Also Tom Robinson, an African American. He was accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Mayella is Bob Ewell's daughter. Atticus is appointed defense attorney. Bob Ewell saw Mayella kiss Tom, but didn't know she was in there. Bob started beating Mayella and Tom had no choice but to run away. Mayella remained true to her father's story, hoping that the city would not downgrade her. Mayella's eye was injured on the left side. Atticus asks Tom to sign his name on a piece of paper. Bob does, but signs with his left hand. Then Atticus throws an object at Tom and he catches it with his right hand. He had hurt his left hand when he was younger in a cotton gin. Therefore, Atticus proved that Tom was innocent, but because he was black he was found guilty. However, the jury returns with a guilty verdict sentencing Tom to execution for rape. Later, Tom was shot and killed during an attempted escape from prison. Jem, Dill, and Scout all have different opinions about the Tom Robinson trial, but they all believe he was innocent. Scout didn't understand how a man could be hated so much just because of the color of his skin. She was raised by a man who was against racism and saw no difference between herself and him