I think the theme of the book is about corruption and secrets. This book shows the damage and fear that can happen when powerful people abuse their power.
The police in Phoenix helped the politicians and wealthy businessmen cover up all sorts of crimes, it was common knowledge around town. The police officers stationed at the scene of the crime even allowed reporters and townspeople to wander through the house before forensics had been collected. When asked about it in court the officer stated it was okay because he told the people not to take anything. Evidence that implicated anyone other than Winnie was “lost” or not even collected. Witnesses changed their stories after talking to the police and some suddenly left town. The justice system held absolute power and their verdicts could not be questioned. The author found many examples of witnesses lying in court and proof that the lawyers or judges knew it.
Newspapers were not responsible for reporting the truth. They also did not have to fact check or corroborate the story with several witnesses as they do today. It was not uncommon for reporters to make up stories or pay “witnesses” for an exclusive story. If they printed something that was proven false, the newspaper did not have to print a retraction. This era was all about sensational journalism and making money.
Many examples of corruption are detailed in this book and it seems impossible that the public could be so gullible about some of the things the justice system did during this investigation and trial. I can only think that they were afraid. They feared the powerful men in town and so they believed without questioning too much.
The police in Phoenix helped the politicians and wealthy businessmen cover up all sorts of crimes, it was common knowledge around town. The police officers stationed at the scene of the crime even allowed reporters and townspeople to wander through the house before forensics had been collected. When asked about it in court the officer stated it was okay because he told the people not to take anything. Evidence that implicated anyone other than Winnie was “lost” or not even collected. Witnesses changed their stories after talking to the police and some suddenly left town. The justice system held absolute power and their verdicts could not be questioned. The author found many examples of witnesses lying in court and proof that the lawyers or judges knew it.
Newspapers were not responsible for reporting the truth. They also did not have to fact check or corroborate the story with several witnesses as they do today. It was not uncommon for reporters to make up stories or pay “witnesses” for an exclusive story. If they printed something that was proven false, the newspaper did not have to print a retraction. This era was all about sensational journalism and making money.
Many examples of corruption are detailed in this book and it seems impossible that the public could be so gullible about some of the things the justice system did during this investigation and trial. I can only think that they were afraid. They feared the powerful men in town and so they believed without questioning too much.