Polit- & Justizthriller

The First Book to Examine the Trial Itself The kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. touched off one of the most massive manhunts in the history of American crime detection and generated so much publicity at home and abroad that it was touted as the "Crime of the Century." The arrest of Bruno Richard Hauptmann in connection with the kidnapping inevitably led to the "Trial of the Century." Although Hauptmann was almost universally detested at the time of the trial, the tide of public opinion began to change with his conviction. In the decades following Hauptmann's execution, writers have advanced one theory after another seeking to pin the blame upon various members of the Lindbergh household and others. Almost every aspect of the crime and the investigation has been examined and critiqued-with one exception. No one has written a critical analysis of the trial itself. This book seeks to remedy that omission with an investigation and evaluation of the marshalling, presentation, and arguing of the evidence, and a study of the post-conviction litigation.This innovative book includes: a thorough analysis of the evidence presented at trial by both the prosecution and defense a comprehensive critique of the performance of the lawyers a discussion of inculpatory scientific evidence available to, but not used by, the prosecution a section listing the major protagonists in the investigation and trial a timeline a modular analysis of the prosecution case a table of cases

The Trail of Ted Bundy: Digging Up the Untold Stories, is a journey back in time, to a world when Ted Bundy was killing young women and girls in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It's told by those who knew him, and you'll hear their revealing stories; many of them coming to light for the first time. The friends of the victims are here as well, and they share their insights about the victims, as well as their own personal loss, and some of what they reveal in this book was originally withheld from the investigators during those years, such was their commitment to their deceased friends. It's also the story of those who hunted Bundy during an extraordinarily difficult and long investigation, as well as the stories of those who guarded him. Others, whose lives were altered forever because of their association in this infamous case, have their place in this book as well. The Trail of Ted Bundy also offers fresh information from the official case files in areas not covered in the author's first book, The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History. Covering these things in what was an in-depth biography of the killer, with a moment-by-moment look at the murders, wouldn't have made any sense at that time, yet they make perfect sense here. And finally, for this book, Sullivan travelled to every state where Bundy operated and offers the reader vivid descriptions of how all of these locations look today.

Laugh, empathise, sympathise, and often be brought to tears. Prepare to become involved on a very personal basis. Based on many different aspects of one family's life situations, Not the Body takes you from the happy birth of a precious baby down through the dark and sinister dealings of the police and government in general-a miscarriage of justice and corruption in high places. While it is an exposé of lust, graft, and greed, it is also a love story of great depth and contains humour and happiness with an underlying spiritual message that fortifies the inner souls of innocents caught up in a horrifying, dehumanizing crime. Not the Body is a spellbinding read for those who love a story that truly engages all their senses. A real keeper!

On a hot night in July 1995, Janet Downing, a 42-year-old mother of four, was brutally stabbed 98 times in her home in Somerville, a city two miles northwest of Boston. Within hours, a suspect was identified: 15-year-old Eddie O'Brien, the best friend of one of Janet's sons.But why Eddie? He had no prior history of criminal behavior. He was not mentally ill. He had neither motive nor opportunity to commit the crime. Others had both. Yet none of that mattered because powers far beyond his Somerville neighborhood decided that Eddie needed to be guilty.As laid out in THE POLITICS OF MURDER, the timing of this case did not bode well for Eddie. A movement hoping to stop the supposed rise of young "superpredators" was sweeping the nation, and juvenile offenders were the targets. Both the Massachusetts governor and an elected district attorney who personally litigated this case supported juvenile justice reform, and both aspired to higher offices.Eddie O'Brien's case garnered both local and national publicity: He was the youthful Irish Catholic "boy next door." His grandfather was the retired chief of the Somerville Police Department. Court TV covered the trial in adult court gavel to gavel, calling it "the altar boy murder case." His highly publicized case changed the juvenile laws in Massachusetts. Other states began to follow suit. But did the justice system fail Eddie?That's the contention of author-attorney Margo Nash in her explosive expose, THE POLITICS OF MURDER. Appointed Eddie's guardian ad litem, Nash attended every court session and eventually gained access to all his files. Now after painstaking research and examination of each step of the investigation, trial transcripts and the forensic evidence, Nash makes the case that Eddie could not have committed the crime and that other viable suspects were never properly considered.The Innocence Program has recently taken on Eddie's case. Now readers can decide if politics sent an innocent boy to adult prison for the rest of his life.

Early one morning in May 1997, a young couple on their way to work off a dirt road in the mountains of Colorado spotted a man dragging a woman’s body up a trail. The man fled, leaving behind a bloodied, dying woman. The beautiful, densely wooded area seemed such an incongruous place for a violent crime that at first the couple had a hard time believing what they were seeing. But it was all too real.Indeed the investigation into the death of young street walker Anita Paley would lead from that idyllic spot to the seamy underbelly of Denver and a world of prostitution, drug dealers and violent criminals. And it would expose the lives of two of that world’s inhabitants, the suspect, Robert Riggan, and Anita’s friend, Joanne Cordova, a former cop-turned-crack addict and hooker. In the past, Cordova had submitted to violent sex with Riggan in exchange for drugs; it was just part of her life on the mean streets. But when her friend Anita was murdered, Joanne had to make a choice. She could go to her former colleagues on the police department and tell them what she suspected, which would put her own life in danger as “a snitch.” Or she could look the other way, and let a suspected killer walk free and continue his violent attacks on women.ROUGH TRADE by New York Times bestselling author Steve Jackson is more than the recounting of a murder, an investigation, and the prosecution of a suspect. It’s also the story of two people from the seething criminal underworld of Denver, Colorado and how their paths crossed on the streets and in the courtroom. There’s Riggan, who was raised in his own private hell that included rape, incest and extreme abuse to become a violent sexual predator. And there’s Cordova, who had to summon the courage, and suffer the humiliation, in order to pull herself out of the abyss into which she'd fallen to testify against the man she believed killed her friend. And in doing so, find her own personal redemption.

