By Two and Two: The Scandalous Story of Twin Sisters Accused of a Shocking Crime of Passion

On May 22, 1992, Jack Wilson, a prominent Huntsville, Ala., ophthalmologist, was bludgeoned to death with an aluminum baseball bat by James White, a schizophrenic alcoholic. When arrested, White informed the police that he knew Betty Lowe, who was married to Wilson, and her twin, Peggy. White convinced the police that he was involved in a murder-for-hire plot with the middle-aged sisters. The police ran with White's fantasy and practically concocted his scenario for him. The state would go for capital murder charges against the twins, who would be tried separately, Betty first. A former alcoholic, she had an unquenchable sexual appetite brought on in part by her husband's impotence. She had had many affairs--particularly with black men--which the prosecution played as motive. Betty was convicted and remains on death row--although her accuser has recanted much of his testimony. Peggy, tried with a more meticulous defense, was found innocent--on exactly the same evidence that had convicted her twin. In a chilling courtroom drama, we see how the police believed a psychopath over two prominent citizens; how prosecutors allowed themselves to be blinded by the media's bright lights; and how, according to the author, ``the law is a fool.'' Schutze (Preacher's Girl) has written a gripping, graphic book about a miscarriage of justice. Photos not seen by PW. (Nov.)