 Howard repeatedly questions Vaughn , believing he is acting as the fall guy for his two friends . Vaughn says nothing , but eventually writes a letter of apology to Ellison . Felton closes the case despite Howard 's protests for more time to investigate . Vaughn eventually pleads guilty at his arraignment and insists on serving life without parole . Marvin and Tweety are sentenced to 30 years in prison , but Ellison tells Howard he feels no comfort because his wife is still dead . Howard tries to give Vaughn 's letter to Ellison , but he refuses to accept it . Howard eventually speaks directly to Vaughn in prison , where Vaughn admits he handled the gun during the stick @-@ up because he thought if he had the gun , he could control the situation and prevent anyone from getting hurt . Vaughn said he lost control of the robbery , and insists he needs to serve the life sentence to make amends . A devastated Howard finally agrees with Felton 's opinion that Vaughn was indeed the shooter . 
