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When Justice Fails
When Justice Fails: The David Milgaard Story | Carl Karp, Cecil Rosner
49 posts | 5 read | 8 to read
When Justice Fails s Carl Karp and Cecil Rosners definitive account of one of Canadas most odious miscarriages of justice. David Milgaard spent 22 years behind bars; the victim of a rush to judgement that saw him, at 17, wrongfully convicted of murder. This powerful book, packed with all the drama of a novel, takes the reader back to the fateful morning of January 31, 1969, when a young nurses aide was found stabbed to death in a Saskatoon alley. As the months passed, police became increasingly desperate to solve the mystery of who killed her. Then, after they posted a reward for information, someone came forward with a name David Milgaards. No physical evidence linked Milgaard to the crime. Moreover, police seemingly ignored any connections the case may have had with the actions of a serial rapist then on the loose in Saskatoon. Later, statements made by supposed key witnesses statements that appeared to point to Milgaard as the killer were tainted by contradictions, retractions, and charges of police harassment. Joyce Milgaard, Davids mother, always believed in her sons innocence. Through hers and others efforts, new evidence finally came to light evidence that pointed the finger at the most likely suspect. When Justice Fails, is a shocking take of justice gone completely awry.
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EadieB
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Day 11 - #Justice #FlyHighJuly
#WhenJusticeFailsTheDavidMilgaardStory #CarlKarp

Read this in May 2019. It really made an impression on me!

Eggs This happens way too often 💔 4y
EadieB @Eggs Yes! It‘s very sad 😞 4y
37 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs

I know some of you recently did a buddy read of a book about David Milgard (not sure if it was the tagged one or a different one). Saw this article on David in yesterday's Globe and Mail and thought I'd share: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-is-it-really-50-years-david-milga...

@Cinfhen I'm pretty sure you were part of the buddy read, not sure who else was involved...

Librarybelle Thanks for sharing! It was such a tragic story 5y
Cinfhen Great article!! Thanks for sharing. I‘m pretty sure @EadieB @Chrissyreadit @Mdargusch all read and enjoyed the book! Such a travesty of justice💔 5y
EadieB @Cinfhen Thanks! Interesting! @TheKidUpstairs 5y
Chrissyreadit Thanks for sharing. That was a good article. I always wonder about things like that. Thanks for tagging @Cinfhen 5y
Mdargusch Thanks for the heads up on this @Cinfhen 5y
39 likes5 comments
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peaKnit
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Thank you @EadieB for sending this! Would you like me to pass it on or return it when I am done? Can‘t wait!

EadieB @Peaknit Glad you finally received it. You can pass it on or keep it. I don't need it back as I already finished with it and have too many books so I don't keep the ones that I have read. 5y
peaKnit @eadieb thank you! 5y
18 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
EadieB
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Pickpick

This is a very depressing tragic real-life crime story. Milgaard was in prison for 22 years and was totally innocent of the rape and murder of Gail Miller. The Canadian politicians and police knew he was innocent when Larry Fisher was arrested for more rapes in the same area. They just didn‘t want the public to know that they made a mistake again! He received $10 million since but nothing will bring back all those years he spent in prison! So sad!

Freespirit Scary that this can happen! 5y
EadieB @Freespirit Very scary but with DNA it shouldn‘t happen again hopefully! 5y
KarynGood I remember when he was released. So tragic! 5y
55 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

This is a heart wrenching story of the breakdown in justice. Milgaard was convicted of the rape and murder of a young woman in 1969, yet he claimed his innocence. Within the first few pages of this book, the reader will be thinking the same thing. There were parts of this book that seemed to drag for me, so I‘m giving it a so-so. But, I‘d pair this with Bryan Stevenson‘s Just Mercy, which was a five star read on the injustices of the legal system.

Librarybelle Huge thanks to @EadieB for organizing the #buddyread ! I find it so interesting to read books like these with others. 5y
Gbengar Chat privately? 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle You‘re welcome! 5y
67 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Larry Fisher, killer behind David Milgaard's wrongful conviction, dies in prison

The man responsible for a 1969 murder in Saskatchewan that put an innocent man, David Milgaard, behind bars for more than two decades has died in prison. Larry Fisher died on Tuesday while serving a life sentence for rape and murder at the Pacific Institution in Abbotsford, B.C., said Correctional Service Canada. He was 65.

Librarybelle Thank you for the recap of the additional chapters! I also read the 1991 edition, so mine ended at chapter 22. And, thank you for all of your research! 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle You‘re welcome and thanks for participating! 5y
48 likes2 comments
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EadieB
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Milgaard will get $10 million compensation
CBC News · Posted: May 17, 1999 9:48 PM ET | Last Updated: November 10, 2000
David Milgaard is about to receive the largest compensation package in Canadian criminal history. The Saskatchewan government has announced it will hand Milgaard $10 million in compensation for being wrongfully imprisoned for almost a quarter of a century.

EadieB Saskatchewan Justice Minister John Nilson made the announcement on Monday in Regina.

"This has been a complex and difficult matter," Nilson said. "Throughout this process our government has remained committed to achieving fair compensation for the Milgaards."

