The Book of Murder

1. Murder Defined: More Than Just Taking a Life

In the simplest terms, if you want to avoid spending the rest of your life in prison, the reason better be pretty good.

Homicide vs. Murder. Homicide is the killing of one human being by another, but not all homicides are murder. Self-defense, like Terra Newell's justified killing of "Dirty John" Meehan, is a homicide but not murder. Murder is the intentional killing of another human being with malice aforethought, meaning the killer decided to kill before committing the act, and without legal justification.

Degrees of Badness. The legal system categorizes killings based on intent and circumstances, ranging from justifiable self-defense to accidental manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter (killing under extreme provocation), second-degree murder (intentional but not premeditated), first-degree murder (premeditated and deliberate), and capital murder (involving special circumstances like financial gain or torture). The difference between these categories lies in the subjective state of mind of the killer and the objective circumstances surrounding the act.

The "Why" Matters. While forensic technology has advanced, the motives for murder remain consistent: anger, jealousy, lust, and greed. Understanding the "why" is crucial for prosecutors, as it helps juries determine the killer's state of mind and the appropriate level of culpability. The law boils down to this: Do wrong and pay a price; do more wrong and pay a higher price.

2. The Grim Reality of Gang Life: A Dead End

In the end, the law, or the lifestyle itself, will catch up to them.

Gang Life is a Trap. Gangsters are often portrayed as glamorous figures, but the reality is that most are just thugs who steal and eventually face the consequences. The "Laugh Now, Cry Later" mentality reflects a fatalistic acceptance of death or imprisonment. Prison is an accepted part of their plan.

Lack of Sympathy. It's difficult to empathize with gangsters who terrorize innocent people. The author notes that gang members often lack genuine remorse and laugh about killing each other. This makes prosecuting gang-related murders less rewarding than cases involving innocent victims.

Gang Culture Absurdities. The author shares anecdotes of gang-related incidents, highlighting the stupidity and senselessness of the violence. These stories, while sometimes darkly humorous, underscore the tragic waste of life and the lack of rational thought within gang culture. The author notes that the most important part of his job was about empathy and compassion.

3. Politics and Tragedy: The Corrosive Nature of Fame

Chasing leaks is like chasing ghosts.

The Runnion Case. The murder of five-year-old Samantha Runnion brought national media attention and political maneuvering. The author, as a young prosecutor, experienced the challenges of navigating a high-profile case while dealing with internal politics and media pressure.

The Human Cost. The author emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion for the victims' families, particularly Erin Runnion, Samantha's mother. He realized that the job was not just about catching bad guys but also about helping grieving families through the worst thing a parent can possibly endure.

Politics Intrudes. The author recounts how the case was taken away from him due to political considerations, teaching him a valuable lesson about navigating the system. Despite the setback, he learned to focus on the work and remain dedicated to seeking justice, regardless of the political consequences.

4. Betrayal and Purpose: Finding Meaning in the Abyss

When surrounded by death, you quickly develop a desire—a screaming, pulsating need—to actually live.

Personal Heartbreak. The author recounts a series of personal relationship failures, culminating in a disastrous trip to Napa. These experiences led him to question his life choices and consider a new direction.

Epiphany in Indonesia. While on a surf trip in Indonesia, the author had an epiphany, realizing that he could dedicate himself fully to his work as a prosecutor and make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims' families. He resolved to embrace the darkness of his profession and become a "monster" for those who needed a champion.

Embracing the Darkness. The author decided to embrace the intensity and dedication required to be a Homicide prosecutor, sacrificing personal balance for the sake of justice. This decision brought a sense of purpose and relief, allowing him to find meaning in the face of death and suffering.

5. The Chilling Truth of "No Body" Cases: Anchors and Oceans

Every entrance into a murder scene is like walking into the center of a three-dimensional puzzle.

The Hawks Case. The disappearance of Tom and Jackie Hawks, a couple who vanished after attempting to sell their yacht, presented a complex "no body" case. The author recounts the challenges of investigating the case, including the lack of physical evidence and the initial cooperation of the suspects.

