In the lead cover story of the August 17, 2009 issue of Newsweek, journalist Larry Mosley talks of America’s new obsession with true crime as a genre for escape from the disappointments of our current world as it “gives us heroes who can’t let us down”. Mosley said “We need forgiveness and someone to blame. [for our general vulnerability to the crossfire of good and evil] “So the story of crime fills our TV’s, theaters, cinemas, computer files and bookshelves. We are fascinated with stories of crime, real or imagined, because we need them to cleanse the modern world from our souls.”
Fulfilling this growing hunger for crime and police accounts, Jackson The True Story transports the reader deep below the headlines and into the intimate and personal experiences of the real people touched by the crimes. Based upon meticulous research including personal interviews with many of the characters and review of confidential police case files and prosecution records, the book describes the heartbreaking series of events beginning with the tragic slaying of the police officer in Memphis and ending with the convicted killer’s own sardonic prison murder while awaiting trial on death row in Nashville.
The narrative also includes unpublished details of the crime scenes, investigations, evidence and the suspect’s capture and murder trials. Readers will enjoy the poignant side of law enforcement exposed by the author in the recounts of his father’s life as a police detective in occasional chapters throughout the book titled “Recollections”.
The book raises questions about the handling of Laron Williams by the Tennessee Corrections system prior to his escape and exposes the poor coordination between prison officials and law enforcement authorities that might have prevented Williams from having the opportunity to commit his crimes. Also the author reveals the paradox of events that led to his presence in the West Tennessee city where he murdered Father Jackson and examines why the St. Mary’s church rectory was a bizarre choice by Williams’ for his burglary during which he killed the priest. The author also shares a collection of warm and personal remembrances of Father John Jay Jackson from his parishioners and close friends; an intimate look at his life honoring his legacy as a man of peace whose life ended in terrible violence.
Whether you live in the mid‐south where the book’s events unfold; you enjoy true crime and police stories; or you are just curious to know more about the ironies of the three murders, Jackson will grab your attention and hold it until the last page is turned. You will certainly be entertained by the astonishing story of the crimes, the personal recollections of the career detective, and the unheralded life of the dearly‐loved catholic priest.
About the Author: Robert Dailey III grew up in a law enforcement family in Jackson, Tennessee and joined the Jackson Police Department in 1974 as a patrolman. During his career as a police officer, he worked on undercover narcotics details, was an original member of the JPD SWAT team and received awards for life saving and other accomplishments on the job.
Dailey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union University in Jackson where he served on the Board of Trustees. Dailey served as chairman of Leadership Jackson before he left the city to follow his business career in 1998. He is currently the President and COO of Intex, Inc. and lives with his wife Cindy just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Dailey’s fascination with the colorful exploits of his father, Deputy Chief (retired) Robert Dailey, Jr. and interest in the ironies of the Cox‐ Jackson murder cases led him to write Jackson The True Story, his first literary work. His own experiences and his childhood as a ‘police brat’ provide special insight into the private life of law enforcement as he tells the story of the killings and of his father’s career as a police officer.
Jackson The True Story will be released on September 15, 2009. Visit www.jacksonthebook.com for ordering information.