5y
EadieB Most of the money will go to Milgaard who spent 22 years in jail for a crime he didn't comit. A small amount, $750,000, will also go directly to Milgaard's mother, Joyce, who fought for years to clear his name. It will be up to Milgaard to decide how much of the money he will share with his brothers and sisters. 5y
EadieB Joyce Milgaard said the family will keep it private how the money will be divided up. She said, "It was the whole family that did this - it wasn't just Joyce Milgaard." 5y
Mdargusch Thank goodness they gave him so much money! 5y
43 likes1 stack add4 comments
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EadieB
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In popular culture
Today, the Milgaard case has been the subject of 3 movies: the 1992 documentary The David Milgaard Story, the 1999 docudrama Milgaard, and starring Ian Tracey, and in an episode of the documentary series Crime Stories, produced by Partners in Motion.
The song "Wheat Kings" by The Tragically Hip (from their 1992 album.
Canadian artist David Collier described the Milgaard case in comics form in his 2000 book Surviving Saskatoon.

Prairiegirl_reading Are you Canadian? 5y
EadieB @Prairiegirl_reading No. I live in Pennsylvania US 5y
Prairiegirl_reading @EadieB it made me wonder when you included the hip reference. 😄 5y
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EadieB @Prairiegirl_reading I have no idea about the Hip reference. I‘m copying and pasting. I suppose that it‘s a band. 5y
Prairiegirl_reading @EadieB oh! The Tragically Hip is an iconic band in Canada. I can‘t even compare any American artist to how huge and loved they are in Canada. The lead singer passed away from brain cancer and I bawled like a baby. The song wheat kings is one of my favourites! 5y
EadieB @Prairiegirl_reading So sorry about lead singer! 5y
Mdargusch Are Canadians all familiar with this case @Prairiegirl_reading because I think maybe I vaguely remember it and I‘m from the US. 5y
Prairiegirl_reading @Mdargusch it was in the news quite a lot. His family lived in the city where I grew up so his mom was on tv advocating quite a bit. So maybe not all Canadians but certainly people in my area knew about it. 5y
39 likes8 comments
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EadieB
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Chapter 25
The news came up on the screen early in 1997. David Milgaard DNA test was clear. David told media that he has got nothing to lose and he is not guilty. Saskatchewan government promised to hold a public inquiry and to pay David $250,000 now. Money will never be a problem for David. His future is secure. He marries a woman named Marine Forsberg, a Vancouver librarian. They got married in Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Mdargusch I was so glad he found love! 5y
38 likes1 comment
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EadieB
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Chapter 24
Next morning David Milgaard is packing all his clothes and walks out to freedom. His family, friends, and media are outside. Joyce takes a part in public celebrations because she finally freed her son after long decades... Gail Miller‘s murder is still unsolved since Larry isn‘t admitting and Supreme Court decides there is no need for others to continue suffering an endless pain.

Mdargusch I was so surprised when he got released but still wasn‘t considered innocent. 5y
33 likes1 comment
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EadieB
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Chapter 23
Joyce is happy after meeting Prime Minister. The Prime Minister‘s office called the Stony Mountain and told them to transfer David Milgaard to Rockwood institute in early November. Joyce and her family went to see David at Rockwood. In the new trial of David, Ron Wilson and Nichol Wilson appeared.The next day Saskatchewan government announced that Milgaard was a free man.

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EadieB
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This copy written 1991 and this other copy written in 1998.

There are 22 chapters in the 1991 book which was published before Milgaard was released. I have been reading the 1991 version. There are 25 chapters in the 1998 version published after his release. I have found synopsis of the last 3 chapters so I will post them for those who are reading the 1991 version.

Chrissyreadit I have the 91 version. Hoping to read more tomorrow. I needed a day to recover from Swamplandia before I dove into more sadness. 5y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit No problem. 5y
Cinfhen Thanks so much for hosting the buddy read. You always go above and beyond🙏🏻 5y
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EadieB @Cinfhen Can't let anybody down if they are reading the book so got to go to the end. 5y
Cinfhen What did you think of the book??? The story?? 5y
EadieB @Cinfhen I thought it was very depressing and I was surprised that they wouldn't release him as soon as they realized they made a mistake. It made them look really bad to keep him in prison for so long. 5y
Cinfhen Yea, an absolute travesty. You can never correct or fix those years that were taken 💔 5y
Mdargusch I agree with @Cinfhen - you went above and beyond. Sorry I was off Litsy for a few days and played catch up today. 5y
EadieB @Mdargusch No problem and thanks for your kind words! 5y
peaKnit The wheels of justice churn so slowly. I just finished and was glad to Wikipedia and find he was at long last released. Thank you for adding about the final chapters and for sending me the book😊❤️ 5y
EadieB @peaknit You‘re welcome! They should have let him go sooner as they really looked bad in the end! 5y
45 likes11 comments
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EadieB
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Paul Henderson and Joyce Milgaard

Chapter 22
Henderson and Joyce decide to interview Larry Fisher‘s victims and found out they didn‘t know about his conviction. Ellen Samuelson told them that Larry Fisher while trying to kill her told her that he had slit another victim‘s throat. Joyce submits their findings to the press. Gail Miller‘s family join her crusade. Brian Mulroney during visit to Winnipeg tells Joyce he will look into things for her.

