Piggyback

I read this book on the heels of having read “Footprints in the Snow,” an earlier account of Jack McCullough’s conviction for the murder of Maria Ridulph fifty years after the fact. “Footprints” presented an even-handed account of the crime and of the cold-case investigation leading to McCullough’s conviction. This book, written later, during the time McCullough was appealing his conviction – ends up more pointedly emphasizing the evidence that would lead to at least doubting McCullough’s guilt, and more likely, exonerating him altogether.The author of “Piggyback” started out assuming, along with most other outsiders, that McCullough was guilty. Doty takes the reader along with him as he pursues interviews with the principles in the case, including the attorneys, witnesses for the prosecution, and McCullough himself. We get to hear these individuals in their own voice.This technique of printing transcribed portions of Doty’s interviews, tends to underscore how illogical and inconsistent almost everyone is regarding their recollections and reasoning. The attorneys involved seem to be especially imprecise in their comments. Both prosecution and defense attorneys fail to connect the dots in their spotty, fragmented reviews of the cases they presented in court.Wading through all the pros and cons, the revised memories of things past, the contradictions, and the loose ends connected with this case – Doty again, in conversational style, allows the reader to follow along as he changes his mind, and comes to the conclusion that McCullough is innocent.This book is timely and prescient in that regard. Shortly after it was published, and just days after I finished reading it, McCullough’s appeal was in fact upheld and he was released. Although there might still be some minor legal issues pending, it seems likely no future charges will be brought against him.You might think that since the matter has been resolved in this way, there’s little point in reading books that raise the circumstances as a mystery once again. But to the contrary, reading these books almost in tandem, provides a stereoscopic view of what might be relevant to any attempt to get at the truth. These books, especially Doty’s “Piggyback,” become a lesson in how much of what everyone says about anything can be shifting sand. It makes the reader consider how many statements might be based on false memories, on memories contaminated by others’ suggestions, by wishful thinking, by dramatizations that then became solidified in a person’s mind as fact, or by a questionable belief in the existence of “repressed memories.”This account also demonstrates yet again how shockingly many suspect people are circulating around, available to have committed any crime. Once Doty became convinced that McCullough was innocent, he readily enough found a likelier candidate as the murderer – someone who, for various reasons, was never pursued as a lead.While “Footsteps in the Snow” is a professionally produced book, Doty’s “Piggyback” clearly seems to be the result of a rather hurried self-publication. At first glance, this tended to put me off. It made me wonder if such an unvetted work could be trusted. The book appears in rather large print; its spacing is non-standard and variable; the pages aren’t numbered. But once I had launched in, I felt Doty confirmed himself as being at least as diligent and reliable as any professionally published author. I actually came to appreciate the large print and wide spacing. It made this book an easy, fast read, on top of being an informative one.

This book saved my life and helped win my freedom. In prison the most dangerous person is the other guy in your cell. You have to sleep sometime. I passed a few books out. The result helped convince others that may have wished me harm. I made sure that every cellmate read Chapter 24. of this book. If you are in for life, in a state that does not have the death penalty, a second murder charge has no consequence. At first the Author - Jeff Doty thought I was guilty until he was confronted with facts that could not be denied. This book exposes the danger to the public that will shock and dismay. There are heros and villians yet to be exposed. This book will stand well beyond my lifetime. It is the truth and the inspiration of yet another book in progress. Watch for "A convenient man". You don't know what freedom is until you lose it.Sincerely, Jack Daniel McCullough

One of the best written true crime books I have read in years. The sequence of events was easy to follow. I was, however, totally amazed by what I learned about the Illinois justice system. This case is not the only thing that needs reviewed. I can see perhaps eye witness testimony not being allowed into evidence, but government documents? Although I can totally understand Mr. Doty not wanting to write another book of this kind after what he discovered, I would (selfishly) look forward to reading about any appeal of this case or changes to the justice system. Highly recommend this author to others and will keep checking for other books.

Disclaimer: I read Richard Schmack's report "People's Answer ..." and skimmed through most of the 4000+ pages (those that were "in the box") from the discovery file (including all the key FBI reports) along with the grand jury and trial transcripts and even newspaper stories of city council meetings at the time, so I knew a lot about the case (including stuff that Doty didn't know at the time) before reading the book.First, the bad. There are a plethora of factual errors that should have been caught - e.g., Doty says that the Air Force Recruitment Station was in the Public Library in Rockford - no, it was in the Post Office building. These errors cause one to question the accuracy of the rest of the book, where cross-checking is not possible.Next, the good. Most of the book consist of verbatim conversations with individuals on both side of the case, interspersed with commentary from Doty himself. Some might find this style to be dry or tedious. I found it fascinating - but then, I knew the stories of all these people in advance, and was able to appreciate the new details that they provided. The best part was the interviews with Victor Escarcida, who was part of the prosecution team. Both the prosecution and defense (McCulloch and Harrole) had the same set of facts, yet came to opposite conclusions regarding Jack's innocence or guilt. What I wanted to know was how each side arrived at its conclusion, and in particular, how each accounted for the evidence that was seemingly contrary to that position. Doty was able to ask the tough questions and elicit responses that enable us to at least glimpse the thought processes behind each side's position. Ultimately it comes down to how one evaluates the FBI reports that were "in the box" versus an eyewitness photo-ID 50+ years after the fact.

Jeff this story is phenomenal! It really makes one wonder why other avenues weren't taken to find the real killer! After seeing all the hype on television and reading your book, I've come to realize how the news media tells you only what they want you to hear! Your book brings to light the errors of the present day judicial system and I hope Jack gets his conviction overturned! Shame on the public figures involved! It's kind of scary to think this could happen to anyone (especially in Illinois). How many times do we see people freed because they convicted the wrong person? Kudos to you for clearing up the issues that should set Jack free.