Toward the end of the documentary each viewer will be given the opportunity to cast a vote.  The choices will be: guilty, not guilty, or not proven.  The voting will be open for an hour following the ending of the broadcast.  I urge each of you to cast your vote as it will be interesting to see the results.

I thank CNN Senior Producer James Polk for giving me the opportunity to work with him and his team of professionals in bring this particular case back into the lime light.  It’s a case that continues to be controversial in that many believe that others were involved in the kidnapping and murders of many of the children in the Atlanta metropolitan area during the late ’70’s and early ’80’s.

Remember, too, that Williams was convicted of only two of the murders and these convictions were of adults, not children.

Is there one or more copy cat serial killers among society, never to have been apprehended?  This detailed two  hour documentary should help the viewed decide.

My thanks, once again, to Pulitizer prizer winner, James Polk, for an outstanding job.  Jim does what he does really great and all of media should be proud to call him one of theirs.

Dr. Edward Blackwelder

Executive Director

Van der Sloot was apparently without funds therefore he demanded money from Miss Holloway’s family to the tune of $250,000 and actually received $15,000.  This $15,000 was used by van der Sloot to travel to Peru where evidence indicates he killed Stephany Flores who met the Dutchman while playing poker at a casino.

The very man that killed Natalee Holloway traveled to his next known criminal spree on Holloway funds!

So many times individuals, especially those in a desperate situation, will illogically contribute to the criminal spree of an derranged person by giving them money therefore this is no surprise.  It’s sad, so sad, but not without precedent.

This comes at no surprise as Miss Holloway’s family is groping for anything that casts the slightest possibility of a safe return of their daughter.  Rational thinking and judgment doesn’t plug into the formula in cases such as this.

Criminology Research Project, Inc., urges anyone that receives a demand such as this to do two things: 1. Don’t provide the funds and, 2. contact the FBI immediately.

Now Miss Holloway’s family is out $15,000, Natalee remains missing and another young lady is dead.

The best that can be hoped for is civil action to recover the lost funds, which, under the circumstances is unimportant, and to never give up hope.  Hope is the only thing Miss Holloway’s family have at the moment.

Plus, its interesting to note that we now know that there were legal routes that could and should have been taken advantage of that, for whatever reason, weren’t.  What a shame and what a blight on our criminal justice system.

This is, more than likely, going to be a long, drawnout case and, in my opioion we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.  We can only hope and pray, yes pray, that criminal justice officials in Peru, Chile, and Aruba.  With in inbreeding apparent within these “professional” organizations it’s highly unlikely that anyone’s going to be satisfied when the story crosses the finish line.

To the Holloway family I say only that you shouldn’t feel guilt for having funded van der Sloot’s latest crime spree.  You were, afterall, merely grasping for straws in an ongong effort to locate and bring back your daughter.

I seriously doubt that Natalee and Stephany are the only two victims of van der Sloot but there’s no evidence to say that is is correct.  Knowing and believing is not proving.  Proof and only proof is all that counts.  Plus, of course, it would be nice to know that there are unbiased, professional, and knowledgable investigators doing due diligence.  For the latter—I wonder.

My prayer is that justice will prevail but I seriously doubt it will bring any significant degree of closure.  If is justice does prevail it won’t bring Natalee back to Alabama nor will it bring life back to Stephany Flores.

Finally, as for justice, I understand that in the almost certain event van der Sloot is tried and convicted his sentence is likely to be no more than thirty five years in prison!

Dr. Edward Blackwelder

Executive Director

For starters we know there exists two cases involving this young man that have similar “signatures.”  The first that we know of is that of missing Mountain Brook, Alabama, teenager Natalee Holloway in 2005.  The second most recently know case is that of the 21 year-old lima woman, Stephany Flores, who van der Sloot met met, according to police, while playing poker at a Peru casino.

In the criminal profile business we look for similarities between three or more crimes, not all of which must be murders.  I will admit that, so far, there are only two, not three, similar incidences but the evidence is mounting at a rapid pace.

The May 30, 2005, incident involving Natalee Holloway comes exactly five years to the day before the killing of Miss Flores which, within itself is somewhat of a “signature.”  I will admit that five years between the first and second is a rather longer than usual period of time but then, again, we are drawing a conclusion based on cases we know about.  There are probably similar cases involving this young Dutchman that we don’t know about…I will almost “bet the farm” that there are.

You may be asking, “What are these similarities?”  For starters, both young girls are known to have been in the company of van der Sloot.  Also, both Miss Holloway and Miss Gamboa went with van der Sloot, from a public to a private location.   Adding to our “duck theory” is the fact that both victims were female and students.

I’m not prepared just yet to brand Van der Sloot “serial: but I’m close.  Generally, criminology and criminal justice professionals prefer to have a minimum of three “signature” cases before applying the term to an individual but, for the same of common sense, I’ll do it now.  My “gut feeling” is that there are more cases we have yet to become aware.

The young Dutchman seems, for the time being, to have gotten away with his “whatever” with Miss Holloway but, again, the Fat Lady has not sung on this first know case quite yet.  I feeling is that more and more evidence will surface connecting Van der Sloot to Miss Holloway’s disappearance.  I don’t know this to be a fact to to actually come out and say that that I do would be misleading.