EadieB Question 23 Do you think Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney will help free David Milgaard? (edited) 5y
Librarybelle That‘s hard to say. He would certainly have the power to do so, or strongly recommend another examination of the facts and evidence. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I thought maybe he would help! 5y
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Mdargusch Definitely a turning point. 5y
peaKnit That is awful, that the victims did not get notified. There are victim notice requirements in WI, I assume the US. Imagine not knowing:( 5y
EadieB @peaknit That was so bad not to let the victims know right away! It extended their fear of the rapist unnecessarily. 5y
35 likes6 comments
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EadieB
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David Asper and David Milgaard

Chapter 21
Asper visits Milgaard to tell Kim Campbell has denied his application. Family decided to not give up. Press conference from prison and Milgaard challenges the Justice Dept and Campbell to show the country how it was possible for him to commit the crime.

Question 22
Do you think they will accept Milgaard‘s challenge?

Librarybelle Simply put...no. It would take much more than the Milgaards and their lawyers to propel the Justice Department to overturn the decision. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I agree! 5y
Mdargusch Of course not! That would prove their mistake. 5y
30 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Chapter 20
Joyce Milgaard‘s crusade carries on with speeches about how the Canadian Justice System has to change. She writes songs and visits Parliament before the House breaks for Christmas. She hands out The Centurion Report which exonerates her son and pleas for his release before Christmas 1990.

Question 21
Should Joyce continue her crusade or is it better just to wait for the decision quietly?

Librarybelle There was so much wrong with the conviction, as presented by the authors, that I don‘t think Joyce could sit back quietly and allow the wheels of justice to turn, so to speak. She understood the need to keep David‘s story on the minds of the politicians and the country...any type of pressure to give her son a chance at a new trial. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I don‘t think I could remain quiet. 5y
Mdargusch I think the fact that she kept it all in the public eye had to have put pressure on the courts. 5y
peaKnit @Mdargusch I agree! I just finished and can‘t imagine, in her shoes, her exhaustion. 5y
EadieB @peaknit She was so strong in her pursuit of justice! 5y
42 likes5 comments
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EadieB
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Wolch, Asper, MacFarlane and Campbell

Chapter 19
A heated meeting was held between Wolch, Asper, MacFarlane, Williams and Corbett to find out why Kim Campbell has not approved the application yet. The application has not been taken seriously and there are efforts to discredit the new evidence. They did not want to admit to the “greatest legal mistake in Canadian history.”

Question 20
Do they seriously think these issues are going away?

Librarybelle I think Wolch and Asper knew the Justice Department had their mind made up pretty much from the start. It was good to have a face to face meeting, but it just further showed what an uphill battle the Milgaard team had. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle Always an uphill battle! 5y
Mdargusch I think they must‘ve been hoping the Milgaard team would just give up. 5y
38 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Deborah Hall - Shorty Cadrain

Chapter 18
Eugene Williams was David‘s case handler and he went to interview with Deborah Hall. Williams had a tape recorder and a bundle of documents. Hall told Williams that Milgaard never said that he murdered Gail Miller. He also interviewed Dennis Cadrain (Shorty‘s brother). Dennis Cadrain told Williams about his brother's state of mind after the trial and that he was seeing visions.

EadieB Question 19 Why didn‘t they interview Deborah Hall before? 5y
Librarybelle I think the police felt that they had their man, and when two of the five people in the motel room claimed the same thing, it was just icing on the cake. Too bad Hall could repudiate it. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I don‘t think they wanted to be so thorough as it might prove they got the wrong man. 5y
Mdargusch I guess because they had the answers they needed from the two guys. 5y
36 likes4 comments
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EadieB
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Kim Campbell - House of Commons and John Harvard, Parliament member.

Chapter 17
A politician can refer a case back to the courts under the Criminal Code, even a case that has been already considered by every level of court. John Harvard put pressure on Kim Campbell to do so.

Question 18
Why did it take Kim Campbell so long to move more quickly in regard to Milgaard‘s application?

Librarybelle There was reluctance again - I‘m still slightly puzzled on that. Maybe there was fears of another Marshall case scenario. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I think they didn‘t want Canada to look bad again as they just had another case similar to Milgaard‘s. 5y
Mdargusch That completely threw me. And I was so frustrated that years went by. She was a terrible person. 5y
40 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Chapter 15
Paul Henderson gets a sworn statement from Linda Fisher that Larry came covered in blood on the morning of Gail Miller‘s murder. He interviews witnesses again and can see that they lied under police pressure. He concludes that the case is a victim of bad police work, zealous police tunnel vision and manipulated witnesses.

Question 16:
What do you think about Paul Henderson?

