Here's why:
* It sets the story in motion: Before the shooting, Steve Harmon, the protagonist, is a young aspiring filmmaker with a relatively normal life. The shooting thrusts him into the criminal justice system as a potential witness and suspect.
* Introduces the central conflict: Steve's innocence is questioned from the start, and he becomes entangled in a complex web of legal proceedings, accusations, and the potential for a wrongful conviction.
* Raises the stakes: Steve's future hangs in the balance, and he must fight for his freedom while dealing with the emotional and psychological toll of the situation.
While the book explores Steve's experiences in the juvenile detention center, his relationship with his lawyer, and the themes of race and justice, it all stems from the initial act of violence that brings Steve into the heart of the narrative.