Kidnapping, Murder, and Mayhem

Today Marks the 700^th Post on my Kidnapping, Murder and Mayhem blog…

By Robert A. Waters

I posted my first story, The Kidnapping of Dee Scofield, on January 16, 2008. This crime happened in my hometown of Ocala, Florida, and has never been solved. It likely never will be. Cops have no body, no DNA, or any real evidence. In the middle of the day in a small city, a young girl simply vanished. Shortly after the abduction, she may have been seen with two men near the vast Ocala National Forest where there are millions of places to hide a body.

For many decades, I’ve been interested in stories of self-defense. My first book, The Best Defense: True Stories of Intended Victims Who Defended Themselves with a Firearm, was published in 1998. Many Americans have been taught that cases in which would-be victims successfully fight back are rare, but they’re not. Check out this true story, one of nearly 100 such cases I’ve written about in my blog: Firearm trumps knife and bear spray. Without a gun, Dawna Hetzler would certainly have been raped and murdered.

I love old-time country and bluegrass music, as well as folk and blues tunes. Early rock ‘n’ roll is also a favorite, as is Cajun and gospel music. So, it’s natural that I would write many blogs about music and musicians. Here’s a story I wrote about one of my favorite singers: Johnny Horton. Then there's the history of The Knoxville Girl, a murder ballad that dates back to the 16^th century.

My view of American history, particularly the so-called Civil War, is out of the mainstream. I’ve researched that conflict--many myths are taught as fact today. Here is one story that contradicts the modern view of Civil War history: Nightmare at Elmira. Lincoln's war machine murdered thousands of Rebel prisoners of war, and, after the Civil War, slew thousands of innocent Indian women and children. The 1870 Marias Massacre tells that story. (By the way, all my historical writings are supported by factual documentation.)

Artist's Picture of Indian Women and Children being Murdered by the United States Army

Of course, true crime is the mainstay of my blog. Unsolved cases intrigue me. The Short Family Murders is a sad example. Here are a few other stories I recommend:

The Man Without a Heart. The kidnappings and murders of two young boys had never been written about online until I read about the case in my research.

Reanimating the Killer. I love stories that have odd twists, and this one is a doozy. A mad doctor almost got to try to bring an executed killer back to life.

The Forgotten Victim. William Reese was one of serial killer Andrew Cunanan’s victims. A life well-lived, a death still mourned.

 

I invite any interested reader to peruse my blog. There are no ads to frustrate you, and comments are all respectful, with no profanity. (I will not post hateful, profane messages.) You'll find hundreds of intriguing cases of kidnapping, murder and mayhem.

I also ask that you check out my website: www.robertwaters.net

Any of the six books I've written will make wonderful gifts for those you love.