Otha Liggins III (Dec 17, 1971 – June 13, 1999) was shot to death around 5am on June 13, 1999, near the Club Casino, East St. Louis, Missouri. He died from one single gunshot to his chest. The motive was robbery. Stolen from Otha were: his golden necklace with a diamond medallion pendant that spelled […]
What we lost
At the beginning of 2021, the first post in the series Case of the Month should be dedicated to what and who we lost. We lost too many people in 2020, yes. But we also lost our routines. We lost some insight in each other. And, we lost patience. The year 2020 was so unique, […]
The Ethics of Forensic Genealogy part 2
In March 2019, I wrote about the Ethics in Forensic Genealogy. I indicated that while there was room for joy, because we would be able to solve old crimes, that there was also room for concern. In part 2, I’d like to highlight some of those concerns. Forensic Genealogy is not just instrumental in catching […]
Once Two Sister by Sarah Warburton
‘Once Two Sister’ by Sarah Warburton is a fast-paced book. I read it in two sittings and the author kept me on my toes. The book centers on, of course, two sisters. Zoe and Ava Hallett grew up despite their clinically distant and robotic scientist parents. Nancy and Walter Hallett are so focused on their […]
Toronto John Doe 1989
WARNING: this post contains photography that some might find disturbing! One of my readers alerted me to a case of an unidentified man with zero media attention. I have not plowed through all newspaper archives yet as I’d normally do, however, I am posting it in hopes that others can start sharing it. What do […]
Paul Bernard Quinters (1967 – 1993)
Paul Bernard Quinters (June 11, 1967 – Dec 5, 1993) was only 26 years old when he was stabbed to death. We do not know why the argument started. We do not know what was said. We do not know whether either Paul or his friend knew or recognized the attacker. We do not know […]
The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch
The story captures you from page one, the characters are under your skin before the first chapter ends, and the storyline promises a well-layered plot. And, yes. Pötzsch delivers. More about the book later. Right now, someone else must be discussed as it is crucial to Pötzsch’s international success: the translator. Lee Chadeayne My readers […]
The 1940 Van Camp Murders
Mrs. Annie Van Camp and William, the youngest of her seven sons, were murdered by shotgun blasts to their faces. These crimes happened late Saturday evening on May 11, 1940, inside their farm home. They were the only occupants of that farmhouse. The Crime The farm was about five miles north of Little Chute, on […]