In Cold Blood...

 Ever read this book - "In Cold Blood?"  It was allegedly written by Truman Capote, although many scholars argue that his buddy Harper Lee (who traveled with him, helped him interview locals, and took copious notes) wrote it for him.  Yes, THE Nelle Harper Lee who brought us "To Kill a Mocking Bird" (which liberals now want to put on the banned book list, along with Dr. Seuss, because "it makes the reader 'uncomfortable'..." -- which is the EFFING point of the book, by the way.)  

Anyways, regardless of who really wrote it + the liberal lunacy of banning epic literature, the book "In Cold Blood" is about a true crime that happened in the sleepy town of Holcomb, Kansas. The crime + and the subsequent trial SHOCKED the entire nation (and even garnered international attention).  The book "In Cold Blood" still stands as the SECOND most popular true crime novel in history (right behind "Helter Skelter" detailing the gruesome Charles Manson murders).  And, there is zero doubts Harper Lee played a huge role in the completion + publication of this popular work of non-fiction published 6 years after the horrific murders.

Truman Capote

Capote read about the murders in the New York Times.  Allegedly, at the time he was given the option of covering a maid on her daily routine OR covering the Holcomb Kansas murders.  He chose the latter.  The book is the product of over 8,000 pages of notes taken from the interviews of the residents and family.   Many accused Capote of creating false narratives, adding in scenes that never happened, and taking advantage of a tragedy.  After "In Cold Blood" was released, there is no question that the majority of Americans had lost all trust in humanity.

The Victims -

Herbert "Herb" Clutter - head of household, a very successful and prosperous farmer with over 18 farmhands

Bonnie Clutter - his wife who suffered from clinical depression

Nancy Clutter - his daughter, 16 years old and a high school student

Kenyon Clutter - his son, 15 years old and a high school student

(Note: Herb and Bonnie had two grown kids, Eveanna and Beverly, who had moved out and had families of their own)

On November 15, 1959, the Clutter family was just minding their own business ASLEEP in their beds when two intruders entered their home (through an unlocked door) and bound and gagged them.  Both career criminals, recently paroled, had heard from a cell mate that Herb kept large amounts of cash at his home in a safe.  This information was false, as Herb conducted all business through checks.  After driving over 400 miles to rob Herb and finding no safe, they slit his throat and then shot him point blank in the head.  They then brutally murdering the other 3 family members with shotgun blasts to the head.  In the end, the thugs left with a small portable transistor radio, binoculars and less than $50 in cash.

Shortly after the gruesome murders, the cell mate (who had told about "the cash") ratted out the two criminals.  Both plead to temporary insanity (which is sort of impossible when you premeditate it and drive over 400 miles).  Alas, the M'Naughten Rules of Procedure prevented the two scumbags from using the insanity defense.  It only took the jury 45 minutes to convict.  And, their sentence was the death penalty, by hanging.  They spent 5 years on death row on the tax payer dollar sending 3 appeals to the Supreme Court who refused to hear it.  They were hanged on April 14, 1965.

The Killers:

Richard Hickock and Perry Smith (arrested 6 weeks after the murders in Nevada at some sleazy motel):

The Gravesite of the Victims and the Murder House:

We found the home, but the newest owners have rabid dogs that not only chase after you, but they will jump all over your vehicle.  So, it's just not worth it.  But, here's the photos from the truck and Bella going WTF!!?:

This blog is dedicated to one of the greatest writers + bravest women (my hero) of all time, Harper Lee:

Yours truly,

Kimmie