Model America

The death of Phillip Pannell at the hands of white police officer Gary Spath is remembered. Doubts rise among the citizens of Teaneck about the town's growing reputation as a racial utopia.

The community begins to splinter as residents pick sides in the shooting death of Phillip Pannell; Town hall meetings devolve into shouting matches and expose systematic and institutional racism in Teaneck's "model community."

A grand jury refuses to indict Officer Gary Spath and a second grand jury is empaneled, infuriating supporters of Officer Spath. Thousands of police officers from across the state show up at a rally, inflaming the already fraught community.

Gary Spath takes the witness stand and gives emotional testimony, highlighting his belief that his life was in danger the night he shot Phillip Pannell. The jury deliberates for nine hours before coming back with the verdict.