[Black & White Edition]The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice is published on the 25th anniversary of, arguably, Dayton, Ohio's most shocking murder spree. The crimes were so horrifying that they captured the attention of the national and international press. Known as "The Christmas Killings," this series of events became a worldwide news story in the print media and early days of cable news. This true-life crime drama opens Christmas week 1992 in a Dayton, Ohio, a declining major industrial U.S. city. The first murder to come to the attention of the four-man Dayton police homicide squad occurs on the evening of December 24, 1992. The ensuing complex criminal acts, including multiple perpetrators, victims, and locations, span 40 consecutive hours until they are resolved only through the tenacity of the detectives and uniformed officers. The full narrative unfolds through the four-day holiday weekend and then presses onward into the weeks and months that follow. Although the story details the atrocities committed by a local gang of teens - the self-proclaimed "Downtown Posse" - who inflict acts of brutality on unsuspecting members of the local community, The Christmas Killings - is a unique portrayal. It is told from the perspective of four homicide investigators - Sgt. Larry Grossnickle and Detectives Wade Lawson, Tom Lawson, and Doyle Burke - both in the way the murders unfold for them in 1992 and in the way these distinguished officers recall the tragic events. Author Dennis Murphy, himself a former Dayton police homicide detective, wanted "The Christmas Killings" told from the point of view of the investigators - the protagonists. He believed there was no better way to recount these tragic events than to tap into the thoughts and feelings of the men who were called out to investigate the homicides over a holiday weekend when most citizens were otherwise engaged in joyous holiday festivities and oblivious to the danger lurking in their city streets. On the 20th anniversary of the murder spree in 2012, Dennis gathered his two coauthors, a camera operator, and the four now-retired homicide detectives to share their memories of those 40 hours by way of an interview, originally film recorded with the intent to create a documentary. However, at the suggestion of a friend and local author who recommended the interview transcripts would provide for a fascinating written account, it was decided to place a film production on temporary hold and a book was written ... this book. The account is delivered as if by screen narration and is filled with the visual imagery that one would expect in a documentary thanks to the author's access to the investigative case file, a local television station's file footage and more. The transcribed, verbatim police audio transmissions between uniform Sgt. John Huber and dispatch Sgt. Moises Perez add a truly riveting dimension to the book. The most compelling element of the story is the four detectives' recollection and insight to the crimes and the killers. If only a book could be heard! The actual filmed interviews are captivating. The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice, is designed for visual and audio presentation and is the framework for a film production. Moving forward to produce a documentary is the endgame.
Author: Judith M. Monseur,
Dennis a. Murphy,
Stephen C. GrismerPublisher: Dayton Police History Foundation, Incorporate
Published: 01/01/2018
Pages: 144
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.38lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.31d
ISBN13: 9780989530231
ISBN10: 098953023X
BISAC Categories:-
True Crime |
Murder | Serial KillersAbout the Author
The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice is co-authored by Dayton, Ohio natives, Dr. Judith Monseur, Detective Dennis Murphy and Sergeant Stephen Grismer (ret.). Dr. Judith Monseur, PhD is a long-time educator whose career expands across higher education institutions, public schools, and state government. Her professional research includes the history of education, the socio-political context of education, and the expansion of equitable educational opportunities for underserved students. Judith serves as Assistant Director at the Systems Development & Improvement Center at the University of Cincinnati. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, a Masters of Humanities from Wright State University, and a B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University. Det. Dennis Murphy is a 17-year veteran of the Dayton Police Department. He entered the police academy in 2000 and worked both patrol and investigative assignments. In 2005, he was assigned to the Narcotics Bureau where he worked drug enforcement, vice and dignitary protection details. In 2009, Dennis was reassigned to the Homicide Squad and remained in that position throughout the writing of this book and is currently assigned to internal affairs. Dennis is one of the three founding members of Dayton Police History Foundation, Inc. and has the distinction of serving as its first chairman. Sgt. Stephen Grismer (ret.) is a 25-year veteran of the Dayton Police Department, entering the police academy in 1976. Promoted in 1986, he experienced a broad career in patrol, investigations, staff, internal affairs, drug enforcement, intelligence, hostage negotiations, and training. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree concentration in journalism and a minor in criminal justice. In 2013, Steve authored the book, Drenched Uniforms and Battered Badges - How Dayton Police Emerged from the 1913 Flood, to commemorate the 100th anniversary one of the worst natural disasters in U.S history and pay tribute to the role of law enforcement in the rescue and relief efforts.
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