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Deadly Innocence?
Beginning with the story of Joe Arridy, certified as a "feeble-minded imbecile" who was executed in Colorado in 1939, Deadly Innocence? traces political and judicial handling of incidents involving persons with retardation; describes similar current cases; and offers suggestions for action on the part of the police, the courts, professionals who work in the field of developmental disabilities, and concerned citizens.
143 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1995
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December 29, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing while also being the most heartbreaking and gut-wrenching story.
I loved so many elements of it.
I enjoy true crime and I remembered the case of Joe Arridy and how much his story stayed with me. I wanted to learn more about him, so I started looking into books about his story and was shocked to find that there was only one: Deadly Innocence by Robert Perske. I was surprised because I truly thought his story was so important that there would be dozens of books about him. I ordered the book and I couldn’t be happier I did.
Not only does the author tell Joe’s story, but he also explores in detail his early childhood, his parents and their history, how they came to America, where the family lived, how the neighborhood viewed the family and treated Joe, how Joe came to be in a facility for the mentally disabled, the people who took care of him in those facilities, letters and exchanges between different authority figures pertaining to Joe’s situation and behaviors, court documents… I am really impressed with all the information in this book, and I can tell the author spent a great deal of time researching. I want to thank him for this, because Joe Arridy’s story is so important, and learning about his life in detail like this made me feel like I was learning about Joe as a human being and not just the tragedy of his death. That felt very respectful to me.
The author does an incredible job presenting all the necessary information in an objective, non-biased manner, while also making readers aware of his thoughts on certain aspects through witty comments or by pointing out the absurdity and incoherence of nonsensical arguments made by police officers, lawyers, authority figures in the facilities, and the illogical and callous social theories of the time such as eugenics.
A more specific aspect I enjoyed was the explanation of the link between Joe’s story, eugenics, and the Second World War. It was fascinating to see where words like imbecile stem from. The book not only told Joe’s story but also went in depth into the social, political, and economic environment in which he lived. The author does an amazing job explaining the collective mindset and societal attitudes concerning the mentally disabled at the time.
It was so interesting to read about the scientists and the studies done on vulnerable people. And it’s shocking to see that even though many of those scientists, their results, and their methods have been debunked and proven faulty, their work is still deeply ingrained in our society today. Not just with the words (for example imbecile, moron, and idiot) but also with the stereotypes and prejudices against anyone not considered of “Nordic descent.”
I also liked that the author didn’t only focus on discrimination and cruelty against vulnerable people with disabilities but also on racism, sexism, and other forms of bigotry. I think this really had its place in the book since it’s so clearly related. I loved the intersectional approach to discrimination in the early 1900s, more specifically in the USA. It helps paint a fuller picture of the world Joe Arridy lived in.
The author also goes in depth about the trial and the last few days of Joe’s life. I have never read a more detailed description of them. There are even direct quotes from the people who were present and detailed descriptions of their emotions and behaviors.
By the end of this book, I was in tears.
I usually bring up negative points about the books I read in my reviews, but this is truly the first time I can say I don’t have any criticisms. Everything about this book was perfect in my opinion.
I know I’ve talked about many things I loved, but the thing I appreciated above all was the respect I felt throughout the book. It didn’t feel like he was interested in telling Joe’s story just to entertain. It also didn’t feel like morbid curiosity. To me, the author tried to tell Joe’s story in an educational manner and to keep his memory alive. I can’t know the author’s intent, but from what I read, at least part of it seemed to be making sure nothing like this ever happens again.
Thank you, Robert Perske, for this incredible book and for sharing with the world the story of Joe Arridy.
Rest in peace, Joe Arridy.
Charlotte Hernando
I loved so many elements of it.
I enjoy true crime and I remembered the case of Joe Arridy and how much his story stayed with me. I wanted to learn more about him, so I started looking into books about his story and was shocked to find that there was only one: Deadly Innocence by Robert Perske. I was surprised because I truly thought his story was so important that there would be dozens of books about him. I ordered the book and I couldn’t be happier I did.
Not only does the author tell Joe’s story, but he also explores in detail his early childhood, his parents and their history, how they came to America, where the family lived, how the neighborhood viewed the family and treated Joe, how Joe came to be in a facility for the mentally disabled, the people who took care of him in those facilities, letters and exchanges between different authority figures pertaining to Joe’s situation and behaviors, court documents… I am really impressed with all the information in this book, and I can tell the author spent a great deal of time researching. I want to thank him for this, because Joe Arridy’s story is so important, and learning about his life in detail like this made me feel like I was learning about Joe as a human being and not just the tragedy of his death. That felt very respectful to me.
The author does an incredible job presenting all the necessary information in an objective, non-biased manner, while also making readers aware of his thoughts on certain aspects through witty comments or by pointing out the absurdity and incoherence of nonsensical arguments made by police officers, lawyers, authority figures in the facilities, and the illogical and callous social theories of the time such as eugenics.
A more specific aspect I enjoyed was the explanation of the link between Joe’s story, eugenics, and the Second World War. It was fascinating to see where words like imbecile stem from. The book not only told Joe’s story but also went in depth into the social, political, and economic environment in which he lived. The author does an amazing job explaining the collective mindset and societal attitudes concerning the mentally disabled at the time.
It was so interesting to read about the scientists and the studies done on vulnerable people. And it’s shocking to see that even though many of those scientists, their results, and their methods have been debunked and proven faulty, their work is still deeply ingrained in our society today. Not just with the words (for example imbecile, moron, and idiot) but also with the stereotypes and prejudices against anyone not considered of “Nordic descent.”
I also liked that the author didn’t only focus on discrimination and cruelty against vulnerable people with disabilities but also on racism, sexism, and other forms of bigotry. I think this really had its place in the book since it’s so clearly related. I loved the intersectional approach to discrimination in the early 1900s, more specifically in the USA. It helps paint a fuller picture of the world Joe Arridy lived in.
The author also goes in depth about the trial and the last few days of Joe’s life. I have never read a more detailed description of them. There are even direct quotes from the people who were present and detailed descriptions of their emotions and behaviors.
By the end of this book, I was in tears.
I usually bring up negative points about the books I read in my reviews, but this is truly the first time I can say I don’t have any criticisms. Everything about this book was perfect in my opinion.
I know I’ve talked about many things I loved, but the thing I appreciated above all was the respect I felt throughout the book. It didn’t feel like he was interested in telling Joe’s story just to entertain. It also didn’t feel like morbid curiosity. To me, the author tried to tell Joe’s story in an educational manner and to keep his memory alive. I can’t know the author’s intent, but from what I read, at least part of it seemed to be making sure nothing like this ever happens again.
Thank you, Robert Perske, for this incredible book and for sharing with the world the story of Joe Arridy.
Rest in peace, Joe Arridy.
Charlotte Hernando
Displaying 1 of 1 review