Librarybelle I think he was an asset to the Milgaard team. He wanted answers, and with this round of interviews, pretty much got the start of answers. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle yes, he was a great interviewer! 5y
Mdargusch He saved the day! 5y
8 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Left - Hersh Wolch - one of Winnipeg‘s best criminal lawyer
Right - David Asper - junior lawyer in Wolch‘s firm

Chapter 14
Asper gets a sworn statement from Deborah Hall. Dr. James Ferris, forensics, reviews clothing for blood and semen. Determines that the evidence cannot be linked to Milgaard. Reviews time sequence and decided Milgaard did not have enough time to commit the rape and murder.

Question 15:
Are things turning around?

Librarybelle I was happy to read this...it seemed one of the bright spots for Milgaard and his family. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle Yes, I was happy about this too! 5y
Mdargusch It was a glimmer of hope. 5y
8 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Chapter 13
1. Larry Fisher is released from prison in 1980 and continues to rape and almost murder another victim.
2. Linda Fisher goes to the police to tell that that she thinks Larry is the murderer of Gail Miller.
3. Police decides the case is closed and does nothing about Linda‘s information.

Question 14:
Why do you think the police did this?

Librarybelle It would look bad if they arrested the wrong guy. Case was closed, they got their man, and move onto to the next case. It sounds like some of the officers were now in leading positions - would not reflect well on their subordinates if one of their own cases turned out to be erroneous. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I agree! 5y
Mdargusch I agree with the above! It was maddening! 😡 (edited) 5y
8 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Question 13:
What would you do if your child was wrongly convicted?

Librarybelle I‘d be as tenacious as Joyce. She was so tireless. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle I would be a Joyce too! 5y
Mdargusch I hope I‘d be as strong as Joyce but I also know my husband would be there right next to me fighting for justice. 5y
8 likes3 comments
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EadieB
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Question 12:
Milgaard is granted time to visit with his family but escapes during the visit. He flees to Toronto and gets a job and meets Rhonda Hicks. This is a two-edged sword as it shows that he would be responsible if released but his escape will be held against him. What do you think about policeman Briscoe shooting him when Milgaard was not armed and the fact that Briscoe was cleared of any wrong doing?

Librarybelle I think the authors stated that he was considered dangerous, which still does not answer why the officer shot an unarmed man. Another event that makes me question law enforcement tactics at this time. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle They put him through so much and meanwhile he was innocent. 5y
Mdargusch There were definitely some sketchy police practices back then. 5y
7 likes3 comments
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Librarybelle
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I took a much needed four day weekend from work - I‘m loving the silence of no one calling me or running to my office with some new hiccup with our new computer software! Before I do some necessary chores, I‘m diving more into this. Such a tragic story! @EadieB , I‘ll finish it today and answer your great questions!

EadieB @librarybelle I'm on Chapter 11 and still making up more questions. 5y
CoverToCoverGirl Have a great weekend! 5y
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Tamra Yay for you! 5y
LibrarianToujours Yes!! The silence of not having at answer everyone‘s questions is definitely it‘s own special thing 😉 5y
62 likes6 comments
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EadieB
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Question 11:
Milgaard is sent to Oak Ridge Mental Health Center for a month long assessment and Dr. R.F. Rockstar said he was suitable for parole release and “may be innocent.” 6/29/79 Milgaard‘s application for parole is turned down. What do you think about Milgaard‘s situation now?

Librarybelle It truly was a catch 22 situation. He met with so many of these stumbling blocks. 5y
EadieB @Librarybelle Frustrating for him! 5y
7 likes2 comments
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EadieB
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Question 10:
What do you think about the lack of communication between the Winnipeg and Saskatoon police departments?

Cinfhen Terrible! It‘s really mind boggling 6y
Mdargusch So many factors played a part in David being imprisoned for so long and this is a big one. However, I‘m not sure the police would‘ve connected the dots because they felt they had their man. 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch Found in an article online:
An investigator wrote a report saying police believed the previous rapes “were definitely committed by the same person“ who killed Miller, lawyer Hersh Wolch (right) showed the Milgaard inquiry. Milgaard was never charged with the two other rapes. Instead, months after Milgaard was convicted, Larry Fisher admitted he had committed them. Thirty years later, Fisher was also convicted of killing Miller.

5y
Librarybelle Another break down in the system. 😞 5y
9 likes4 comments
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EadieB
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Serge Kujawa - Saskatchewan Court of Appeal

Appeal was dismissed by Saskatchewan Court and the Supreme Court. Milgaard, his mother Joyce Milgaard and lawyer Hersh Wolch held a news conference. They alleged Kujawa deliberately suppressed information about Fisher's conviction. Kujawa said they didn't make a connection between the two cases. I'm not concerned with Milgaard's guilt or innocence. The media and lawyers are “selling us down the river.“

EadieB Question 9:
What do you think about Serge Kujawa's statements?
6y
Mdargusch I think once they had convicted David, he didn‘t want any attention drawn to anyone else. Like someone said in the book - we are human and make mistakes. This is a man‘s life and Kujawa should not let his ego get in the way. 6y
Librarybelle I agree with @Mdargusch ...once he was convicted, no one wanted to think that there could be someone else. 5y
8 likes3 comments
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Mdargusch
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Pickpick

This is a different type of true crime because the convicted rapist/murderer was actually innocent. The story becomes a mother‘s quest for the truth as she spends years digging for the truth to set her son free. The injustice of it all is mind blowing and heartbreaking.

