In 1963, two Los Angeles police officers, Karl Hettinger and Ian Campbell, are ambushed by small-time criminals Greg Powell and Jimmy Smith during a routine traffic stop. Caught off guard and disarmed, the officers are forced into the suspects' vehicle and driven to a remote onion field outside Bakersfield. Once there, a confrontation ensues, leading to a harrowing ordeal that leaves one officer dead and the other fighting for his life. This tragic event sets off a chain of legal battles and personal struggles for those involved.

The surviving officer, grappling with guilt and trauma, faces intense scrutiny and criticism from both the public and his colleagues. Meanwhile, the legal system is pushed to its limits as it seeks justice for the fallen officer. The two criminals navigate through years of court proceedings, revealing the complexities and flaws within the judicial process. The aftermath of the crime profoundly impacts everyone connected to the case, shedding light on the lasting consequences of violence and the pursuit of justice.