Gary Burns to the Rescue. A tip from a charter captain friend, Gary Burns, led to a crucial breakthrough: the missing anchor. This discovery confirmed the author's suspicion that the Hawks had been murdered and their bodies dumped at sea.

The Power of a Small Detail. The author emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in solving murder cases. The missing anchor, a seemingly insignificant detail, ultimately proved to be the key to unlocking the truth and bringing the killers to justice.

6. Wealthy Men Only: The Lure and Danger of Greed

If you can’t persuade a jury, you are useless when it comes to actually achieving justice.

The McLaughlin Case. The murder of Bill McLaughlin, a wealthy businessman, highlights the dangers of greed and manipulation. The author recounts the story of Nanette Johnston, a gold digger who seduced McLaughlin and conspired with her lover to kill him for his money.

The Importance of the "Why." The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the killer's motive in murder cases. In the McLaughlin case, the motive was financial gain, and the author had to convince the jury that Nanette and her lover, Eric Naposki, were driven by greed.

The Power of Circumstantial Evidence. Despite the lack of direct evidence, the author was able to build a strong case against Nanette and Naposki using circumstantial evidence, including their behavior after the murder, their financial situation, and their conflicting statements.

7. The Mind of a Serial Killer: Beyond the Boogeyman

We are smarter, far more devious, and have a capacity for evil that other predators simply don’t.

Alcala's Twisted Charm. The case of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game, reveals the disturbing reality that monsters can hide in plain sight. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychology of serial killers, who are often charming, intelligent, and manipulative.

The Absence of Remorse. The author challenges the common misconception that serial killers are driven by childhood abuse. In his experience, many serial killers are simply evil individuals who lack empathy and derive pleasure from inflicting pain.

The Importance of Justice. The author recounts the long and arduous journey to bring Alcala to justice, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

8. Domestic Violence: A Cycle of Control and Death

Every day in the Homicide Unit was just a little different from the day before.

Domestic Violence Murders. The author notes that domestic violence murders are a common occurrence, often stemming from jealousy, manipulation, anger, and control. He shares anecdotes of various domestic violence cases, highlighting the tragic consequences of toxic relationships.

The Importance of Intervention. The author emphasizes the need for early intervention in domestic violence cases, as they can often escalate to murder. He also notes the challenges of prosecuting these cases, as victims are often reluctant to testify against their abusers.

The Power of Empathy. The author stresses the importance of empathy for the victims of domestic violence, who are often trapped in cycles of abuse and fear. He also notes the lasting damage and profound grief these murders cause to the loved ones of the victims.

9. The Hunt: Obsession and the Pursuit of Justice

There is a sense of dark fascination that draws us into these kinds of cases.

The Torrez Case. The murder of Cathy Torrez, a young college student, highlights the importance of relentless pursuit in solving cold cases. The author recounts the story of Daron Wyatt, a detective who became obsessed with the case and refused to give up, even after it had gone cold.

The Power of a Prosecutor. The author emphasizes the role of the prosecutor in bringing justice to victims' families. He recounts his decision to file charges against Sam Lopez, despite the lack of direct evidence, based on his gut feeling and the strength of the circumstantial evidence.

The Importance of Perseverance. The author stresses the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of the case, including the lack of physical evidence and the presence of skilled defense attorneys, he was able to secure a conviction and bring closure to the Torrez family.

10. The Power of a Prosecutor: Justice for the Voiceless

As a prosecutor, you do not defer to “the greater good,” nor choose the “lesser of two evils.”

Ethical Obligations. The author underscores the ethical obligations of a prosecutor, emphasizing the need to pursue truth, fairness, and justice above all else. He recounts instances where he had to disappoint detectives or victims' families because he couldn't ethically file charges.

The Prosecutor as Rebel. The author describes the good prosecutor as a "rebel embedded in the system itself," someone who is willing to challenge authority and do what is right, even when it is politically inconvenient. He emphasizes the importance of acting with honesty, hard work, and a commitment to the truth.

The Importance of Justice. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of justice for all victims, regardless of their social status or background. He stresses the need to treat every case with the same level of care and dedication, and to never give up on the pursuit of truth.

Last updated: February 24, 2025