Second Degree: From Med School to Murder, The Story Behind the Shocking Will Sandeson Trials

by Hounsell Kayla

In 2017, a jury found Will Sandeson guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Taylor Samson. A "good kid" from a good family, Sandeson was about to start classes at Dalhousie University's medical school when Samson disappeared. The trial exposed a dangerous world of drugs, greed, and misplaced loyalties—including a private investigator accused of switching sides. Sandeson was ultimately sentenced to life in prison.

He immediately appealed; in 2020, Sandeson's conviction was overturned and a new trial ordered. In a shocking twist, Sandeson finally took the stand, detailing in four days of explosive testimony how and why he killed Samson, and for the first time offering an explanation of what he'd done with Samson's body.

An updated and expanded follow-up to award-winning journalist Kayla Hounsell's First From Med School to Murder, Second Degree features all-new chapters and never-before-published material. Accented with 19 colour photos, this riveting work tells the powerful story of a drug deal gone terribly wrong and examines the crime, the courts, and the killer's crusade for freedom.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[Ashley Dalley-Follett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Kayla did a phenomenal job detailing every aspect of the case and kept your interest the entire way through. My heart breaks for Linda who had to go through so much hardship losing her son. 💔

[Renée Archibald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half the book was the first book, which I read last week. Updated story starts 200 pages in. Felt more rushed and less thorough than the first. Lack of remorse and constant appeals by Sandeson is appalling- hes not interested in contributing to a better world just seeing how the world can and should provide for his own interests.

[Derrick Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this as much as a First Degree. Brings more out and digs a little deeper. The sad part is there doesn’t to seem to be any remorse conveyed for the killing. Without that I am unsure how parole should happen early??

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling true crime look into the unsettling murder of Taylor Samson. This is the second book which does a deep disturbing dive into the events surrounded the crime , the investigation, trial and punishment. It tried very hard to show the various sides of the victim and other players in this story. It could have been a film and it had me screaming why would they believe that. I found it disturbing in places and my heart went out to the family of the deceased as they never got their final goodbye and justice didn't seem to have been done. it was true life it could have look at the victim a little more rather than concentrating on the crime and his family. It was thought proving and an enjoyabke reader. Perfect for all true crime readers. Thank you netgallery, publisher and author.