(Sorry @EadieB but I couldn‘t put this down today and had to finish it!)

GypsyKat Love your pups! 😍 #DogsOfLitsy 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch No problem! 6y
MicheleinPhilly SNUGGLEBUGS! 6y
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wanderinglynn Aw, what cuties! ❤️🐶❤️🐶 6y
LeahBergen Aww! ❤️❤️ 6y
kspenmoll How sweet!!!! 6y
Reviewsbylola Thank goodness the puppies conked out and let you finish it! 5y
emilyhaldi That tongue 😋 5y
85 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Cinfhen
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Sorry buddy friends but I‘m bailing!! While I totally feel for David Milgaard, this book is a total waste of time & money. I googled David Milgaard and found out all I needed to know in a simple article. 🙄😬David Milgaard spent 22 years in prison for a murder he did not commit and I spent $9.49 on a book I didn‘t need😜

IamIamIam Ugh, I hate when books are just not worth the time! 6y
GatheringBooks share the article so we won‘t have to read the book! 😂🤣😭📚 6y
Mdargusch Sorry to hear this because I‘m fascinated and really enjoying this book. 6y
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Cinfhen Book just seems unnecessary to me, there isn‘t anything new explained or discovered @Mdargusch but it is a heartbreaking and infuriating story @GatheringBooks @IamIamIam 6y
Librarybelle So sorry to hear! 6y
Chrissyreadit Sorry! I‘m behind, but I‘m enjoying the book. I like seeing the process of how information is gathered and used and the hindsight that provides more information. I‘m trying not to bail on Swamplandia and this book is way more hopeful.. at least I suspect he is freed eventually. 6y
Cinfhen I‘m glad you‘re all enjoying @Librarybelle @Chrissyreadit @Mdargusch 6y
Reviewsbylola I never got a copy. 😑 Guess I didn‘t miss much. 5y
Cinfhen Your mom loved the book @Reviewsbylola but I think you can go On Wikipedia and get the full story 😜 5y
95 likes9 comments
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EadieB
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Question 8:
Milgaard was found guilty with witnesses that were not credible and evidence that was circumstantial. How would you feel if you were his mother?

Cinfhen My heart broke for David and his entire family. 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen It is a heartbreaking story! 6y
Cinfhen But I‘m not really “enjoying” the book. Are you @EadieB it seems like a Wikipedia page is all I needed to read so far....I‘m not engaged at all (edited) 6y
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EadieB @Cinfhen The whole book was written from info found online. We really didn‘t need a book we could have googled and got all the info we needed. 6y
Cinfhen Yea! It‘s pretty pointless 😡 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen And they charge so much to buy a book. I think it‘s expensive because some universities are using it as a learning tool. 6y
Mdargusch The frustration would eat away at me. I‘m actually enjoying it @Cinfhen 🤷🏼‍♀️ but true crime is my fav. 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch The only thing the book is good for is that the info is all in one place instead of reading all over the internet. It is a very interesting story! 6y
Librarybelle It‘s so tragic, and a truly heartbreaking story. 5y
10 likes9 comments
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EadieB
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Question 7:
What did you think about Justice Bence and his highly prejudicial ‘Milgaard Ruling‘ which allowed the jury to hear incriminating evidence from a hostile witness when both lawyers requested that the statement be read absent from the jury?

Cinfhen They just wanted to make a conviction at any cost....including finding out THE TRUTH 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen I agree that they just wanted to make the police department look good. 6y
Cinfhen And the rapes continued after David was tried and convicted😡😤😰 6y
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EadieB @Cinfhen And they never connected the Larry Fisher rapes with the Milgaard case. 6y
Cinfhen Such BAD police work!!!!! 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen I think they were trying to sweep things under the rug after Larry Fisher was caught. 6y
Mdargusch This definitely was one of the biggest factors in finding David guilty. I think when a Fisher was arrested those police knew they had screwed up and just turned their heads hoping no one would make the connection. 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch You are definitely right about that they turned their heads! 6y
Librarybelle This whole situation is so sad...it showed how much bullying the police did in order to have enough “evidence” to arrest Milgaard. 5y
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EadieB
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Top left - Lt. Joseph Penkala - found frozen lump of semen
Top right - Chief of Police - James Kettles
Bottom left - Craig Melnyk - witness
Bottom right - George Lapchuk - witness

Question 6:
What did you think about the last minute testimony of Melnyk and Lapchuk that they saw Milgaard re-enact the murder in a motel room after seeing a TV news report of murder and Melnyk received a light sentence for armed robbery?

