Hello Paty, thank you for having me
back. I will be awarding two lucky people who comment each a print book of
their choice.
Blurb for “The Crime of
the Century” a shocking true story
The residents of Rolling Hills, a hamlet in southeastern
Ohio, were horrified when the dismembered bodies of two missing teens were
pulled from the local river. Multiply suspects surfaced, but only one was
railroaded, Richard Allan Lloyd, a known nudist and hothead.
What began as an evening stroll turned into what found
only in horror films, and dubbed ‘the crime of the century’. 18 year old Babette, a voluptuous beauty
contestant and horsewoman, and her 19 year old boyfriend Shane Shoemaker, a
jealous and possessive unemployed printer, were last seen crossing a trestle
bridge. Within fourteen days, their mutilated torsos and severed heads and
limbs were unearthed, suggesting satanic cult activity.
With an investigation smeared with contradicting
statements, and a botched crime scene, investigators built a flimsy case
against Richard Lloyd. The three-week trial was based on police corruption and
ineptitude, fairytale theories, and forensic mishandling.
This heinous crime shattered the sense of security for
Rolling Hills, destroyed two families, and forever scarred the town. This story
is a detailed account of finding justice for Babette and Shane, and of one
man’s perseverance to gain his freedom from death row.
EXCERPT: The Arrest
On September 29, 1983, months of investigative work,
combined with the public’s doubts, fears, and beliefs that Richard Lloyd was a
killer, paid off. What most in the county hoped for, finally came true.
Jethro said
Richard was unaware of the conversations between him and the authorities.
Through conversations, he believed Richard would “pin” the murders on him, to
escape arrest. He wanted the killer caught and “put out” of society, even if
that person were a loved one. Still he was not totally convinced of Richard’s
guilt, but that “gut feeling,” was still there.
Police said what came next as no surprise. It happened on
a cool autumn afternoon, as citizens busied themselves with the upcoming fall
and winter festivities. While leaf-covered streets overflowed with gleeful
residents and out-of-towners, two silent cruisers, lights out, descended upon
the Lloyd farm.
The Newsome County Grand Jury, after two days of
testimony, and 56 witnesses, handed down an indictment against Richard Allen
Lloyd. The stepfather was now a murder
suspect, for two counts of aggravated murder with mitigating circumstances.
What the grand jury heard was all the evidence that
pointed to Richard Lloyd being the killer. They did not hear the information
that conflicted with the investigators theory of accounts. According to some
witnesses, the state went to great lengths to ensure only the evidence against
the accused was heard.
Detective Eli,
with the eager assistance of Sheriff Reynolds, finally arrested Richard for the
murder of the teenagers. However, that would prove not to be the end of the
story . . . only the beginning.
Author Bio:
I have been a long-time
resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of
my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint.
When not busy with hobbies or
working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and
volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International
Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance
Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's
Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and
Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family
values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found
at: booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
Other books by JoAnne:
"TWISTED LOVE," a
true-crime anthology
"WICKED INTENTIONS"
a paranormal/mystery anthology
"LOVES', MYTHS' AND
MONSTERS'," a fantasy anthology
“MURDER MOST FOUL” a
detective/mystery
“POEMS ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”
“FLAGITIOUS,” a crime/mystery anthology
Order your copy of “The
Crime of the Century” by JoAnne Myers here
Contact JoAnne:
Email: joannemyers@frontier.com
Website: Books and Paintings
by JoAnne
My Blogs:
Jo Anne’s WordPress Blog:
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