Reasonable Doubt

A Shocking Story of Lust and Murder in the American Heartland

By: Steve Vogel

Narrated by: 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.

Guity for sure

Great book as far as the author but what a sad story. I don't want to give too much away so if you haven't read it don't read this........what a monster he is, living in Florida now. How could it be that he only spent 7 yrs. in prison? I know the justice system failed the Mom and her 3 children. Maybe he will suffer greatly at the end of his pitiful life. Just know that we know who the killer is!!!

Unanswered

Why aren’t the telephone calls to the media and the police officer in the house that night explored or mentioned in the trials? It seems to me from the very beginning there was a reason to suspect someone else may have been involved.

Did I miss something?

This was definitely a true crime story (which I love), but the story just didn't make sense to me. I had the feeling that this person was guilty - not sure why, but from what I have read in the past, these crimes are usually done by someone the victims know. This is my experience and I am far from an expert.
The thing that got me was the amount of time that was given to question witnesses about how the orthotics (sp?) were fitted. It seemed like hours and I still didn't think that the guy was overly lustful when sizing the models. The cover of the book says: A shocking story of lust and murder in the American heartland. I was expecting to read a story about some salacious affair the accused had and how it got in the way of his marriage. There was absolutely no 'lust' from what I could tell. Perhaps I missed an entire chapter?
I would recommend this book to a law student looking to learn more about questioning witnesses on the stand.