Reasonable Doubt: A True Story of Lust and Murder in the American Heartland

Vogel, a radio news director in Bloomington, Ill., covered the case of David Hendricks and here presents the story in a book that is sure to be controversial. Hendricks, a deeply religious man, seemingly a loving husband and father, was accused of the 1983 ax/knife murders of his wife and three children. The police settled on him as the killer before the case was a few hours old, although they had no direct evidence. The lengthy trial emphasized this lack, particularly regarding the time of the crime, when Hendricks may well not have been at home, as he claimed. He was found guilty, however, even though the trial judge noted his reservations about the verdict. Both the appeals court and the Illinois Supreme Court confirmed the conviction and Hendricks is now serving a life sentence. As he suggests with the book's title, Vogel believes that there is a reasonable doubt about Hendricks's guilt, and his forceful argument is convincing. Photos not seen by PW. (Sept.)