New York Times Bestselling Author Carlton Smith has a unique way of writing that flows in an easy to read conversational style, albeit at times repeatitive, which is present once again in his lastest publication The Prom Night Murders.
Pastor Bob Pelley and his wife Dawn had blended their families just two short years before their murder.
One of Bob’s two children was Robert “Jeffrey” Pelley; a high school senior in 1989 who didn’t see eye to eye with his father on a wide variety of issues.
Including his punishment for petty theft: he could not drive his date to the high school prom, nor participate in pre or post prom activities, instead being escorted to and from the occasion by his father.
Was it a disciplinary action stern enough to warrant murder? The execution-style killings of his father, stepmother, and two youngest stepsisters?
It was, according to a St. Joseph County, Indiana jury.
Seventeen years later in 2006.
In The Prom Night Murders, Carlton Smith provides his readers with ALL the facts; and while the jury’s verdict is in, he leaves readers hanging as to his own opinion – essentially inviting them to reach their own conclusion.
I love a book like this! So seldom is true crime a real “whodunnit,” but more of a fanciful version of the facts.
The case of Jeff Pelley as detailed in The Prom Night Murders - a case that spanned almost two decades – will really motivate readers to ponder, “Guilty or not guilty?”
Additional Resources:
- Justice for Jeff
- Robert Jeffrey Pelley vs. State of Indiana (Appeals)
- Websleuths: Jeff Pelley – IN – Guilty or Innocent?
The following is one of my infamous personal rants on material contained within the book; and, as such, should be considered a SPOILER ALERT!
I am amazed an appalled at the political plays that took place within the Pelley case.
In my personal opinion, there was more than enough reasonable doubt to have acquitted Jeff Pelley.
However, as often comes into play where reelection is the goal rather than justice, a young man is serving the rest of his life in prison.
From the very beginning, investigators tunnel-visioned a suspect and failed to follow leads on other viable suspects.
I can only hope that my family or I never come into contact, or fall victim in a jurisdiction of, such narrow-minded, irresponsible law enforcement.
Did Jeff kill four members of his family? Maybe. It’s possible.
Could I have convicted him with the evidence present? No way!
After reading it, how would you have voted as a member of the jury?
