When Gerald Hayes witnesses his teenage son Niles’s brutal beating by police officers, a split second decision leads to him being barricaded in a friend’s nearby restaurant with one of the officers. As the situation deteriorates and the press paints Niles as the offender, Gerald fights for justice for his son using the one tool at his disposal in that moment - social media. Told through the lens of an investigative journalist, Kate Bell takes us back to that fateful afternoon and its aftermath a year later through interviews, found surveillance footage and more.

#MATTER premieres February 9th. Subscribe today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Bell, investigative journalist and author, introduces us to Gerald Hayes - the subject of her investigation. Her conversations begin to reveal the close-knit community of people affected by the death of Gerald’s 18-year-old son, Niles Hayes, who was killed by police during a traffic stop. We hear footage from Kate’s investigation that begins to shed light on what really went on that fateful day. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Simms, who recorded the attack on Niles, gives Kate a firsthand overview of the events that transpired outside and inside of Jayce’s bar. Intriguing details are revealed surrounding Sergeant Place’s shooting and the hostage situation that follows.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commander Ammons, the lead hostage negotiator, provides Kate with more insight from the scene of the standoff. Audio from inside the restaurant sheds light on Gerald’s mindset after the incident and Kate hears first hand accounts of Nile’s condition from the EMT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Niles’ death, Gerald uses what he believes to be the only option available to him to set the record straight - social media. Kate introduces footage and interviews with reporter Colleen Sanders, who broke Gerald’s story and the public trial that followed.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niles’ mother recounts her arrival on the scene at Jayce’s 42 Sports Bar & Grill and we hear how the evening begins to unfold through her eyes. Kate questions the CEO of Polycam about the online trial then conflict and tensions rise between the members of the hostage negotiation squad. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After multiple failed negotiation attempts, Detective Patterson tries his luck with Gerald. Meanwhile a reporter discovers Michelle Hayes at the protest and takes her to the police where she finally learns of the online trial. The media weighs in on Gerald, the trial and Jayce’s public image. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr.Azatti goes inside Jayce 42 to provide medical care for Sergeant Place. His POV of the standoff and of Niles' injuries makes Kate begin to wonder who's really responsible for Nile’s death. Martin loses his cool as the tensions mount and he unloads on Jayce and Gerald. Big H and the community stand up for Niles, Gerald and Jayce in an unorthodox way.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.