who was the murderer in the movie in the heat of the night
In the Heat of the Night (film) Tibbs visits a backstreet abortionist, who reveals that someone paid for Delores to have an abortion. When Delores arrives, Tibbs follows her outside and is confronted by the murderer, Ralph. Purdy's mob tracks down Tibbs and holds him at gunpoint; he responds by proving that Ralph got Delores pregnant. Ralph shoots Purdy dead before Tibbs disarms him. Ralph is arrested (presumptively for both murders) and confesses to Colbertâ€™s: he robbed Colbert to fund Delores's abortion but accidentally killed him.
Hugh O'Connor Hugh Edward Ralph O'Connor (April 7, 1962 â€“ March 28, 1995) was an American actor and the son of actor Carroll O'Connor known for his role as James Flynn in the 1984 film, Brass, and his portrayal as Lonnie Jamison on In the Heat of the Night until his death in 1995.