Gary Gilmore, a man of considerable intelligence and artistic ability, has spent the majority of his life in prison. Upon his early release from the maximum-security prison in Illinois, he reaches out to his cousin Brenda Nicol, hoping she will help him reintegrate into society. Brenda, living in Utah, agrees to be his sponsor, setting the stage for Gary's tumultuous journey to freedom.

Struggling to Adjust

Gary makes his way to Provo, Utah, where he moves in with his aunt and uncle, Vern and Ida Damico. He takes a low-paying job as a shoe repairman at Vern's store and attempts to adjust to life outside prison walls. Despite his efforts, Gary struggles with social interactions, awkwardly navigating dates and making new acquaintances who quickly grow wary of him due to his volatile temperament and discussions of prison life. His difficulty in connecting with others and controlling his temper makes him a solitary figure.

Parole Violations and Increasing Frustration

In a bid to escape his restlessness, Gary violates his parole by traveling to Idaho, where he is arrested for driving without a license and assaulting a man, though charges are dropped. His parole officer, Mont Court, opts not to report him, allowing Gary a chance to continue his life outside prison. However, Gary's frustration intensifies despite securing a better-paying job. His descent continues with acts of vandalism, petty theft, and frequent drunkenness. He even contemplates robbing a bank, enlisting Rikki Baker for help, but is rejected, exacerbating his isolation and frustration.

A Tense Relationship

Amid his chaotic life, Gary begins a relationship with Nicole Baker, Rikki's younger sister, who is attractive and daring but has a complex past. Nicole moves in with Gary, bringing along her young children, Sunny and Jeremy. Their household is marked by tension due to financial strain, Nicole's infidelity, and Gary's unpredictable behavior. The situation deteriorates as Gary acquires firearms through theft, prompting Nicole to leave him out of fear for her safety.

The Crimes

In a seemingly impulsive move, Gary trades his Mustang for a pickup truck and embarks on a spree of violence, starting with a gas station hold-up in Orem, Utah. Despite the attendant's compliance, Gary executes him ruthlessly. The following night, he repeats his violent actions, robbing a motel in Provo and killing the clerk. His carelessness during the second murder suggests a subconscious desire to be caught, as he leaves behind evidence and witnesses. His capture becomes inevitable when he accidentally wounds himself while hiding the murder weapon, and his cousin Brenda informs the authorities of his whereabouts.

Trial and Sentencing

From prison, Gary reconnects with Nicole, and they exchange passionate letters, professing their love. However, with no viable defense, Gary stands trial, is declared legally sane, and swiftly convicted. Faced with a death sentence, he accepts his fate without appeal, insisting on an expeditious execution.

A Public Spectacle

Gary's wish to accept his death sentence without pursuing appeals captures public attention, sparking a media frenzy. After several judicial delays, he is executed by firing squad on January 17, 1977, merely two months after his initially scheduled execution date and nine months since his parole. Prior to his death, Gary requests that his corneas and other organs be donated for transplants, a wish that is fulfilled soon after his execution. His body undergoes an autopsy before being cremated and his ashes scattered in Utah, leaving his family and acquaintances to return to their lives, changed yet unaltered in their understanding of his tragic journey.