Freed to Kill: The True Story of Serial Murderer Larry Eyler

by Gera-Lind Kolarik, Wayne Klatt

An account of the murdering spree of Larry Eyler, who kidnapped, tortured, and killed at least twenty-three young men, describes how Eyler managed to evade capture for three years, his apprehension, and his release on a technicality. Reprint.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Serial Killer

423 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read her first book on Larry when it was published almost 25 years ago. These books are very personal to me. I went all through grade school with Larry. Mabel who shares her memories of Larry and St. Joe was my dearest friend. When I read it the first time I skimmed over the heinous details. lt was too unbearable. the Larry I knew was the class clown. He hid playing cards in sister's books for example.
The new book has fewer details of our childhood and those named from our class including Mabel are now deceased...sad. Now I am the only person who has those shared memories. Yet I believe the new version serves it's purpose in the true crime genre much better.
I now work as a transcriptions for Indy police and I type horror and evil daily. I needed to know what he did and I was better able to distance myself and read it all. I am glad I read all of it. So horrid, evil and so sad. Our class was small maybe 10 of us including Larry went all thru 8 years together.
for me Larry was part of a magical time yet something so went so wrong. This will haunt me all of my life.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written but the story did make me angry. Had to keep on reading though and glad I did. So sad that this could happen..

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really gripping read!

This is the best source out there if you are interested in the possible crimes of Larry Eyler, and well worth your time if you have any interest in police bungling, the way our most prized constitutional rights can backfire on the innocent, or if you have any interest in the tragic lives and deaths of the most vulnerable members of our society. Where are you now, Cowboy?

[Rosemary Krystofolski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Book about Serial Killer Larry Eyler

This is one of the best true crime books that I have ever read in my 27 years of reading true crime books. Right up there with Ann Rule, Jack Olsen and the other great true crime authors. Ms. Kolarik has written a spectacular book about Serial Killer Larry Eyler, also known as The Freeway Killer, who was responsible for the vicious stabbing deaths of at least 23 young men between the ages of 14 and 27. Super was convicted of the murder and dismemberment of his twenty third known victim, 15 year old Danny Bridges and sentenced to death. He died while waiting to be executed from AIDS

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

True crime

Got I interested in this story after a piece on a local channel newscast out of Terre Haute, IN about two unidentified victims attributed to Eyler. Always interesting to read about local events.
Decent enough account of the crimes, arrests and legal proceedings of this awful serial killer.

Knocked off a star due to run_on style of writing. I expected better from a professional journalist. Just that the chapters could've used a little division when there's a new thought, change of scenery or jump in time.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be quite interesting. I knew who Larry Eyler was before, but this book really gave the story that is just not as well known. The author did great research! The details really made it tell the entire story. Eyler was far worse than I had imagined. I enjoyed the book, getting frustrated at the mistakes that were made in charging and convicted Eyler. I recommend this book for those who are interested in serial killers and/or murders in Indiana and Illinois.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Creepy fact: the last murder took place just down the block from me.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, but the whole case could’ve been summed up minus two hundred excess pages.

[Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

For all the murders that have taken place in this book, there is not a lot of detail or captivating storytelling to make me wanna continue any further.

[Angela Jorden · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is atrocious, but not cumbersome. The content is fascinating and it's unreal that it all happened in Indiana less than 30 years ago. Gruesome in parts, as to be expected, but does a good job of revealing the pathology of sociopaths. Not a good read if you want to sleep with the lights off.

[Ernie Hungerford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freed to Kill is a detailed, thrilling investigation into the justice system. This is the story of serial killer Larry W. Eyler and the system that let him go in the face of overwhelming evidence...Freed to Kill shows the limitations of a justice system that, for better or worse, places procedure over pragmatism...highly recommended.

[Troy Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really captivating read.Without giving spoilers this is a very hard book to review.The mans luck in evading police is almost unbelievable. A worthwhile a read for the true crime aficionado.

[Keith Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing true story. Horrifying it happened in my stomping grounds.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

not very well written. I was mostly interested because of the Chicago and Rogers Park connections. Interesting to compare the attitudes about the gay community in the 1980's with those of today.