It's 1954, and Nathan Heller's 17th case is a famous one. Doctor Sam Sheppard is startled from sleep and discovers his wife murdered. He claims that a mysterious intruder did it—but all the evidence points to a disturbed husband who has grown tired of married life. Heller's old friend Elliot Ness asks him to look into it, but they can't prevent Sheppard from being convicted. Years later, Heller's given another chance and this time he's determined to free the man, even if it brings his own death a bit closer.