Over the last week, on social media for my book, I have noted the 25th anniversary of the Alvin Ridley murder trial, January 7-15, 1999. My book, "Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom" (Citadel, Hardcover, February 2024), is just weeks away from launch.

I asked Alvin yesterday if he remembered what we were doing exactly 25 years ago. "Going to lunch, I reckon," was his guess. This was a pretty good guess, as we did go to lunch that day, as we have done for many years since the trial.

Opon winning the trial 25 years ago yesterday, the first public comments I made on the courthouse steps, after presenting Alvin, were something to the effect that (Alvin) is ready to start rebuilding his reputation in the community.

I hope that this book accomplishes this goal.

McP