I do tend to believe that certain circumstances, political in nature, kept Van der Sloot from being arrested in a timely fashion for the Holloway disappearance but in the case of Miss Flores I doubt politics will protect him in this case.  It certainly appears that this is the case.

Individuals tend to have an urge, let’s call it a need, to brag about their criminal ventures; Van der Sloot did just this relative to Miss Hollowayby admiting that he had killer her.  He has now admitted that he killed this second known victim in Peru.  He then, in both cases, retracts his “I did it” statements which is, again, somewhat of a “signature.”  To admit and then deny is seen very often just as it was in the case of the murder for hire of Dr. Jack Wilson in his Huntsville, Alabama, home by James Dennison White.  White actually confessed, then denied a number of times.

Van der Sloot’s problem is that vander Sloot was specific in he statements.  He, in fact, said, “I did not want to do it.  The girl intructe into my private life.  She had no right.  She was scared, we argued, she tried to escapt and I grabber her by the neck kand hit her.”  This statement, whether, later contradicted by the Dutchman or not is backed by video footabel of the two entering his hotel room in the early hours of Saturday, May 30th.  Van del Sloot left four hour later after he had paid the hotel in advance for another two weeks’ stay and made a request that hotel workers not go into the room.  He then paid a cab driver something like $600 to drive him to Chile. 

Human nature, as odd as it may be, says that guilty persons talk about their crimes.  But, then again innocent persons confess to crimes they didn’t commit on a regular basis especially in high profile cases.  The Atlanta Child Murder cases brought over 1,000 confessions alone all of which came from those within the “lunatic fringe.”  This is why a confession along is not enough for a conviction.  Simply put, people confess to crimes they don’t commit!  This trick, however, is not now available to van der Sloot—it’s the video!

In van der Sloot’s case, however, this evidence supporst his so-called confession and, believe me, this won’t be ignored by justice officials.  He may be, and is, in another country but the budding signature follows.  There are, afterall, ducks in every country and the same duck is known to travel interjurisdictional.

Having said all of this, what happens now?  I’m no mind reader but it’s my prediction that van der Sloot will “go down” on this one and other similar cases will surface.  This time the young Dutchman is “in the sights” of the criminal justice system and these professional dare not allow him to escape where he was, what he did, and how he did it.  Politics being what it is will most definitely prevent this.

We must move slowly, wait a time with patience, but my prediction is that there are other similar crimes that will be attributed to van der Sloot before this investigation is over.  The investigation(s) are no where close to termination, in fact, they have only begun.

I don’t always agree with my counterparts within the criminal justice system and don’t hesitate to say it when I feel it to be the truth.  However, in the cases involving Joran van der Sloot, it’s my prediction that there’s more to come and we have, in fact, only seen the tip of the iceberg.

We don’t know where Miss Holloway’s body is, or shall I say that ‘publically” we don’t.  A common practice is to retain a certain amount of evidence from media to maintain the ability to sort out the absessed that are innocent but who “need” to confess from the actual perpertrators.  I’m not connected to either of the cases at hand personally or professionaly but I’ve been around long enough to konow there’s more evidence than is know to the general public.

Joran van der Sloot is in Peru custody this time, not that of Aruba, and the cards are not stacked in his favor this time.  He’s currently at police headquarters being questioned in the death of the 21 year old Miss Jose Gamboa and this is where he is likely to remain.”

The signatures,  unique criminal patterns, don’t change very often from serial to serial and they haven’t with the Dutchman.  This is not to say that such has never been the case but it’s extremely rare.  It’s certainly a statistical probability that van der Sloot hasn’t make such a change—he’s just not this smart.

Is van det Sloot a serial murderer?  Well, he’s a serial sexual preditor for sure and could be a serial murderer no doubt.  Again, it a “wait a time with patience” situation one that is sure to bring about additional similar cases in the not to distant future.

I’m not in a position to classify anyone as anything on an official basis but I am willing to go as far as say that the officials have their man in both the Holloway and Flores cases.

Finally, van der Sloot, this time arund, is being represented by state-appointed attorneys which, within itself, speaks volumes.  Van det Sloot’s time has come…he will be convicted…and for what little consolation there can be for the victim’s families he will be dealt with appropriately.

This defendant is far from being out of the woods in fact, he’s just getting started witin the system.  As for how long his crime spree has been in existence, who knows?  My prediction is that he been doing his dasterdly deeds for quite a while the spread of five years between the first and second is too long an interval to be realistic.

We’ll all keep watching and Criminology Research Project, Inc., will keep reporting.  Stay tuned!

Dr. Edward Blackwlder

Executive Director

I can tell you now that CNN did a great job of investigating and will be presenting a totally balanced presentation.  The evidence will speak for itself and you can then draw your own conclusion as to the truth.

It has been a distinct pleasure working with the fine professionals at CNN, especially Senior Producer Jim Polk.  I have the highest respect for Jim and his dedicated staff.  Jim put in many a long day on this documentary and I encourage you to be in front of your televison with your VCR on “record.” 

CNN will re-broadcast this documentary several times so I hope you’ll be able to catch one of them.  Here are the times:

First showing: Thursday, June 10th, 8:00 P.M. CDT

Repeat Broadcasts

June 12th & 13th:  7:00 P.M; 10:00 P.M.; 1:00 A.M. 

It will air a total of seven times during this period therefore everyone should be able to “tune in” during one of the broadcasts.  Also, a CD can be purchaed from the CNN Store by going online to CNN.com and clicking on CNN Store at the very bottom of the home page.

Criminology Research Project, Inc. will make every effort to keep you posted as to date and time of this CNN documentary.

Wayne Williams continues to live his life behind bars in Hancock State Prison located in Sparta, Georgia.  He remains hopeful that a successful appeal will be forth coming as a result of revelations that may come as a result of this CNN documentary.

It’s been 28 years since William’s Atlanta trial…minds have changed as to his guilt…new evidence may have surfaced and what were regular low level investigators are now in positions of authority and are stating that Wayne Williams is not the serial killer that roamed the Atlanta metropolitan area in the late ’70’s and early ’80’s.

Only Wayne Williams knows whether he is this infamous serial killer; what is known is that he did not get a fair and impartial criminal trial, something every citizen deserves.

Reality is that Wayne’s chances of actually having such an opportunity are minimal.  The Atlanta establishment cannot take the chance of such a happening as the truth would bring out facts that were not known during the 1982 trial, facts that were known but hidden and certain witnesses who, for various reasons, have come forward to recant certain portions of their testimony.

Racism is not dead, not by a long shot.  Anyone believing such needs to examine crime statistics.  To do so would bring about the reality that arrests, trial verdicts, prison sentences, and parole determinations are based to a large extent upon the race of the defendant.

The Atlanta child murder as the killer became known needed to be a black man.  He needed to be middle to lower socioeconomic and he needed to “fit the pattern.”  The problem is this “pattern,” to a large degree, came into existence only after Wayne Williams became a suspect.  For this there is no doubt.

Will the truth ever reveal itself?  My prayers that it will, my expectations are just the opposite.  There will be a day, someday, when we shall know the truth and only then will we be totally set free.  Until this time comes we must continue to have faith and maintain hope that the truth will surface sooner than later, that fact will out shine opinion, and that those in positions to bring about change will have the courage to stand up for right, justice, and equality for all.

Wayne Williams is older now, much wiser, and maintains a vigilance that makes me proud to call him my friend.  Wayne’s parents, Homer and Faye, are now dead but “Miss Faye’s” plea that I never forsake her son rings loudly.  I will never forsake Wayne and pray that others will not become complacent toward the injustices within America’s criminal justice system.

Car believed used in Atlanta Child Murders removed from the backyard of a Columbus home By Brett Buckner Special to the Ledger Once a central piece of evidence leading to the conviction of Wayne Williams in what became known as the Atlanta Child Murders, the old station wagon had been forgotten – left to rot among the weeds and fallen tree branches in a backyard along Meadow Drive in Columbus. That was until Wednesday afternoon when Edward Blackwelder, a retired criminal justice professor from Piedmont, Ala., retrieved it from oblivion, while a CNN camera crew captured the moment for a future documentary on the infamous case. “There were several cars introduced at trial,” Blackwelder said as two men from Carroll’s Wrecker Service out of Piedmont strapped chains to the station wagon’s bumper. “But this is the most infamous. This is the one Wayne Williams was driving when he supposedly dumped the body into the Chattahoochee.” Between the summer of 1979 and 1981, Atlanta was in the grip of serial killer when more than 20 kids, mostly boys and young men, were found murdered in a variety of ways; their bodies dumped in the river and around some of the most impoverished areas of the city. There were no suspects and few leads until the world was introduced to a self-described talent scout named Wayne Williams. Around 2 a.m. on May 22, 1981, Williams was stopped by police while driving his father’s 1970 Chevy Concur Station Wagon across the James Jackson Parkway Bridge. An officer staking out the bridge claimed to have heard a splash in the dark waters below before noticing the station wagon slowly driving away. Two days later, when the body of 27-year-old Nathaniel Cater was found floating in the Chattahoochee River, a few miles from where Williams’ car was stopped, police had their first major break. On Feb. 27, 1982, Williams was convicted of two murders and implicated in 22 more, largely based on dog hair and carpet fibers – many of which were related to the 1970 Chevy station wagon. Several years after Williams’ trial, his father, Homer, returned to his hometown of Columbus. With the case closed, the station wagon was returned. Homer continued driving it around town, occasionally taking it fishing. But after he died in 2005, it stayed parked by the shed, windows rolled down, until the doors nearly rusted shut. “It’s been back there as long as I knew (Homer) … back there just sittin’ dead to the world,” says Carrie Clark, who was Homer’s caregiver and now rents the house where he lived. “I can’t imagine why anybody would want it … just an old car.” Blackwelder, who has been close with the Williams family since the original trial and speaks with Wayne regularly, was given custody of the station wagon. “This is just what happens to evidence,” Blackwelder says. “It sits around, forgotten ‘til somebody comes along and sees it for what it is.” Blackwelder wasn’t alone on this muggy afternoon. A crew from CNN, working on a yet untitled documentary about the Atlanta Child Murders and Wayne Williams, was filming the car before it was being towed away. “I’m still collecting pieces,” says CNN executive producer Jim Polk. “I don’t even know what the puzzle looks like. We’re trying to look at both sides … I can’t promise how it’s going to come out because I don’t know how it’s going to come out.” Though Williams, who maintains his innocence, is serving two consecutive life sentences in the Georgia state prison at Reidsville, there have been continuous efforts to find new evidence that will to a new trial. That’s why Blackwelder wanted to take possession and preserve the station wagon. “Not saying that it will, but if this ever got back to trial,” Blackwelder said, “it’s better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.” Contact Brett Buckner at brett.buckner@yahoo.com.

Article by Brett Buckner

Special  to the Ledger

Now, according to James Whitehouse, Susan’s younger attorney husband, she is terminally ill with brain cancer; 80% paralyzed, cannot walk, write and can barely sit up.  She is confined to a specialized nursing home.

Is a parole proper for Susan Atkins?  Most say “No,” but many say “Yes.”  What is your opinion?  First, you must decide the purpose of being in prison: rehabilitation, punishment or protection of society?  Each of these three has been used to describe the purpose of incarceration.

Jim Whitehouse has ask Criminology Research Project, Inc., to conduct a survey to assist in determining how mainstream America feels toward parole for his wife.

It must be pointed out that the State of California is in a financial crisis and is issuing “IOU’s” rather than paying it’s bills.  Susan’s care and security, alone, is costing the state almost $2,000,000 annually. 

Parole is generally considered when three situations are present: an inmate’s having served a lengthy period of time in prison, a well planned home plan and is no longer a threat to society.

The prosecuting District Attorney has gone on record as saying he does not anticipate on attempting to block Ms. Atkin’s parole request. 

Of the many questions that I am asked about various crimes, the Manson murders are, by far, the most frequent.  They were, no doubt, among the most brutal of any that I have ever studied.

I ask that you give your opinion as to the propriety of paroling Susan Atkins.  I will present my findings to Mr. Whitehouse the first of September.

I will not express my opinion as I don’t want to sway a single person from expressing a true and accurate opinion of their own.

It must be remembered that Ms. Atkin’s originally got the death penalty.  The State of California, however, overturned capital punishment and everyone on it’s death row was commuted to straight life.  Some feel this was Susan’s break and that she does not deserve another.  I will not argue this point.

Many books, the most famous, Helter Skelter, have been written about the Manson murders.  Movies and web sites abound.

What is your opinion?  Your comment or comments, please.

My recent visit with Wayne Williams went really well.  My wife and I checked into the Milledgeville, Georgia, Holiday Inn Express on Saturday, had a quite dinner and, as is customary, immediately got onto the computer.  After about an hour of research;I had to find out if there had been any additional serial murders and there had,  I took a hot shower and lay across the bed.  Happy, our totally blind Maltese, was at our side.  Shirley, meanwhile, was continuing to go strong at writing, doing legal research, reading reports that had recently surfaced and, of course, drinking Dr. Pepper.  Recently surfaced…what a laugh…yes, recently surfaced!  Had the existence of these documents only been known at the time of William’s 1982 trial!  Where was the Brady decision where the Court held that all evidence used by or intended to be used by the prosecution must be provided to the defense prior to it’s being presented?  Discovery was a farce!

Georgia is on Eastern time, therefore, I had to get up early for a quick breakfast and an even quicker view of USA Today.   At about 7:45 a.m. I headed toward Sparta where Hancock State Prison is located.

Getting into Hancock was no easy task, for some reason they keep the doors locked!  Nevertheless, I got in, cleared security and was taken to a visitation room.  Wayne, in only a couple of minutes, made his entrance and the two of us sat down, Coke in hand, and started talking.

To an inmate, having a different person to talk too is a big deal!  Plus, I learned many years ago that talking to Wayne is always interesting.  There is seldom a dull moment with him in spite of his circumstances.

Our meeting lasted over four hours during which time we made plans for his future litigation, personal plans and things of that nature.  While he had a lot on his mind, as he always does, I don’t believe we missed anything.  If we did, I can’t imagine what it may have been.

Our lunch consisted of chili dogs and another Coke.  Not all that bad as I was hungry by the time noon came around.  We ate, talked, and continued to talk about the future, mainly Wayne’s.

Wayne has always maintained a most positive attitude and this visit was no different.  In fact, I had to remind myself that it was Wayne Williams, the “so-called” infamous serial killer, that I was talking to or I would have surely forgotten.  But, let me ask you this….how does a serial killer act?  Strangely…No.   Dangerously…Absolutely Not.   Any different from any of the rest of us…not in the least.  I have known Wayne Williams since 1982 and he has never been anything except polite, with good manners, something that I can’t say for some “do-gooders” in the free world that I know.

Some of our time was spent discussing the upcoming cable network two hour documentary that is currently in the planning stages.  In fact, this particular trip was set-up mostly for a discussion about this particular event.  I will let you know when it will be aired.  It will be worth watching, no doubt.

It seems the world continues to be fascinated about The Atlanta Child Murders but, believe it or not, more and more people are beginning to believe that Wayne William’s IS NOT the killer!  During the 1982 trial I imagine the percentages were somewhere around 80% to 20% that Wayne was guilty, after all he was the one caught by police.  Over the years many people, even the parents of several of the slain children that made “The List,” along with a number of high ranking law enforcement officials, they were lowly street cops at the time of trial, have come to the conclusion that Wayne William’s is not guilty.  Remember, contrary to what the powers-that-be at the time wished, the murders of young children did not stop after Wayne was arrested.   Only The List stopped.  Plus, and you may not know this, but the parents of the missing children didn’t received the $100,000 checks if their child’s name didn’t ”made the list.”  Making the list was a really big thing at that time.  Some children killed managed to make it, others did not.  I never was able to determine the exact formula used to make this determination.

One must never forget that “politics” always plays a role in a high profile murder case as the entire community is frightened that a killer is on the loose and will strike again anytime.  Convention trade was off as scheduled conventions were being canceled on a regular basis.  Business, in general, was down, especially in those establishments that remained open after dark.

The children being killed were Black, therefore the killer had to be Black, preferably lower socioeconomic.  Black lower socioeconomic defendants have a statistically greater likely hood of being found guilty than someone from a middle to upper class neighborhood and white.  Wayne was from a middle class neighborhood, his parents, Homer and Faye were retired teachers, but they did not have the financial means to mount an adequate criminal defense.  I won’t relive the case now, however, believe me Wayne William’s did not get a “fair and impartial” trial to say the least. Things are not over, take my word for it, and there is time, yet, for the truth to be made known.  As I told Wayne, it’s going to be a definite uphill struggle but it has been known to work for others and it may just work for you.  In fact, I noticed in the news a few days later that DNA evidence proved a prison inmate could not have committed a murder that he had been convicted of and was serving time for but, you guessed it, the District Attorney that prosecuted this individual “stands by” the jury’s guilty plea!  DNA results are absolute when they prove guilt but when the same testing proves innocence…well.

The statistical probabilities of Wayne’s ever being a free man are not as great as his remaining incarcerated for the remainder of his life and he, long ago, accepted this fact.  Different prosecutors are in place now, as are judges, criminal justice officials and others that may have legal, political and social input into Wayne’s release.  It’s politics at it’s worst, no doubt.  This time around, however, if Wayne can get his case before a judge, his chances are much better.   It’s exactly this reason that the State of Georgia has every reason to keep this from happening.  Even some of the state’s own “expert witnesses” have moderated their stand and, therefore, their 1982 courtroom testimony.  One particular police officer that was assigned to watch the Jackson Memorial Parkway Bridge the night Wayne was supposed to have dumped a body over the side of this bridge, the officer now admits that he was not actually watching the bridge but was busy doing his income taxes while sitting in his patrol car.  This was in June, therefore the guy was late in getting his taxes filed!  I wonder if he had gotten an extension from the IRS?

At the conclusion of our day long meeting, I made my way back through the maze of locked doors, fences and security points, got into my car and drove back to Milledgeville.  Wayne, of course, went back to doing the same things he has done since 1982.  There’s not a lot of variety in a maximum security penal institution.

After getting back to the hotel my wife and I, Happy decided not to go, went out for dinner and spent almost three hours going over the events of the day.  My wife, Shirley, no new comer to criminal litigation, has long realized that Wayne Williams didn’t get the fair trial that is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  For this there is no doubt.

We ate, got back to our hotel room, walked Happy, then settled down for more discussion.  I believe we ended up actually going to bed around dawn.  Researching cases such as Wayne’s is no simple nor rapid project if it is to be done properly and professionally.  Notes had to be taken, digital recordings had to be made, entries had to be keyed into our two laptops, etc.  What a difference from the 1982 trial when the closest we had to a laptop was a pencil and legal pad.

Early the next morning (Monday) we checked out of the Holiday Inn Express and headed toward Atlanta.  It was a pleasant day and the drive was uneventful.  We checked into the Crowne Plaza and attempted made contact with Wayne’s attorney.  The next couple or three days would be filled with research, research, research.  It turned out to be exactly this way…always is.  There’s nothing exciting about doing background work on a criminal case, even one that in 1982 was the most publicized in the annals of American crime!

Our evenings gave us a bit of time to have a quite dinner with friends  but, even then, ‘The Case” came up and was discussed.  As I said earlier, even today, The Atlanta Child Murders remain a most talked about series of killings.  I get more requests for case information on the Charles Manson, Ted Bundy and Wayne Williams cases that any others.  Plus, people do constantly want to know about the children of these infamous serial killers, if you can classify Manson as a serial killer.

The dinner was great, you know it’s going to be when the prices don’t appear on the menu and a limo picks you up at your hotel and delivers you back at the conclusion of the evening.  But, after the time and research efforts both Shirley and I had put in, I suppose a bit of  the “high life” is permissible.  It certainly was not at the expense of the Georgia taxpayer so not articles to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution!   No, I am not going to divulge who our friends were as to do so would violate protocol.  You will know in time, perhaps, perhaps not.

I encourage all individuals interested in Wayne William’s case to study the entire case, not just portions.  You must understand every single detail in order to get the total, accurate, picture and feeling  of what the atmosphere was in Atlanta, Georgia, during the late ’70’s and early ’80’s when young Black children were going missing.  Politically, someone had to be caught and someone was caught…Wayne Williams.  The fact that many other names were on a list of suspects, some with more evidence pointing to their guilt that Wayne is seldom discussed.  Wayne was caught, so everyone returned to their normal living.  Everyone except Wayne and his family.

Believe me, status quo is about to change!  Politicians don’t want to hear this, nor do some others, nevertheless, more and more do.  The statistical probability of a different outcome, should Wayne’s case get back in Court, may very well be totally different.  But then, again, herein lies the major problem.  How far with the State go to keep Wayne Williams’ from getting back before a judge?  Murders were happenings, an individual was arrested, the murders stopped (oh, really?), and life returned to normal.  Plus, you must remember that the jury members had to go back into their respective metropolitan communities…how do you think they were, therefore, inclined to vote?  Guilty, of course!

Some people continue to actually believe that police only apprehend and arrest guilty individuals and Courts and juries only find these defendants as such.  If you believe this then I have ocean front property for sale at a really good price….in Tennessee!

Making an arrest in a politically charged serial murder is extremely important, the faster the better.  To hell with facts and evidence, just arrest someone!  Officials, in Wayne’s case, from The White House, to the Governor’s Mansion, to City Hall, were demanding that “someone” be arrested.  I place emphasis on the word “someone,” which, I remind you is not the same as the “guilty one.”   It is also interesting to point out that not all officials at a meeting at the Governor’s Manson the night before Wayne’s arrest were ready for such.  However, the most powerful won and Wayne was arrested the next day.

I don’t expect everyone of you reading this blog to agree with me.  However, don’t forget that I have the same First Amendment right to my freedom of speech as you PLUS I was there!  I have long subscribed to the term “documentation” and, believe me, I have “documentation.”  I will share this information with you at the appropriate time.  Until then, keep coming back to my site…I will keep you up-to-date on case activity.  So-called “new evidence continues to surface and this is 2009!  Where has this “new evidence” been all these years?  It hasn’t been a Wayne’s attorney’s office, that’s for sure.  Where else do you suppose it could have been?  Why was it not made known, turned over to the defense under Brady and allowed admitted at trial?  I don’t think it takes a genius to figure this out.  The sad fact is that the name of the game in court is winning, not getting at the truth.

Will Shirley and I feel negative repercussions from our dealings with Wayne William’s case.  You better bet we will, or I did during the original trial.  There will probably be telephone calls late at night, hang-up calls regularly, vulgar messages left on our answering machine, attempts to turn me against Shirley and her against me, oh yes…the list goes on and on.  You can rest assured, however, that proper precautions have already been taken, are presently in place, and will continue to be for as long as is necessary.  Will anyone have the nerve to face us one-on-one?  There will be a few, not many.  Will it be necessary to alter the way we live our lives, not in the least.

Finally, it is vital to make the point that Criminology Research Project, Inc., is not “pro-defense” nor is it “pro-prosecution.”  The Project is objective and merely does professional research, allowing the chips to fall where they may.  Chips are about to fall, where, I don’t know.  Do I have an idea?  Sure I do.  Will I let you in on it?  Surely you know better.

Finally, I must thank one individual in particular for taking care of business while Shirley and I were away.  This young person is from somewhere South of Huntsville, I think, and she is good at what she does.  Her husband does what he does well, he supports his wife just as she does him. 

Always keep you hand close to your chest, my friend.  Many of you know what I mean, some of you think that you do and a few of you, actually do.

Remember, The United States Constitution says that a citizen is “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainly.”  Wayne William’s didn’t receive this guaranteed protection.  The system failed him therefore it failed each and everyone of us.  Never, for one instance, think that it could not happen to you.  To some of us, mathematics says that it will.  To others it will make no difference as their mind is “closed’ and has been since the original 1982 verdict.   Some have the mistaken belief that if they do not commit a crime they will not be drawn into the criminal justice system.  What a mistaken idea.  Look to the Innocence Project if you have any doubts.  Numerous former inmates are free that, at one time, were on death row for a crime they did not commit.  Had it not been for the Innocence Project these individuals would have been executed by now.  I cannot say that I am against capital punishment, just that I am against this particular punishment is handed down.  How many financially well off death row inmates are there?  What’s the percentage of death row inmates as compared to the racial makeup of our nation?  Same crime…different sentence.

Our next visit is already scheduled and, no we will not be staying at The Holiday Inn-Express in Milledgeville.  I’m not a fool…a bit crazy but not stupid!  What about the Crowne Plaza in Atlanta?  Well, lets just say that the security there is on the level with that of most penal institutions.  You must have a pass to get to a door to get a pass to get into the lobby.  Then, the requirement is still another pass to get the elevator to take you only to the floor on which your room is located.   To gain access to certain floors still another pass is required.  The security people sure seem adequate; their Glock’s seem oiled and ready.  The beautiful and well-trained German Shepherd dogs are delightful but, no, I didn’t attempt to pet any of them.  Happy did make a pass at one of them but he turned his head.  Poor Happy, she tried!

My best to the few “obsessed” individuals that have already contacted Shirley and me.  Sorry, but we don’t give out inmate addresses and the Warden kinda likes this idea.  The fact that God sent you or that you are on a mission from the Almighty doesn’t get you in the door, sorry.  Neither does the fact that you received your college degree from Manson University…Charles Milles Manson, President.

May the “true crime” buffs continue to frequent Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble and the other book stores.  Don’t forget Amazon.com, the stockholders appreciate your business.  However, if you want facts, leave a comment on this site.  I will answer every comment but it won’t be “blood and guts,” and it won’t be nearly as exciting as what you would want.

Take care, my friends, and thank you to the many that understand quality academic research for what it is.

As Ted Bundy said, “Peace.”  Ted signed with a small “t.”  You can be the judge as to the hidden meaning here.

I was contacted today concerning the Ted Bundy case.  I pulled my Bundy files, twenty-six folders and three boxes, reviewed everything.  There are several photographs of Bundy on this site should you want to get a look at him.

During my several visits with Bundy, I found him in his “killer mode” only one time.  Practically all of the time he was the most polite, well spoken and the most academically inclined individual that I have ever interviewed.  I always told my classes that he would be the only person I would trust to drive my daughter, if I had one, home should there be a serial killer on the loose.  He was the kind of young man a father would want his daughter to date. Everything about  him was near perfect 99% of the time.  It was that 1% percent that made him what we remember.

My last scheduled visit with Ted was the day before his execution.  I already had hotel reservations, had been cleared by the prison and was packed and ready to head for Starke and Florida State Prison.  At the last minute my father had a severe heart attack and I had to cancel my visit.  I did, however, talk to Ted on the phone only hours before his execution.  He was up-beat, satisfied, and ready to “take the trip.”  I talked to the Prison Chaplain shortly after Ted’s execution and was told that “everything went without problem.”  Bundy was tired of being “Bundy,” and realized that he could never change.  He was aware that, while each murder would be his last, there would be others.  The ability to control his actions was beyond his capability.  This is typical of an individual suffering from Anti-Social Personality Disorder.  APD is not a defense as the individual knows what he or she is doing is wrong…they just cannot control their actions.  These killers must be apprehended so that society can be safer, but I, to some extent, feel sorry for each of them.  Bundy was not a serial killer because he wanted to be.  He was a serial killer because he had no choice.  Many of you will disagree with me on this point and, if you do, I understand.  It took me many years, and much intensive research, to come to an understanding.   Now, however, I understand and accept the APD diagnosis.  It is real, not pretty and not acceptable, but it exists and must be dealt with.  There is no argument that APD exists and must be dealt with, the differences of opinion are in how it must be approached.  I will be happy to attempt to explain it to you should you have a desire to understand the realities of this personality disorder.

Off all the serial killers I have interviewed, Bundy was the most educated.  He held a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and knew the subject well.  He described himself as, “someone society needs to be protected from.”  He said that, “I am cosmic and you, Professor Blackwelder, would be better off if you were, too.”  Till this day, I don’t know what he meant by this.

Bundy was executed by electrocution, cremated, and his ashes scattered over the area where he had dumped some of his victims.  Cremation is the generally accepted standard as the public offers money to “buy” a serial killers remains. 

His mother would talk about Ted, her son, but always spoke in the present tense.  I have not heard from her in several years but will make an effort to call her soon.

At the moment, I am preparing to travel to Sparta, Georgia, to interview Wayne Williams.  This visit will last for approximately two days, followed by a “media consultation” with CNN.  A two hour documentary is scheduled for the latter part of this year and will, no doubt, prove to be an event that you must watch.  The CNN producer in charge is well known and wrote/produced the Jim Jones documentary as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination documentary that aired only a few months ago.

I know that you are probably interested in Wayne William’s personality.  Wayne, I have known him since 1982, is very polite, loves to talk, goes out of his way to accommodate my wife and me, and continues to maintain his innocence.  He calls me “collect” two or three times a week.

During his 1982 criminal trial, I got to know his parents, Homer and Faye, very well.  In fact, I ate many a meal at the William’s home and always enjoyed “Miss Faye’s” fried chicken, green peas and potatoes.  They were typical retired teachers and loved their son without reservation.

Miss Faye died several years ago after a long battle with cancer.  Homer only recently passed away.  My wife and I visited with Mr. Williams at his Columbus, Georgia, residence about four months before his death and tape recorded our three hour conversation.  It would absolutely amaze you as to what Mr. Williams had to say!  If the jury had only known some of what he said and if, of course, “politics” had not influenced the decision of the jury.  None of the evidence meant a lot to the jury, after all they had to live in the Atlanta area after the trial.  What person would want to have the distinction of being on a jury that found a serial killer innocent?  Let me make the point that Wayne Williams was determined to be “guilty” long before his arrest.  To a large extent Wayne was his own worst enemy.  He taunted the establishment and made law enforcement “want him” in the worst way.  Constitutional rights were non-existent, evidence meant little and convicting “someone” was a must!

But, the murders stopped after Williams was arrested.  WRONG!  The murders of young children continued long after Wayne was arrested, tried, found guilty and sent to prison.  On the surface it may appear that the murders stopped, however the fact is, the media stopped covering them.  “The List” was discontinued and every effort was made to satisfy the public.  It worked for a while in that the convention trade picked up and everything, pretty much, returned to normal.  Now, 2009, reality may be raising it’s head.  If so, and the attorney representing Wayne can fight the up-hill battle to control the politicians, you will be surprised at what comes out.

There have been many misconceptions created about Bundy and Williams over the years.  After all, the average citizen only hears what the media says and never takes the time to actually research the facts.  I came to the conclusion many years ago that the average man and woman on the street is satisfied when an arrested individual is found guilty.  After all, Mr. & Mrs. Average go on about their daily routine and completely forget about the case that they had heard about.  There is a mis-conception in America that law enforcement only arrests guilty people!  More on this later, but take my word for it, this is not true.

It is important to know that new evidence has surfaced that may cast a totally new light on Wayne’s case.  Even several high ranking law enforcement officials are now speaking out “for” Wayne. 

I will bring you up-to-date on Wayne’s current legal standing as soon as I return from my trip.  This trip will be an experience, visiting Wayne Williams always is!

While I am away, I ask you to consider the differences in sentences a defendant receives from one court to the next.  Same crime, different sentence!  Take time to think about this.  Why are there different sentences for the same crime?  Think “socioeconomic status,” “race”, ” community folkways and mores,” and “society attitudes.”  If you think that every citizen is treated the same you are wrong.  We are treated differently based on a number of factors.  Do you think that police have the same attitude toward a domestic call to the “upper-class” section of a community as they do to al call to the “lower-class” section of the same community?  Of course not!

It’s been in the media over the past few months about the unconscious man that was beat by police in the Birmingham area by officers that were determined to catch this so called “criminal.”  It was all videoed by a police camera!  But, to cover it up, this video was altered and was only discovered after the altered version did not operate adequately and a member of the District Attorney’s Office requested the original.  This original had not been edited, therefore the entire event was seen.  This one case is not an isolated one.  Police misconduct is not unusual, it happens regularly.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Lankford and Police Chief Roper have taken the correct action by firing the offending officers and suspending their supervisors.  It will be interesting to see how this situation “plays out.”  The attorney for the fired officers says that her clients were merely “going by the book, doing what they had been trained to do.”  I have never read this book for sure.  The ones I have read and taught from stressed the use of the “minimum amount of force” necessary to maintain control and affect an arrest.  Is beating a convicted felon that is not conscious “minimal?”  Go ahead, say this person was already a convicted felon if doing so will satisfy your need to make the police actions acceptable.

Am I anti-law enforcement?  I hope not.  I have defended many police officers over the years.  In fact, many of my former criminal justice students are now law enforcement officers.  I only hope that I instilled in them the difference between “right” and “wrong” along with the fact that the law allows only minimal force.  A police officer cannot beat someone just because they are a “cop.”  Let’s pray that this never becomes the norm.

To made my point, a couple of weeks ago I was with my friends at our early morning breakfast at a local restaurant.  Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, I must adhere to a rather stringent medication regiment.  I got sick during our gathering and decided to head home for my medications.  I was stopped by a Piedmont police officer and told that I has not driving properly.  This particular officer approached my vehicle very professionally, both psychologically and physically, realizing that the events to follow could be anything.  He saw that I was sick, that I was on medication and that I needed to be at home and not on the road.  This young officer could have carried me to jail because I was definitely not in total control of my vehicle to the extent that public safety demanded.  The officer followed me home and, I am sure, watched to make sure I did, in fact, go into my residence.  I had never seen the officer before, didn’t know his name and don’t know what training he has had in total.  I do know that he was professional in every aspect of his job performance and represented his department and the entire city well.  I wrote a letter of compliment to the Chief of Police stating what an outstanding job this young officer had done and ask that a copy of my letter be permanently placed in his personnel file.

When police officers “step over the line,” it is the responsibility of each of us to demand immediate action, up to and including suspension and termination.  On the other hand, if we are to condemn when an officer is wrong, we are obligated to commend when he or she performs professionally.

Finally, I leave you with one question.  What are the definition of ”legal” and “illegal?”  .  What is legal and acceptable in one geographic location is illegal and unacceptable in another.  Why is gambling legal in one location and illegal in another?  My friend, it has to do with Sociology and what the legislature says is legal and not legal.  Legal and illegal is whatever society says it is.  This, thank goodness, changes from time to time.

I remember when Governor George C. Wallace stood in the doorway of Foster Auditorium on the campus of The University of Alabama to block the admittance of Black students.  At the time “segregation” was in and “integration” was not.  Today, however, our universities are racially mixed and thriving.  There are criminological and sociological terms for this and I will go into each a bit later.

Criminology Research Project, Inc., is in it’s infancy.  The Project, for short, is not another blood and guts
 true crime site for the morbidly curious to key into.  It is a non-profit academic research effort dedicated to social science research from an unbiased position.  The Project does not and will not take a particular position.  Any conclusion drawn will be adequately cited and available for study and review by those within the academic and professional communities.  Our research does not come from the “true crime” section of Books-a-Million but from case documents obtained from the Courts, prosecutors and defense attorneys, victim interviews, defendant interviews as well as input from the families of both parties.  A “total” presentation is a goal of The Project. 

Finally, Susan Atkins, infamous member of the Charles Manson Family, is suffering from terminal brain cancer.  According to her husband, Jim Whitehouse, his wife is 80% paralyzed.  I do know that medical treatment and added hospital security is costing the State of California almost two million dollars per year at a time with the state is having to issue IOU’s rather than pay it’s debts.  Should Susan be given a pardon so that she can die at home with her husband?  I can see both sides therefore I would like your seriously throughout opinion.  When I return on Tuesday or Wednesday I will look forward to finding what you have said.

Criminology Research Project, Inc., has an outstanding Advisory Board.  My special thanks goes to Chris for her dedication to making this site what it is.  The Project could not survive without Chris.  Our webmaster, Carol, is dedicated as well and has the temperament necessary to tolerate professors like me that don’t know a lot about what is going on technology wise.  My thanks to Chris and Carol!