Presumed Innocent episode 3 ending explained: What new evidence was found against Rusty?

Presumed Innocent episode 4 was released on Apple TV+ on June 26, 2024, marking the midpoint of the eight-episode miniseries. The story revolves around the innocence or guilt of former prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the murder of his mistress and co-worker Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve).

The latest episode shows the case becoming more layered as the prosecution scrambles for more evidence. Rusty's side, led by Raymond Horgan (Bill Camp), faces a major setback at the end of the episode when a medical report finds Rusty's DNA under Carolyn's fingernails.

The official summary for episode 4 reads:

"Kyle is confronted about his whereabouts the night of the murder. Tommy questions Carolyn's son when the case takes a complicated turn."

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Presumed Innocent (2024).

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What evidence was found against Rusty at the end of Presumed Innocent episode 4?

Peter Saarsgard as Tommy Molto in Presumed Innocent episode 4 (via Apple TV+ / 14:36)

During the later half of the episode, Raymond Horgan calls a meeting with Nico Della Guardia (OT Fagbenle) and Tommy Molto (Peter Saarsgard) to discuss the case.

He claims the prosecution's case is too weak and that they should come to a settlement beforehand. Nico and Tommy give Raymond a medical report they just obtained, containing evidence that drastically changes Rusty's position in the case.

At the episode's end, Raymond calls Rusty and informs him that his DNA was found under Carolyn's fingernails. While Rusty protests, saying that Carolyn never scratched him and that the evidence must be planted, Raymond grimly informs him that a medical report corroborates this information. This new development puts Rusty in a very tight spot.

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Who tried to break into the Sabich house in Presumed Innocent episode 4?

Ruth Negga as Barbara Sabich in Presumed Innocent episode 4 (via Apple TV+ / 24:18)

Rusty and Detective Rodriguez decide to interrogate a potential suspect who also had a hand in the Bunny Davis case that Rusty worked with Carolyn on.

The suspect, Brian Ratzer, seems on the edge when they question him and angrily asks the two to leave his house after refusing to answer any questions. Ratzer seems to think there's something familiar about Rusty's face and looks him up.

Later, at the end of the episode when Rusty is on a call with Raymond, there's a loud banging on the front door of the Sabich house, scaring Jaden and Barbara. Panicked, Rusty sees that it's Ratzer at his door, yelling threateningly to "keep away from my family". In a swirl of emotions and aggression, Rusty opens the door and begins to hit Ratzer.

While initially it may seem like Rusty is just defending his home, it's also completely possible that he was unloading his anger and frustration at Ratzer.

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Is Rusty Sabich under trial in Presumed Innocent?

Yes, Rusty Sabich is a former prosecutor soon to be under trial for the murder of Carolyn Polhemus, his co-worker and mistress. While the show has not reached a point where it has declared the culprit, it leaves the audience wondering whether Rusty is truly guilty.

On one hand, Rusty vehemently claims that he didn't kill Carolyn and his rivals on the prosecution are out to get him. On the other hand, the storyline reveals through character traits and flashbacks that Rusty is grey.

He has anger issues, is obsessed with Carolyn to the point of perhaps scaring or striking her and is even capable of lashing out violently (as revealed at the end of episode 4 where he attacks Brian Ratzer).

The audience will have to wait and see whether Rusty is truly guilty or someone completely unexpected is declared the culprit for Carolyn's murder.

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Presumed Innocent is streaming now on Apple TV+, with new episodes released every Wednesday.