Wicked Takes the Witness Stand: A Tale of Murder and Twisted Deceit in Northern Michigan

by Mardi Jo Link

On a bitterly cold afternoon in December 1986, a Michigan State trooper found the frozen body of Jerry Tobias in the bed of his pickup truck. The 31-year-old oil field worker and small-time drug dealer was curled up on his side on the truck’s bare metal, pressed against the tailgate, clad only in jeans, a checkered shirt, and cowboy boots. Inside the cab of the truck was a fresh package of expensive steaks from a local butcher shop—the first lead in a case that would be quickly lost in a thicket of bungled forensics, shady prosecution, and a psychopathic star witness out for revenge.
Award-winning author Mardi Link’s third book of Michigan true crime, Wicked Takes the Witness Stand , unravels this mysterious and still unsolved case that sucked state police and local officials into a morass of perjury and cover-up and ultimately led to the separate conviction and imprisonment of five innocent men. This unbelievable story will leave the reader shocked and aching for justice.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Book Club

448 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2013

About the author

Mardi Link is the author of the memoirs The Drummond Girls: A Story of Fierce Friendship Beyond Time and Chance and Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass On a Northern Michigan Farm . She studied agriculture and journalism at Michigan State University and creative writing at Queens University of Charlotte. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, a street tree planter, a seamstress, and a tournament pool player. Her books about Michigan murders, When Evil Came to Good Hart, Isadore’s Secret and Wicked Takes the Witness Stand spent several weeks on the Heartland Bestseller List and won awards. Mardi's essays have been published in Creative Nonfiction, Bellingham Review, Bear River Review, Publishers Weekly, Traverse Magazine, and the Detroit Free Press . She lives in Traverse City, Michigan, on The Big Valley.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so disturbing that I had to occasionally put it down and find something else to think about! It is the true story of justice run amok in a small town in northern Michigan. When Jerry Tobias is found beaten and frozen in the bed of his pickup truck, there are no clues as to his assailant - actually it is not certain if he was murdered or froze to death! But did this stop a vindictive Prosecutor, Gaylord police, State Police, etc. from conducting an unfair and biased investigation? No way! Anchoring is a term used when the investigators decide who should be found guilty of a crime and make sure the evidence supports their charge. Prosecutor Norm Hayes, because of a personal grudge, decided that Laurie Moore should be held accountable, so he and his merry posse of incompetent detectives, police officers, assistant prosecutor, medical examiner, etc. made sure that Moore went to jail along with four other men who had no knowledge of the death and some did not even know Tobias or each other! How did these men end up in jail?

One woman - a known drug user, sociopath, habitual liar, cheater - told the police what they wanted to hear. She was the sole witness! Time after time, several judges and subsequent prosecutors could have stopped the trials, but refused to. Enter 3 dedicated attorneys, who would not let these men spend their lives in prison for a crime (if it was a crime) they did not commit. (Cue Chariots of Fire, the theme from Rocky, and the Hallelujah Chorus) At a dire cost to their health and financial resources, they would not give up until justice was truly served. This is a fascinating, horrific, unbelievable story!

On a personal note: I own a vacation home in Otsego County, Mi. By the end of this saga which spanned over 8 years, it had paid out over $6,000,000 for the trials and civil suit settlements. My tax dollars at work!!!!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes truth is stranger and more wicked than fiction.

Wicked Takes the Witness Stand tells the tale of a mysterious death in a small Michigan town in the mid 80s. The death is never really solved despite the murder prosecutions of 5 men.

What we learn is about power and its abuse, about truth and its manipulation, about citizens who should be more critical of officials and about the heroic acts possible when a small group of lawyers dedicate themselves to pursuing truth at great personal and economic sacrifice.

I picked up the book with low expectations and ended up with a 3 day reading obsession. Wicked Takes the Witness Stand is highly recommended to readers who enjoy courtroom drama and the pursuit of justice.

It is a cautionary tale that reminds us that even dedicated public servants can make mistakes, that group-think is a significant enemy of justice and that we all have an interest in ensuring that law enforcement and the courts seek truth even when that means we won't have answers.