Cinfhen It‘s just so much BS ~ 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen The witnesses were all pressured and Melnyk got a much lighter sentence for armed robbery. 6y
Cinfhen It makes you have zero faith in the legal system 6y
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EadieB @Cinfhen Thank goodness we now have DNA. 6y
Mdargusch If only...they had talked to the girl in the room and got her testimony that they were lying. 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch Judge Bence knew they were lying. He should have done something about it. 6y
Mdargusch The judge just gave the jury hints about the bad evidence- very sad the jurors let their emotions rule them. It was also interesting that they were split at the beginning. 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch Right! Some of them did have doubts but I guess they thought there were no other suspects. 6y
Librarybelle Their testimony was so bogus! Everything about the witness testimony was horrific. @Cinfhen is right...a case like this makes one have zero faith in the legal system. 5y
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EadieB
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Top left - Calvin Tallis, Milgaard‘s defense
Top right - Bobs Caldwell, Milgaard‘s prosecutor
Bottom left - Mr. Justice Alfred Bence - presided at trial
Bottom right - Mayor Sidney Buckwold

Question 5:
Should Milgaard have taken the stand to tell his story? What did you think about the Mayor giving praise to the police for their outstanding record of serious crime after arresting an innocent man?

Mdargusch Once again, hindsight is 20-20, but throwing another version of the story in the mix would‘ve possibly given reasonable doubt to the jurors? As for the mayor, I‘m sure he was relieved to have the crime “solved”. 6y
Librarybelle I‘m not sure whether or not Milgaard should have taken the stand - his not taking the stand made sense then, I think, but definitely hindsight makes it look really bad. As for the Mayor...well, let‘s just say I‘m not a fan of any of the leaders who were in office during that time... 5y
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EadieB
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Discussion questions for chapters 6-10 to follow.

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Cinfhen
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Well this was a surprise! Tucked inside my used copy was this newspaper clipping from The Edmonton Journal, dated, Tuesday, January 13, 1998. I haven‘t googled any information yet but I‘m pretty sure this Larry Fisher DID rape and murder Gail Miller.

EadieB @Cinfhen Yes I have found lots of info in internet and that is Larry Fisher. He died in prison at 65 years old. 6y
Cinfhen I‘m just appalled!!! Fisher was caught in 1970 and Milgaard was still languishing in prison insisting he was innocent!!! How did no one put 2+2 together @EadieB !??? Heartbreaking!!!! 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen I know it‘s so horrible. The police just wanted Milgaard to be guilty so it looked good for them! Even the judge at the trial knew the kids were lying! So wrong! 6y
emilyhaldi Love finding cuttings in used books 🤗 6y
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EadieB
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Pictured above: Linda and Larry Fisher

Question 4 of 4:
What do you think of Linda asking Larry where her paring knife was and the expression on Larry‘s face? What do you think of their relationship?

Cinfhen Hindsight is 20/20 6y
Mdargusch If only... if only she had just mentioned this to police. The first time my husband kicked me in the head however, I would‘ve been gone! 6y
Librarybelle She admits she wasn‘t serious about accusing him of murder - I probably wouldn‘t jump to the conclusion that he did it, with the guilty expression on his face. I‘d think something else, but not murder. But, as @Cinfhen says, hindsight. That relationship...I have to wonder about the baby during all of this screaming and violence. 6y
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EadieB @Librarybelle I think she knew that he was capable of murder but didn't want to report it because she needed him working in order to take care of the baby. 6y
Librarybelle That could be very true, @EadieB . She was also so young herself. 6y
EadieB @Librarybelle After saying that to Shorty, I would have been afraid for my life. 6y
Chrissyreadit These were all children in many ways. But why did family members also consider this behavior normal? Patriarchy is so pervasive in its privilege. 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit The children were growing up too fast and the parents didn‘t know how to deal with it. 6y
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EadieB
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Pictured above: David Milgaard and Albert (Shorty) Cadrain

Question 3 of 4:
What do you think about Shorty changing his statement and accepting the $2,000 reward money?

Cinfhen Such an obvious stunt 6y
Mdargusch It is so devastating that someone‘s life could be ruined by someone else‘s lies! 6y
Librarybelle Shorty clearly did it for the money, no doubt in my mind! 6y
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EadieB @Librarybelle For sure! But they should have been punished somehow. 6y
Librarybelle Definitely, @EadieB ! 6y
Chrissyreadit The bigger issue is that coercion or rewards are considered legit when they clearly should not be. 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit Such a wrong practice! 6y
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EadieB
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Pictured above: Ron Wilson and Nichol John

Question 2 of 4:

What do you think about the “rush to judgement” from the police and the pressuring of the 17 year old witnesses to change their stories in order to get a conviction?

Cinfhen Infuriating 6y
Mdargusch It makes me sick to my stomach! We haven‘t read the defense yet, but the holes in their stories and their non stop drug use. How did those 3 people live with themselves all those years? 6y
Librarybelle Ugh! I think it was Wilson who said it was like brainwashing - so true! 6y
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EadieB @Librarybelle I just can't believe that police would do that to someone just so they could get a conviction of someone that is totally innocent. That is really scary. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 6y
Librarybelle Yes...very scary! 6y
Chrissyreadit I find the entire concept of that generation sad. Where were the parents? Why was checking out for weeks at a time happening as normal behavior? There is research and information demonstrating the “war on drugs” in the US was created to specifically target minorities and “hippies” (for protesting the war). It seems Canada has some similar issues. 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit Things were definitely out of control in that era! 6y
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EadieB
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Question 1 of 4:

How often are innocent people convicted of crimes they did not do? Was Milgaard quilty of the murder of Gail Miller just because he was driving through Saskatoon on the morning her body is found? How can they justify this with no concrete evidence? What do you think of this?

