In the Sulden Valley in South Tyrol, the tortured body of the local housekeeper is found in the rectory. Pastor Trifaller reports a robbery, but soon becomes a suspect himself. To clear his name, the church hires star lawyer Stefan Egger, who will stop at nothing to prove the pastor's innocence. After a sensational circumstantial evidence trial, he is convicted. Only Commissioner Mertens from Munich can now shed light on the darkness.