Mardi Link's non-fiction account of justice in Northern Michigan is every bit as compelling as Anatomy of a Murder written more than a half century before.

[Shelli France · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who grew up in Northern Michigan, this story is especially interesting when you know some of the names personally. I had just graduated from H.S the year the crime was committed but for years the trials were in the news or on the radio. Because they tried one of the defendants in my hometown, judge, jurors, a defense attorney are all names I knew. It’s a very frustrating story - and shows just how crooked some people can be- and how innocent people can be wrongfully convicted.

Many on the side of the law should have been prosecuted when it was said and done.

Overall very interesting and recommend read.

[Amy Smith - Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering this murder and series of convictions happened in the town where I grew up and occurred when I was in high school, I found it intriguing to read. I knew a lot of the people or were friends with their kids. I never realized the depth of the lies and conspiracies and wrong-doings that occurred in my little town. It's really like a story that keeps you frustrated and wonder how all these small town people could let something so wrong happen and then just look the other way. I wouldn't be surprised if this ended up as a movie at some point. The book is primarily factual with a hint of subjectiveness from the writer, although I'd have to agree with her opinion. That woman (the key witness) was a total nut bag!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

True crime isn't my usual genera but was advised to read this book by a friend. This book was filled with twists and turns, about halfway through I didn't want to put the book down. Keeping in mind that this wasn't a work of fiction made the tale a jaw dropper. I'll leave it at that.

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To all true crime lovers: this one is really something!There were so many angles to this complex case that were so frustrating yet so interesting at the same time! What’s even more interesting is that this took place in the county that I live and work in!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true story is fascinating! Highly recommend!

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I was expecting more because to some extent it is a 'true' story. It is difficult to give all my thoughts without using 'spoilers'.

A man is found dead in the bed of his pickup truck in December in northern Michigan. Five people are ultimately accused of taking part in his death (three are convicted by separate jury trials and two pled guilty of lesser charges). As the book unfolds, it is apparent that the prosecution had a poor case against the five. One big piece of evidence, perhaps the biggest, came from a nutty/crazy witness who seemed to makeup things as she needed or was told.

Then at some point in my reading it struck me that the book was very biased for the defense (v-e-r-y). As I read through to the end, it was difficult not to notice the continuing bias of the author. Although there were over 200 pieces of evidence entered into the record against the defendants, hardly any of that evidence is discussed to any real degree in the book. Why did three juries find them guilty? Why did a judge (pg 395), after all the appeals, etc., continue to feel the defendants were guilty? Why did the various prosecutors (e.g., pg 403) involved in the case continue to feel they were guilty until the very end?

I would like to think the author got it right and justice was finally served for the defendants. That is what I thought the book was going to be about . . . but I had a nagging feeling by the end that I had only heard one side to the story . . . i.e., the side that benefited the defense.

Hope justice was served. If nothing else, this is an easy, interesting read about my neighborhood.

[Anne S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I saw Ms. Link when she was sharing her new book and thought that I would check it out. The book keeps you interested as it tells the story of a man who was found dead in his pickup truck in the middle of winter in Northern Michigan. What happens next is a travesty of justice when one person is convicted and then another four people are convicted of murder based on the sole testimony of a sick, vengeful woman! As I read, I got mad at the criminal justice system, the DA and state policemen who kept information from the defense and for those who knew that the witness was lying but wanted to see someone pay for the death of this man so they continued with the case.

For anyone who likes reading true crime stories, this is one that I would heartily recommend.

[Dominique King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Mardi Link's true-crime books about Northern Michigan cases, and this one was fine...kept me interested through all of the twists and turns of this late 80s/early 90s case...even as many of the main characters in the case were not particularly likeable.
This was a detailed telling of a case full of miscarriages of justice, and governmental and judicial misconduct, and ended with several eventual heroes who prevailed...even as there were also plenty of folks involved who did not fare so well.
Not a quick read, but an engrossing one.

