The case of Ricky Nolen McGinn is an interesting viewing into the workings of the Texas Judicial System.
The impression made upon me when reading this book was that author Patricia Springer was attempting to relate the story of Stephanie Flanary, a 12-year-old girl who was raped and murdered only a short distance from her Brown County, Texas home where she resided with her mother, sister and stepfather, McGinn.
The investigation of this crime was bungled from the beginning. The trial proceedings were just as disorganized and, simply put, became a power struggle between the District Attorney and the defense lawyers.
It is in this particular area that Blood Stains became extremely tedious as every aspect of the trial is detailed, almost verbatim from the trial transcripts.
If you enjoy reading something that gives way to debatable issue, the case of State vs. Ricky McGinn is one that you’ll want to study.
After reading Blood Stains, followed by own research online, I came to the conclusion that McGinn was indeed guilty.
This issue is actually settled, in my opinion, with the DNA results which came about with advancements the science field made between the time of the crime and prior to McGinn’s 2000 execution.
However, many others disagree and believe that McGinn was innocent.
You’ll have to read the book, do the research, and and form your own opinion; which I would be very interested in reading.
More resources on this case:
- Multiple resources from oranus.com; including TDCJ records, personal letters from McGinn to mother, Brother and Mother statements, and new articles.
- Ricky McGinn’s last statement.
- Texas Execution Information Center