Cinfhen I‘m sure too often!! I guess forensic science and DNA testing has helped somewhat but “bad cops” are still an epidemic and it‘s really infuriating. 6y
Cinfhen This was pure BS!! 6y
Mdargusch Thank goodness for the use of DNA evidence that‘s in use today! So sad David got caught up in the murder by coincidence. 6y
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Librarybelle I kept thinking about the book Just Mercy when reading this section - probably way too many instances of wrongfully convicted/arrested individuals. So sad, and so aggravating! One would hope that with the advent of forensic science this doesn‘t happen as often anymore. 6y
EadieB @Librarybelle I'll have to check out that Just Mercy book. It looks very interesting! 6y
Librarybelle It is really good, but also very depressing 6y
EadieB @Librarybelle I find these true crime books and books on the justice system fascinating but when the system doesn't work right it is depressing. 6y
Librarybelle Exactly! 6y
Chrissyreadit This has been very depressing. Unfortunately I have witnessed police lying and tampering with evidence first hand. It is not uncommon from my experience. 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit That is so wrong! 6y
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EadieB
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Discussion Questions to follow.

Chrissyreadit I‘m slowly trying to catch up. Will answer questions as I can. 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit No problem! 6y
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LitsyHappenings
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Repost for @EadieB :
If you want to join in, all are welcome! Just contact me if I didn‘t tag you!

Please repost!

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Mdargusch
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Today‘s #puppynaptimereading

I‘m starting this true crime buddy read and so far I‘m hooked from the beginning! I‘m starting early so I can share this book with @Reviewsbylola since it is a tough one to find. (I got a used version on Amazon.) Please join us and check out the read along schedule from @EadieB

EadieB @Mdargusch Thanks for reposting! 6y
mreads 🐕❤ 6y
AlaMich Your puppy is living her best life (and MY best life, if I‘m honest)!!! 6y
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Mdargusch Of course @EadieB - the more true crime fans, the better! 6y
Reviewsbylola 😂😂 oh Jack! 6y
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Cinfhen
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Repost for @EadieB Join this true crime buddy read beginning May 28!!!!! Just tag Eadie and let her know🤓 Eadie is a great host and always provides insightful comments and questions🙌🏻

Melissa_J This should be a good book. His case was featured prominently in some of the courses I took in high school and university. 6y
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EadieB
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Are you ready for this Buddy Read starting next Tuesday?

If you want to join in, all are welcome! Just contact me if I didn‘t tag you!

Please repost!

Mdargusch I‘m starting today so I can share my book with @Reviewsbylola ! 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch OK sounds good! 6y
Librarybelle I‘m all set! 6y
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JaclynW So crazy thing....my library doesn't carry this book, nor the online library I use, nor does Audible? Where are you finding this book?! 6y
EadieB @JaclynW I got mine at Abe‘s books but I think I may have gotten the last good-priced book. It was hard to find. 6y
JaclynW @EadieB I may have to skip this one if I can't find the book. 6y
EadieB @JaclynW Others have been having trouble finding a copy too. Sorry you have to miss it but you can always come back to the posts after you find a copy. I promised my copy to someone but maybe some of the other readers can send you theirs. @Chrissyreadit @Librarybelle @Cinfhen @Reviewsbylola @Mdargusch (edited) 6y
JaclynW @EadieB True. Thanks. I will keep looking. 😊 6y
jb72 Yeah neither of my libraries has this either. 6y
EadieB @jb72 I can‘t understand this. The probably didn‘t publish enough books which forces the price too high! 6y
jb72 @EadieB I would have thought my Florida library had it, but my tiny KY library rarely has much. I should‘ve asked if it was available on interlibrary loan. 6y
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Chrissyreadit
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@EadieB has amazing buddy reads! Everyone is welcome- this is a true crime book. Go to her page and let her know to tag you if you decide to join in.

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LitsyHappenings
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Repost for @EadieB :
If you want to join in, all are welcome! Just contact me if I didn‘t tag you!

Please repost!

EadieB @LitsyHappenings Thanks for reposting! 6y
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EadieB
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If you want to join in, all are welcome! Just contact me if I didn‘t tag you!

Please repost!

