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Innocent Victims: The True Story of the Eastburn Family Murders
The riveting true account of a grisly crime and the unprecedented three murder trials faced by Fort Bragg soldier Tim Hennis.
On Mother’s Day, 1985, the bodies of Kathryn Eastburn and her two young daughters were found in their Fayetteville, North Carolina, home. Katie, an air force captain’s wife, had been raped and stabbed to death. Kara and Erin’s throats had been slit. Their toddler sister, Jana, was the only survivor of a bloody killing spree that terrified a community still reeling from the conviction, six years prior, of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald for the savage slayings of his pregnant wife and two daughters.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department soon focused its investigation on US Army soldier Tim Hennis. Detectives and local prosecutors built their case on circumstantial evidence and a jury convicted Hennis and sentenced him to death. But his defense team refused to give up. Piece by piece, they discredited the state’s case, exposing false testimony, concealed evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct. At a second trial, Hennis was found not guilty and released from death row.
But an even more stunning turn of events was yet to come. Twenty-five years after the murders, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation tested a crucial piece of DNA evidence from the crime scene. The shocking results led to an unprecedented third trial to determine Tim Hennis’s guilt or innocence.
From the initial discovery of the horrifying scene at 367 Summer Hill Road to the controversial change of jurisdiction that allowed Hennis to be prosecuted for an astonishing third time, author Scott Whisnant chronicles every development in this intricate, disturbing, and still-evolving case. Has the mystery of who killed Katie, Kara, and Erin Eastburn been solved beyond a reasonable doubt? Read Innocent Victims and decide for yourself.
On Mother’s Day, 1985, the bodies of Kathryn Eastburn and her two young daughters were found in their Fayetteville, North Carolina, home. Katie, an air force captain’s wife, had been raped and stabbed to death. Kara and Erin’s throats had been slit. Their toddler sister, Jana, was the only survivor of a bloody killing spree that terrified a community still reeling from the conviction, six years prior, of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald for the savage slayings of his pregnant wife and two daughters.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department soon focused its investigation on US Army soldier Tim Hennis. Detectives and local prosecutors built their case on circumstantial evidence and a jury convicted Hennis and sentenced him to death. But his defense team refused to give up. Piece by piece, they discredited the state’s case, exposing false testimony, concealed evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct. At a second trial, Hennis was found not guilty and released from death row.
But an even more stunning turn of events was yet to come. Twenty-five years after the murders, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation tested a crucial piece of DNA evidence from the crime scene. The shocking results led to an unprecedented third trial to determine Tim Hennis’s guilt or innocence.
From the initial discovery of the horrifying scene at 367 Summer Hill Road to the controversial change of jurisdiction that allowed Hennis to be prosecuted for an astonishing third time, author Scott Whisnant chronicles every development in this intricate, disturbing, and still-evolving case. Has the mystery of who killed Katie, Kara, and Erin Eastburn been solved beyond a reasonable doubt? Read Innocent Victims and decide for yourself.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 16, 2020
Usually when I read true crime I know the outcome of the cases before I even start the book...but this one 😱 this was twisty! If you read this I highly recommend NOT googling info before or during and just go in blind like I did.
March 2, 2017
I was provided with an ARC of this book from netgalley and Open Road Media.
I read the first version of this book when it came out 24 years ago, and remember the details about the ad for the dog and the Members Only jacket in the story. What a crazy story with so many reversals and strange characters popping up. It's the only case of a person being convicted and put on death row, overturned, retried, then acquitted and set free, then convicted again in a military court and put on death row again. Despite the author appearing to leave the door open for more DNA testing to somehow prove Hennis' innocence again eventually, I don't see that happening He seems to have been rooting for him all along. I still have the murders stuck in my head, how cold and gruesome they were and how brutally they were carried out. The decades of suffering by the loved ones left behind. The added pain of them being found on Mother's Day, 1985. A fascinating read that follows the many crooks and turns, highs and lows of this wild story about the murder of the Eastburn mother Kathryn (Katie) and her 2 young daughters Erin and Kara Leaving the youngest, Jana alive but dehydrated in her crib.
I read the first version of this book when it came out 24 years ago, and remember the details about the ad for the dog and the Members Only jacket in the story. What a crazy story with so many reversals and strange characters popping up. It's the only case of a person being convicted and put on death row, overturned, retried, then acquitted and set free, then convicted again in a military court and put on death row again. Despite the author appearing to leave the door open for more DNA testing to somehow prove Hennis' innocence again eventually, I don't see that happening He seems to have been rooting for him all along. I still have the murders stuck in my head, how cold and gruesome they were and how brutally they were carried out. The decades of suffering by the loved ones left behind. The added pain of them being found on Mother's Day, 1985. A fascinating read that follows the many crooks and turns, highs and lows of this wild story about the murder of the Eastburn mother Kathryn (Katie) and her 2 young daughters Erin and Kara Leaving the youngest, Jana alive but dehydrated in her crib.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2017
This is a hard one to rate. I almost gave up on it at the start (for various reasons), but decided to keep going. Having said that, I have to admit I was fascinated at one point, and at the end I was fairly impressed. Then came the epilogue which put the preceding pages in an entirely different light. Without giving too much away, I'll just say that the book was something of a roller coaster ride, but ultimately a negative experience for me.
August 29, 2015
on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 Iwrote about this book....
Thanks for sharing. I wanted to read it but then at the beginning of the book I noticed they were referring to the story of Jeffrey MacDonald a lot. I knew a bit about that case but had not read Fatal Vision by Joe McGinnes about this case, so I read Fatal Vision first.
This book has a lot of similarities with that story.
It was a very good read but if there is one thing I cannot stand if when I read a book and then discover they never caught the killer(s).