Memoirs of a former Detective Superintendent

The growth of "Mega churches" has risen considerably in the 21st century as compared to the past. Miami Urban Chronicles Volume I: Risen, seeks to set forth a fictional biopic of the rise of spiritual leader Yahweh Ben Yahweh of the Liberty City based movement the Nation of Yahweh, "Ben Yahweh's." Chauncey Miller, the main character in the story is determined to be a success. He uses his natural skills of cultivating relationships and influence to draw his followers. Despite his meager rural southern background he dreams big and takes risks head-on in realization of his goals. It is significant in modern 21st century times that individuals take control of their life's path. The urban youth particularly need to realize by making deliberate decisions concerning their life they can live their dreams. Chauncey meets a mentor whom cultivates his ideology and sharpens his mediation skills in working with people. He harnesses his skills by working with the youth ministry of a local church. As he attends college he learns the basics of economics and administration in his courses. He understands education is just one tool that can help him along his path. Individuals must utilize opportunities as they present themselves along life's path. The main character seizes upon this truth and follows it down the rabbit hole in a manner of speaking. In most communities the Church is a place of worship, fellowship, family, communal meetings and refuge. Individuals seek comfort in its walls and the main character leverages this in amassing followers. Modern successful pastors have PhD's and fancy seminary school training. The main character can be viewed as the progenitor to the modern "Mega church" system. He is of the conviction that god must call a person to preach which is a spiritual mission. The main character takes this mission on as any other profession and is determined to be a success as a spiritual leader, messenger of god, as well as a successful business entrepreneur. The main character goes from city to city while growing his followership and refining his professional talents. In addition his studies have led to him evolving his religious convictions. The story enthralls with the turmoil of power, beliefs, sex, control, and all the human pitfalls that too often affect successful professionals. In desiring success and wealth upon any career path it is important to maintain composure. Chauncey, although a spiritual leader, is in realization of this truth. In paralleling the lifestyles of the larger community many individuals become disillusioned and pigeonhole themselves. Only in selflessness can individuals walk a blemish-less path. Particularly urban youth must learn the lesson in traversing modern life goal paths in reaching their dreams. This chronicle wraps with Chauncey answering to the communal guidelines of this prescribed society. All must answer to the allegations of their fellow community members and none is an exception to this rule. In acquisition of success and goal setting humility can be a lifesaver.

Six months after a Russian Intelligence agent is murdered, Lucas Gates is sent to Moscow in pursuit of a terrorist.A former cop and now a CIA agent, Lucas isn''t known for playing well with others. He uses any means necessary and avoids relationships he can''t simply walk away from-until he meets Russian liaison officer Elena Ivanova, the widow of the murdered agent.Elena follows the rules, so she accepts her role as Lucas''s liaison-a job nobody else wanted.Finally reinstated after a suspension related to her husband''s death, Elena realizes Lucas might be just the one to help her uncover what really happened. She is surprised by her unexpected attraction to the handsome American when she is still grieving her husband, but she''s sure his initial case is tied to hers, and pushes the feelings aside.Faced with a terrorist for hire, a black market dealer, and a mole within the intelligence community, Lucas finds himself on the run.Alone in a foreign country and wanted by the law, Lucas seeks out the one person he trusts-Elena-though he fears putting the beautiful widow in danger. With the help of shady contacts and Elena''s brother Dmitry, they uncover a heinous terrorist plot which, if successful, would certainly result in global war.Can they save the world-and their lives-or will it all end on the wrong side of the... Russian Law?

From the ashes of Pablo Escobar's empire rose an even bigger and more malevolent cartel. A new breed of sophisticated mobsters became the kings of cocaine. Their leader was Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela - known as the Chess Player due to his foresight and calculated cunning.Gilberto and his terrifying brother, Miguel, ran a multi-billion-dollar drug empire like a corporation. They employed a politically astute brand of thuggery and spent $10 million to put a president in power. Although the godfathers from Cali preferred bribery over violence, their many loyal torturers and hit men were never idle.

Peer into the minds of teen killers like Pearl, Mississippi school shooter Luke Woodham with researcher Phil Chalmers as your guide to understand the motives behind, and possibly prevent, their horrifying violence.

Wise Guys takes readers into the heart of Sopranos territory, with a collection featuring the work of best-selling writers from E. L. Doctorow (with an account of mobster Dutch Schultz that includes one of the great execution scenes in the literature of the Mob) to Nicholas Pileggi (on Henry Hill's first prison term, overflowing with good pasta and booze). Other pieces include Jerry Capeci and Gene Mustain reconstruction of the vicious hit on "Big Paulie" Castellano outside of Spark's Steakhouse (which catapulted John Gotti to leadership of the Gambino family), Mario Puzo's riveting account of a don's ascent (a tale of deceit, murder and, above all, cunning), and Norman Lewis on where it all began: the Sicilian Mafia's battle against Mussolini and its return to greater strength than ever.