Straight From the Defense Horse’s Mouth
Review by Kim Cantrell
In 1970, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, became synonymous with the brutal killing of women and children when Jeffrey MacDonald, only months after the famous Manson murders, killed his pregnant wife and three daughters.
Fifteen years later, a similar scene would play out. Only this time, it wasn’t the husband. Not even a boyfriend.
Just a man who wanted a dog for his little girl.
But the State of North Carolina says he wanted more. According to prosecutors, Staff Sergeant Tim Hennis murdered Katie Eastburn out of lust – with an underlying motive of robbery – and two of her young daughters simply because they were witnesses.
An unreliable eyewitness and confused bank customer were the State’s entire case. Could they send a man to death row based on that evidence alone?
I was anxious to read Innocent Victims by Scott Whisnant since the case of Tim Hennis has again made major headlines.
I was disappointed.
Author Scott Whisnant is well known to be a death penalty opponent. That’s typically not a problem; but when the opposition prevents an individual from producing a well written book, it is.
Innocent Victims gives a hint to such bias in acknowledgements, wherein the author thanks the Defendant’s law firm but makes no mention of the District Attorney’s office – who were obviously not given consideration.
Do I disagree with Scott Whisnant’s opinion? Not necessarily; however, I prefer a well-rounded book based on all of the facts.
Since the Eastburn murder case is one that will never really be closed, I’m hoping a less biased author will take this crime to task in writing – especially considering recent developments.
Only then will there be a book I can truly recommend reading.
More Resources on this Case:
Updates on this case: In 2006, the State of North Carolina claimed that DNA taken from the crime scene matched Tim Hennis. Although acquitted in a State court, the U.S. Army was able to Court Martial Hennis on the same charges. Following numerous delays, at the time of this writing, Hennis is scheduled to stand trial – again – in February 2010.