Chrissyreadit In definitely going to try. 6y
Cinfhen Thanks, I‘m ready to go 6y
EadieB @Chrissyreadit ok sounds good! 6y
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EadieB @Cinfhen 👍🏼 6y
Librarybelle Sounds great! I‘ll join in! 6y
Mdargusch Im in but this is a hard book to find. Did you get your copy on amazon? Never mind. I read earlier posts about this and ended up ordering this from thrift books. (edited) 6y
EadieB @Mdargusch Glad to hear you are joining us! I think I ordered my book from Abe Books. 6y
Reviewsbylola Maybe you can pass me your copy when you‘re done! @mdargusch 6y
Megabooks I don‘t think I‘ll be able to read a book on that schedule ☹️☹️☹️ But please continue to include me in other buddy reads! 6y
EadieB @Megabooks ok will do! 6y
Crazeedi I'll see if I can find! I'm on vacation till 29th so I'm not sure, but please continue to include me!! 6y
EadieB @Crazeedi ok No problem! 6y
gradcat Hi Eadie! Thanks for the tag, but I have already read this one, plus (as you might remember) I‘m going through a lot of medical issues just now. I guess I have to pass on this one, but please include me next time—I love true crime! ♥️ 6y
EadieB @gradcat ok no problem! Hoping you are doing better soon! 6y
gradcat Thank you so much! I hope you are enjoying/will enjoy your travels this summer...they sound like heaven! 6y
EadieB @gradcat I am a wanderlust so that helps! Thanks! 6y
gradcat I used to be...wandered all over the world! I wonder what happened to that woman...🤔😂 6y
EadieB @gradcat At least she has gained wisdom and experience! 6y
gradcat 😘 6y
Chrissyreadit Just ordered my book! Woohoo! 6y
Cinfhen Thanks for the reminder! 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen 👍🏼 6y
Tove_Reads Couldn‘t get hold of it ☹️ 6y
CouronneDhiver Can‘t find a copy anywhere affordable... 🤔 6y
EadieB @CouronneDhiver @Tove_Reads I know it‘s hard to find! 6y
JacqMac I couldn‘t find it either. I think I would have liked this one, too. 😞 6y
EadieB @JacqMac No problem! 6y
peaKnit I‘m in team “can‘t find it” too:( even library interloan. It sounds good though, enjoy the buddy read!! 6y
EadieB @peaknit I can send it to you afterwards if you live in US. Send me your address to eadieburke@comcast.net (edited) 6y
CoverToCoverGirl I try to hunt down a copy! 6y
peaKnit @EadieB I would really appreciate that! Thank you❤️ 6y
EadieB @peaknit Ok just send me your address by email and I will mail it by the end of the week when we finish our discussion. 6y
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Cinfhen
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Found it @EadieB ❣️❣️❣️ I think we said a May buddy read??? Hoping you‘ll join us @shawnmooney as this true crime is set in Saskatoon 😜

shawnmooney I can‘t easily or affordably get a copy over here in Japan so I‘ll skip this one but I am definitely up for buddy reading McGlue in May! 😍 (edited) 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen May it is! 6y
Cinfhen 😘😘Ok @shawnmooney looking forward to 6y
Prairiegirl_reading I read this many years ago. I saw him speak when I was in university. What a heartbreaking story. 6y
Cinfhen First learnt about this story from @TheKidUpstairs seems like he get tried & convicted on NO EVIDENCE @Prairiegirl_reading (edited) 6y
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TheKidUpstairs
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#WheatKings is inspired by the story of David Milgaard, a 17 year old wrongfully convicted of a crime and held behind bars for 22 years.

The Tragically Hip are a distinctly Canadian band, but this is actually one of only a few songs inspired by Canadian events.

#TimbitTunes @Cinfhen

Cinfhen Thanks for sharing this story. We should read this @EadieB @Chrissyreadit @kaye and bonus points for Saskatoon the hometown of my buddy @shawnmooney 6y
shawnmooney @Cinfhen Ooh if I can get a copy I‘d like to join in! 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen Looks interesting! 6y
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Cinfhen I need to look for a copy too @shawnmooney !!! And my copy of McGlue arrived so let me know when u want to do that #ThreeWay with @LeahBergen 😘😘😘 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen my Library does not have a copy and it‘s very expensive on Amazon 6y
Cinfhen Ok, we might have to wait @EadieB I‘ll file it away for #MaybeOneDay 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen found cheaper copy on Abebooks.com 6y
Cinfhen I‘ll check AbeBooks @EadieB I literally placed an order yesterday with them for my hubby!! He was looking for 2 older books. 6y
Cinfhen I can get a copy for $5 with shipping to my parents in Florida @EadieB so I can read it beginning of April ~ would that work for you??? 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen I‘m going to be in Florida from April 3-8 with my daughter taking care of her baby while she attends veterinary acupuncture classes so after I get back we can read it. 6y
Cinfhen Where in Florida??? I‘ll be in Miami from March 11 - 26 @EadieB I think Passover is April 19- 27 so maybe beginning of May will be better. I‘m away for Passover and not sure if my internet will be working 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen I‘ll be in Ocala - horse country. we can do May instead but I‘ll be away in New Orleans from May 13-20. My husband retired 12/31 so I‘ll be traveling a lot. (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Good for you!!! So let‘s aim for first week of May!! Is it a high page count??? I forgot to check @EadieB 6y
EadieB @Cinfhen No 320 pgs. 1st week of May is good! (edited) 6y
Cinfhen Ok @shawnmooney we‘re hoping to read this book the first week of May!!! LOVE if u could join us ❤️ 6y
Chrissyreadit I‘m in as long as I can get a book. @EadieB @Cinfhen (edited) 6y
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