When we watch TV, go to the movies, or attend concerts (admittedly before Covid), we enjoy watching our favorite stars. But despite being role models for millions, celebrities sometimes break the law. The justice system's credibility then takes a hit when it all too often looks the other way. Of course, stars weaken the justice system's credibility because of their talent, charm, good looks, or wealth which shines so bright it often dazzles judges and juries. When judges and … [Read more...]
Crim Justice Reform +’s, -‘s, unintended consequences
We heard from both sides of certain 2020's crim justice reform issues last Monday. Below are a couple of samples of the pros and cons of parole reform, one of the many controversial reforms proposed nationwide.After that, I've included an example of what reformers must consider when proposing and implementing reforms. The example pertains to bail reform, something that shares characteristics with parole reform. The comments and video describe an unintended consequence of bail reform in the … [Read more...]
Guess what special MO let a serial killer murder 93?
America's deadliest serial killer, Samuel Little, left a trail of 93 —maybe more— bodies...because of his special MO. I've written several blogs about serial killers, and my blog here is useful if you need some basics about this kind of multicide. It's not the same as mass murder or spree killings, for example. A special MO. How'd Little manage to get away with so many murders? He was smart, kept on the move, and used a method of operation (MO) that was difficult to investigate. Police use a … [Read more...]
A Psychopath and his Mother terrorize Spokane
I’ve been writing about psychopaths since 2013, and I’m getting renewed appreciation for the terror many of the more violent ones inflict on individuals and communities. Before interstates, my mom used to drive me from Boise, Idaho through Spokane, Washington to Seattle for cleft-palate surgeries. I got to know Spokane and over the years have become acquainted with several people there. A true-crime book about a Psychopath and his Mother. So I recently read "Son: A Psychopath and … [Read more...]
“Just Mercy” author addresses issues raised by George Floyd’s death.
In my last blog, I passed along a progressive black man's take on the massive George Floyd protests. It was written by a Harvard Law grad who is a proponent of nonviolence. I'm giving time in today's blog to a moderate black man's take on the issue of racism raised by the protests. Attorney Bryan Stevenson, also a Harvard Law grad, is having a bit of a moment. The movie of his book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption has just been released. It stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, … [Read more...]
Ira Einhorn, the Unicorn Killer, dies, but lives on in my book.
One of the murderers in my Privileged Killers and the Psychopaths among us, just died. I've blogged about him from time to time - here for example and with photos here. Tho his death has been widely reported as due to natural causes, he died of longstanding cardiac problems. His death, allegedly, was unrelated to the current coronavirus pandemic. . Nick Arama, writes in NBC Philadelphia that one-time environmentalist: "Ira Einhorn, 79, has died in prison. Susan … [Read more...]
Plea bargains, Prisons, Parole — an after-your-arrest Tutorial with Boston Strangler tie in.
Am close to finishing my latest book, Privileged Killers, where I take plea bargains and parole board decisions to task. These are two phenomena that've dictated court and corrections culture for years. Hopefully this tutorial will help writers, criminology students, true-crime fans, and others understand these topics. Plea bargains are a win-win often. Suspects get to plead guilty to doing something less serious than what they've done in all likelihood. The joke is it's like copping to … [Read more...]