Afterwards I searched the Internet but it seems case is not solved.
Very well written.
Thanks for sharing. I wanted to read it but then at the beginning of the book I noticed they were referring to the story of Jeffrey MacDonald a lot. I knew a bit about that case but had not read Fatal Vision by Joe McGinnes about this case, so I read Fatal Vision first.
This book has a lot of similarities with that story.
It was a very good read but if there is one thing I cannot stand if when I read a book and then discover they never caught the killer(s).
Afterwards I searched the Internet but it seems case is not solved.
Very well written.
June 22, 2020
You'll read this one in less than a day! Wow, this book is an emotional ride. The brutal details are not for everyone, but anyone interested in criminal justice and injustice in the system should read this book. This true story is objectively reported, but really exposes how beliefs can divide people and steer them from evidence. Just when you think this historic case is decided for good, there are surprises right to the last line of the book.
October 14, 2020
Thank Gd for forensic science, y’all.
February 28, 2017
If you are a police man, prosecutor, advocate or somebody who works with law enforcement then this one is for you. It is not a horror story, but murder, trial, conviction, appeal, re-trial, and acquittal. It has the do's and dont's for both prosecutors and defence attorneys in court. It will teach you a lot. F. Lee Bailey's thoughts are also quoted for our consumption. A great read.
What is the story? It starts with the murders of the Eastburn family in their house in Fayetsville (forgive my pronounciation). An unknown person kills a mother with her two daughters at night without being detected. He leaves behind an adequate supply of physical evidence that is later collected by the police. The County Sherrif is under an imense pressure to find, catch, and lock the killer. The public wants that and they don't care.
To appease the public, the county sherrif acting against the advise of the District Attorneys office move in on a target, Timothy Hennis. He is caught in the assumption that he was identified leaving the Eastburn house on the night in question. His explanation that he was there to purchase a dog flies right through the D. A's office. Eventually, he is charged with first degree murder with attracts a death penalty.
He is tried under the most unfair and hostile environment of the justice system. The only thing that he is granted is representation by two of the most abled defence lawyers in town. Despite the odds being stacked on his favor, Mr. Hennis is convicted and sentenced to death. Working full time, his lawyers prepare an appeal with they present before the supreme court arguing that his client was nevet given a fair trial as per the Constitution.
He reasons that the defence was never consulted before the screen was mounted in court. Also, that the jury's passion was inflamed by the numerous gruesome photographs which were played by the prosecution in court with no probative value at all. They also attack the lack of physical evidence linking the accused person to the crime they have been charged with. Fortunately, the members of the supreme Court agrees with the appellant and grants him a new trial.
Working to repair their case and right their wrongs, the defence team prepares for the trial without any rest. They interview new wiynesses and re-interview old ones. New motions are made before the new judge and new concessions made with the DA's office. At the end of the trial Mr. Hennis is acquitted of all charges. Vanstory, the prosecutor who conducted the initial trial is charged with prosecutorial misconduct after it is discovered that he never supplied the defence with all the evidence in his possession at the time of the initial investigations.
It is surprising that even in advanced criminal justice systems like the United States such fatal mistakes occur. Innocent people being convictes and sentenced to death for crimes they never committed. It is the worst form of injustice one can ever undergo. It is also important to note the conduct of the prosecution and judge during the whole trial. A prosecutor must be and remain a detached party from the proceedings. They must disclose both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence in their possession. Failure to do that should attract a punishment or sanction from the state to the individuals onvolved. Our system must always seek to protect the innocent and punish the guity. The question is how to tell the difference?
What is the story? It starts with the murders of the Eastburn family in their house in Fayetsville (forgive my pronounciation). An unknown person kills a mother with her two daughters at night without being detected. He leaves behind an adequate supply of physical evidence that is later collected by the police. The County Sherrif is under an imense pressure to find, catch, and lock the killer. The public wants that and they don't care.
To appease the public, the county sherrif acting against the advise of the District Attorneys office move in on a target, Timothy Hennis. He is caught in the assumption that he was identified leaving the Eastburn house on the night in question. His explanation that he was there to purchase a dog flies right through the D. A's office. Eventually, he is charged with first degree murder with attracts a death penalty.
He is tried under the most unfair and hostile environment of the justice system. The only thing that he is granted is representation by two of the most abled defence lawyers in town. Despite the odds being stacked on his favor, Mr. Hennis is convicted and sentenced to death. Working full time, his lawyers prepare an appeal with they present before the supreme court arguing that his client was nevet given a fair trial as per the Constitution.
He reasons that the defence was never consulted before the screen was mounted in court. Also, that the jury's passion was inflamed by the numerous gruesome photographs which were played by the prosecution in court with no probative value at all. They also attack the lack of physical evidence linking the accused person to the crime they have been charged with. Fortunately, the members of the supreme Court agrees with the appellant and grants him a new trial.
Working to repair their case and right their wrongs, the defence team prepares for the trial without any rest. They interview new wiynesses and re-interview old ones. New motions are made before the new judge and new concessions made with the DA's office. At the end of the trial Mr. Hennis is acquitted of all charges. Vanstory, the prosecutor who conducted the initial trial is charged with prosecutorial misconduct after it is discovered that he never supplied the defence with all the evidence in his possession at the time of the initial investigations.
It is surprising that even in advanced criminal justice systems like the United States such fatal mistakes occur. Innocent people being convictes and sentenced to death for crimes they never committed. It is the worst form of injustice one can ever undergo. It is also important to note the conduct of the prosecution and judge during the whole trial. A prosecutor must be and remain a detached party from the proceedings. They must disclose both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence in their possession. Failure to do that should attract a punishment or sanction from the state to the individuals onvolved. