Depravity In The Darkness

by Todd R. Bromley

Depravity in the The true story of kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder.

Newspaper headlines referenced these shocking crimes as "The Most Memorable Night of Terror in Pennsylvania's History." The circumstances that caused eight people's lives to violently collide at this unfortunate intersection of life were influenced as much by wealth, class, and opportunity as degradation, depravity, and hopelessness.

After four local small-time criminals abduct four college coeds at gunpoint, events quickly spiral out of control. Fueled by drugs, alcohol, and the criminal's unfettered deviant desires, the coeds are forced to endure unimaginable horrors at the hands of their abductors. With the criminals on the run, one of the largest manhunts in state history is set in motion.

For the first time, a detailed account of these egregious crimes is accurately and tastefully depicted in this unbelievable true crime narrative.

Genres: Book Club, True Crime

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2023

About the author

Todd Bromley is an award-winning writer, author, and publisher from Pennsylvania. He has published over 200 national magazine articles and has appeared on TV, radio, and podcasts. "Dark Democracy" is his fourth book.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the summary I just knew this book was for me. I live less than 8 miles from where one of the victims lived and my sister-in-law grew up in the town where it all took place. When I asked her if she knew about the case she told me her dad testifed in the trial! The story is fascinating and unbelieveably sad. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt like the second half of the book when the police interviews are basically re-printed was unnecessary. Instead the author could have woven the interviews into the well written story section. I would definitely recommend reading the book for anyone, but especially if you're from western PA.

[Meg Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Mercer borough native for almost 30 years, I was unaware of these cruel and merciless crimes that took place practically in my childhood backyard. This was an eye opening read!

[Dallas Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We are charged with a great responsibility to see that care and conscientiousness be afforded to those who live with the aftermath."

A short and insightful book about abject tragedy in my home county. Growing up just 15 (rural - so not far in the least) miles north of Jackson Center and spending a lot of time in the Jackson Center / Mercer / Slippery Rock areas, this was a wild ride from start to finish for me. I was familiar with the murder of Butch Pratt in '88 as well as that of Dr. Moonda in '05, but before this book I'm shocked I hadn't heard of this particular crime - mainly because they are so few and far between in our sleepy little corner of the universe.

I also read a few articles about Bromley (and the SRU team working on the podcast/documentary) before reading, and I was so glad to see that the victims and their families, as well as the responding PSP, were involved in the preparation of this book. True crime is all the rage over the last few years, but as the line I pulled from the epilogue above reiterates, we are responsible for consuming these stories ethically. Bravo to Bromley for seeing that responsibility through.

[Sandi Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pennsylvania true crime

The crime happens in Jackson Center on March 28, 1968, Mercer County. It was termed, "The Most Memorable Night of Terror in Pennsylvania 's History" by the Sharon Herald. The author states. " the worst that society had to offer forever impacted the best that society had to offer".

Four local small-time criminals abduct four college coeds. This is a true story of kidnapping, rape and murder which led to one of the largest manhunt in state history. Alcohol and drugs not a good mix with personality traits of low intelligence and psychopathic sociopathic characteristics. It's unbelievable how four men could be this depraved all at the same time.

I think the author did a great job portraying the facts. Hopefully this puts to bed the many rumors locally surrounding this terrible event.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a college friend who grew up in Ford City and went to college with me and our close friend Cheryl who also was from Ford City. Cheryl was in a serious relationship with Mike Frick at the time of his murder. The surprising thing was the version of events that I heard at the time were very inaccurate, so I was glad to read the real story. Todd Bromley's narrative was well researched and well written. Mike was a big guy and his murderers thought he was a threat so they got rid of him.The two girls that were kidnapped that night withstood being raped multiple times by all four of their captors, but they were extremely brave and escaped with the help of the other male who was kidnapped. And their recollection of details about the cars they were transported in, the places they were held,and the names of their kidnappers led to their quick capture.

[Beverly Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering this story.

I have lived in Mercer County all my life and I'm now 70 yrs.old.I remember when this happened .I did not know any of the people involved in this nightmare,but I do know the places where these events took place -- esp.in Jackson Center.
I was.very young at the time,but I do remember how terrified I was when I heard what was going on and how it effected our community.
I do believe the author did a great job writing about these gruelsomeb

[Susan Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent retelling of actual event in Jackson Center, PA

This was a chilling tale of brutality that occurred in Jackson Center, PA and surrounding areas. Having family who originated there, and having lived there over 30 years, I could visualize every location. Todd Bromley did an excellent job, weaving the truth to create the retelling of this depravity.

[Diane Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a must read for me since it happened to locals and was a crime I hadn't heard about. This is a very descriptive short read of henious acts that happened to 4 young adults. If you are local to Western Pennsylvania or reside in Ford City you may want to read this one.

[Donald Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Tragic story that is told with dignity and compassion for the victims, and well researched facts. Recommended read for anyone; especially readers from the Western Pennsylvania area.

[Mary Gander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched local happening.

The book was very informative of a horrific event . It is well written. The event is truly one that will always be an unfortunate part of the community and many famlies.

[Ashley Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lived and currently live in mercer county my entire life and never knew about this. I loved the writing style and was intrigued to read about the areas I know. while it is a sad occurrence, I am grateful someone wrote about it.

[Court · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, very respectful and thoughtful. Crazy to know I have driven past most of the places mentioned in the book, such a horrible and senseless crime.

[Joyce Stalker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Storyline was interesting. I knew a relative of one of the killers so made it more interesting to me. However was not impressed with writers style. He made a book out of reports and public records