Reasonable Doubt

A Shocking Story of Lust and Murder in the American Heartland

De: Steve Vogel

Narrado por: Keith Sellon-Wright

A mother and her three young children are found hacked to death in their beds. The apparent weapons, an ax and butcher knife, are found nearby. A month later, the husband and father, who was away on a business trip when the bodies were found, is accused of the killings. Police believe he methodically murdered his wife and children before he left. But why?

A successful businessman and devoted member of a fundamentalist religious group, David Hendricks has the total support of his extended family. Police paint a darker picture, and prosecutors face the daunting task of convicting him on a case based on completely circumstantial evidence.

A New York Times best seller, this book has now been updated with additional content. People often comment they must continually remind themselves that this story is real, that Reasonable Doubt is testament to the fact truth is stranger than fiction. The book has also been used in college-level criminal justice courses to explain and illustrate the legal concept of reasonable doubt.

©1989 Steve Vogel; Postscript to the Paperback Edition copyright 1991 by Steve Vogel; Postscript to the Spring 2018 edition copyright 2018 by Steve Vogel (P)2018 Tantor

Great Case

loved it and really appreciated the epilogue and updates since publishing! very difficult case that was followed.

fascinating true story

still unsure. Did he do it or not? I can't believe that I can't figure this one out.

Good one!

I’m giving it 4 stars due to 95% of it was dedicated to the courtroom. I usually love that but it went on and on. Also, no perspective or deep dive into motive from the author until the very end. Loved the narration ❤️❤️❤️

A Bit Long But a Overall Good (May Have Spoilers)

This story was a bit long but I did like the Story and although I can’t say one way or another if he committed this crime how do you feel like the ending left me satisfied not knowing.

kinda blah

felt like I was just hearing court transcripts. I'm not sure if it was the monotone voice type or what. It wasn't bad just not awesome

This guy is guilty because:

It was classic overkill. Only someone who knows these victims would kill so violently. Look up the statistics. Unless it’s a serial killer, which there’s no evidence.
How likely is it that he left and the killer came in 20 mins later? The only thing I disagree with is the idea that the kids were killed first. I believe he had fight with wife and killed her. Maybe premeditated, but definitely the first to be killed. Stomach contents aside. But where was her family in this story? I heard nothing of the mother’s family. Very weird.
This guy married 4-5 times in his life. He is a complete mess. He is so guilty. But the author showed us little evidence.

Detailed Account

This story was well presented, detailing every occurrence leading up to and including the trial, appeal, and exoneration of David Hendricks. While difficult to determine with certainty guilt or innocence it is very clear that guilt, beyond a reasonable doubt, could not be concluded.

exceptional

very good, truth stranger than fiction. listened every day while doing my 4 mile walk with the dog.

Disturbing conclusions (possible spoilers)

(As posted in GoodReads)
This book was very hard to rate. On the one hand, I think the book itself is pretty good, but on the other hand the prosecution in the case was horrible, and I don't know whether it's actually the prosecution that was horrible or simply the writing! How anyone could have found him guilty with absolutely no evidence whatsoever is totally baffling!
Clearly, I was not there was a trial, and I may have been swayed by the presentation, and the fact that they feel and the Illinois Supreme Court were both against him must say something, but as represented in this book, I am in total agreement with the judge about lack of presentation without reasonable doubt! The case itself is questionable from the start, in my point of view; when the prosecutors need to make up a case, that even if it were true is NOT enough to present conviction "beyond reasonable doubt", there is definitely something wrong with the system! Whether or not he came on to the models, and even whether or not he actually slept with them (which NO ONE contended…), with lack of any blood evidence and questionable time of death evidence, the defense fell down on the job! I am glad that the second state Supreme Court found the strength to finally absolve him. I am not saying that he could not have done it and is definitely innocent; I am simply saying that there was MORE than reasonable doubt, and the writers should have found a way to make the guilty findings believable and reasonable.

interesting

interesting story, kept me on the edge of my seat yelling at the prosecution, very good listen