[Emily Wilmot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful that I was young enough to be protected from reading about the horrific events of this case while living in the city in which it happened. Rather, I've spent the last week reading this incredible story in shock, awe, and sheer disgust for the way this case was handled. Every citizen should read this book, especially those who have voted for some of the elected officials who played significant roles in it.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love Love. I enjoy reading true crime books. Being from Michigan I was excited to read this one. I've been to Gaylord several times, but, had no idea of this outlandish misjustice that happened there. These poor men. Life was forever changed for them by the lies told by a psychopath and so many people in the justice field. The people we are suppose to trust. Thankfully they found the lawyers who didn't give up on them.

[Datakat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lived in Gaylord during this time. Jerry Tobias was a neighbor. I remember a lot of this, but this book was way more in depth than anything I had learned at the time. This is a gripping story, and a close look at potential corruption by those with a little power. It’s quite a disturbing read, but worthwhile.

[Jan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

unbelievable

This true story left me speechless. If everyone just researched the facts and continued to believe “ you are innocent until proven guilty” this might not have happened.

[dianelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fabrication of information is ridiculous! More importantly, the outlandish lies that affected many lives. This past week I drove by the place it supposedly took place. The butcher store is now a vacant lot. I am in awe on the cost to the taxpayer as well.

Enjoyed the read...

[Lauren Van Hulle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many details. Hard to pick up

[Scott Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best true crime book I have ever read. Well written and unbelievably entertaining. If you grew up in Michigan, this is a must read

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG it's stunning that this really happens!

This is a true story. An innocent man sent to prison with literally no evidence against him for murder.

A small town, a dead man under odd circumstances, a vindictive, seemingly vengence driven prosecutor, an utterly incompetent medical examiner, an absolute nut case as an witness... all combined put an innocent man in jail. Then 4 more men were arrested and tried for the same alleged murder. What craziness can happen to innocent people in a small town with idiots at the helm? This book highlights one case.

It is well written in an easy to follow narrative which includes snippets of actual court transcripts. Along with a few actual photographs of the main "characters".

While reading this book I was constantly astounded. I had to keep checking.. Yes this is non-fiction..supposed to be based on fact. But... While it read like a novel it was hugely disturbing that this FICTION was actually fact.

I'd like to attribute the utter incompetent DA, police, medical examiner in this case to utter Fiction but I can't as this is a true account of the ALLEGED murder of Jerry Tobias.

This is worth a read if you want a glimpse into small town corruption, incompetence, preconceived guilt of an innocent man and his known associates to also be indicted 16 months later for a murder that may in fact not be a murder.

All I keep thinking while reading is... Wow! Really? Wow!

[Jessyca Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is effing insane. A man is found dead in the back of his truck on a cold December morning. There are footprints leading away from his truck, there is expensive meat from the local butcher store behind the seat of his truck and there are 8 needle marks on his arm. Did he overdose? Was it a drug deal gone wrong? With an incompetent medical examiner, these questions are never answered.

Let me start by saying that this Prosecutor became a judge after spending millions(!!) of dollars in trying these cases. The story is engaging from the start, and it leads you to question who the real suspects are. 5 men were tried with this crime all because of the word of a crazy lady, a woman that none of the men had ever met. 5 men had their lives ruined for years because of a Prosecutor with an ax to grind, his need to charge someone with this death even if there wasn't a single piece of evidence linking them to the crime.

There are death threats, drive-by shootings, stories of drug running, and blown up islands. If nothing else keeps you engaged, it will be the drama surrounding Debbie that keeps you turning the pages of this book. This story happened 30 years ago now, all the key players are now in their 60's and 70's. I was young when this happened but an adult when it was finally all over. I hope these 5 men were able to start over with their lives and move away from this case.

[Cindy Koch-Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this had been fiction, I would have thrown it down as being implausible. But it's true. I moved to Traverse City about the time that this was happening and remember hearing about it on the news. But I didn't know even half of the story! It's incredible that a woman like Debbie Parmentier could even exist. But given her history and if even half what she said about herself is true then she was seriously disturbed. But then she became the vehicle for the police and prosecutor to use to convict four men of the same crime. Even the jury members in the third case asked why she wasn't being arrested for perjury. Nope, you just have to read it. I can't explain how whole groups of men were taken in by this woman, led around by their . . . noses, and manipulated into doing things and accepting things that they wouldn't have thought to do before they met her.

