rusty's surprise, the evidence shows that his son Kyle was outside Carolyn's home on the night of the murder.

He then confronts his son and is shocked to learn that he was fully aware of Rusty's affair with Carolyn before he even told him.

Following a furious debate, Rusty makes amends with his son and informs Raymond Horgan (Bill Camp) that his son has no connection to the crime.

However, the plot develops as Barbara Sabich's (Ruth Negga) strange behaviors with Kyle's bike, as well as Kyle's abrupt disposal of it, add to the mystery surrounding Kyle's apparent involvement in the murder case. 

Did Kyle Sabich witness the gruesome murder of Carolyn Polhemus?

The first episode of 'Presumed Innocent' hinted to a possible relationship between Carolyn Polhemus and Bunny Davis' murder case (@appletv+)
Renate Reinsve as Carolyn Polhemus in a still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

It is feasible to infer that Kyle did not commit the murder but witnessed it and that he is attempting to protect the killer, who might be none other than his mother, Barabra.

Barbara's strange behavior surrounding Kyle's bike, as well as its later disposal, add to the suspense, implying that evidence may be concealed.

Barbara has plenty of reasons to kill Carolyn, since we've previously seen throughout the show how dedicated she is to keeping her family together, and her world revolves mostly around them.

So, it is likely that after learning of Rusty's affair, she decided to give him another chance, but subsequently realizing her husband was pursuing Carolyn and had gone to meet his mistress even after the breakup which may have upset her.

Barbara may have confronted Carolyn and, in a fit of rage, killed her, as witnessed by her son Kyle.

Kyle is completely devoted to his family, and it is possible that in order to save his mother, he is remaining quiet and attempting to conceal any evidence that links them to the crime scene.

Overall, if this speculation becomes true, it could complicate the ongoing inquiry and Rusty Sabich's defence strategy. 

Fans react to Kyle Sabich's involvement in Carolyn Polhemus's murder case

(@appletv+)
Carolyn Polhemus was killed in 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

Fans of the show theorized in a Reddit thread named 'Theory' that Rusty's son Kyle Sabich may have witnessed Carolyn's murder.

The writer of the thread said, "I just caught up with all of the episodes last night, do you guys think Rusty’s son witnessed the murder? Potentially this could explain why he is acting so weird, I do not think he is capable of killing someone. We know he was riding his bike around Carolyn’s house that evening and Carolyn’s son left before Rusty. So maybe Rusty’s son saw it?"

While another added, "Kyle did it! Opportunity, motive, trashing his bike, not raping her PLUS his DNA would most likely pass for Rusty's! Go back and review his therapy session. FYI Michael is too young, weak to tie his mother up and I don't see him torturing her, either."

"Reason why I at least don’t think Barb did it is because she tried to clean the bike and then the kid tried to throw it away anyway I think it was Rusty’s son," said another fan of the show.

How to stream 'Presumed Innocent'?

Tension will escalate between Tommy Molto and Rusty Sabich in 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 4 (@appletv+)
A still from 'Presumed Innocent' (@appletv+)

You may watch this engrossing series that transports you to a fascinating world of intrigue and drama if you have an Apple TV+ streaming subscription.

If not, you can sign up for Apple TV+ right away for $9.99 a month.

'Presumed Innocent' trailer



 

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