It's just incredible, that's the only word for it. Mardi Link in her astute way points the finger at police, prosecuting attorneys and judges who, once they have found out their own mistakes, try to cover up and hold the line instead of coming out and admitting, "yep, we screwed up! Let's get those innocent men out of jail now shall we?"

Way to go Mardi! Loved this book!

[Lynn Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please Say It Isn't So

The shocking tale of justice gone so very wrong that is this book is both fascinating and horrifying simultaneously. I know I'm being naive when I think this can't be possible in 21st century America. Yet here is a story where everything that could go wrong in a courtroom did go wrong and five innocent men ended up in prison for a crime they didn't commit. This story was like a ten car pile-up on the interstate. You fight between wanting to stare at it and covering your eyes to avoid seeing the gore. It's shocking and hideous and a cautionary tale. If you don't pay attention to what it can teach you about the evil in people, it can bite you. It shows how power corrupts, and how easy it is for some people to casually hurt others, especially if good people aren't paying attention. I'm glad I read it even though it made me more paranoid about tangling with our legal system.

[Joan Funk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally picked up this book because it takes place in some of the towns I travel through on my way to my vacation place in Northern Michigan. I alternated between disbelief that something like this could happen and an anger at the destruction brought on by the prosecution and police behavior in this case. The power of one woman who was believable but lied just about everything was amazing.
However to quote the author " The one small bit of redemption in this tragedy is that none were a match for three stubborn lawyers who knew a wrong when they saw one. With all its failings, that's what makes our justice system great. That three smart, hardworking men with right on their side can still trump manipulation, ego, and power. May it always be so."

[Sandra Laymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political injustice

This was a really good book but at times, when all the injustices came to light or were pointed out it was hard to read. Five innocent men sent to prison on lies and the flimsiest "evidence" possible. I hate to believe that things like this really do happen but this book shows that it DOES happen and how.
This was a great book, sometimes a little complicated so you need to pay attention to what is being said! There are a LOT of parts and people so again, you need to perk up and pay attention to whose who as you read it! At times it is a page turner while other times is drags a little but it is well worth it all when it finally all comes together. I'd recommend it to any serious true crime buff! Great job telling a difficult story!

[Thilardiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book detailing a miscarriage of justice in Gaylord, Michigan. Somehow, five innocent men go to prison for a murder that probably never happened despite zero physical evidence tying them to the death. How can that happen? Combine prejudice and assumptions against certain people in a small town, the inability to critically think about any evidence that comes contrary to confirmation bias, and a psychopathic "witness" willing to say or do anything for attention (and to remain on the payroll). This is not fine literature but it's very entertaining because this really happened and it was really awful. Also, the defense team are heroes, so there's that.

[Bonie J. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Amazing story about a true legal tradgedy. As a former journalist and now retired lawyer living within 30 miles of the site of this story, I appreciate the hard work and research that went into writing this saga of injustice and I am appalled at the conduct of the prosecutors, cops and judges who perpetrated this sham. And I am so proud of the three attorneys who never gave up.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself in a quandary of whether I was rating the book or our judicial system... I thoroughly enjoyed the book but had to keep reminding myself it was a true story. I am still grappling with the fact that someone like Hayes could: 1- be a prosecutor- 2- be elected as judge and 3- not be in jail. I think my blood pressure still goes up just thinking about him. Great job Mardi Link!

[Jmstoliker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book and wish I would have had the written version because there were many times I wanted to go back and reference something earlier in the book. For me, rewinding to find where that was in the audio version was just too much.

It's a detailed account of the events of this case and quite incredulous!

[Linda McCardel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best nonfiction books I've ever read. Reads like a fictional murder mystery but it's all true. I'm from Michigan and related to all the places - cities, hospital labs, state officials etc. Is is hard to believe that the events that occurred were really true - fascinating and horrifying at the same time.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the scenes story of the investigation of a death of Northern Michigan. The accounts of an eye-witness, along with the trials of those implicated due to the reports, should shock your sensibility to justice. COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!

[Greg Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant work. A fine crafted and important story, made all the more amazing by Ms. Link's brave choice to take on a tale that doesn't have a clear solution (as if often found in the genre). Her voice and pacing are excellent.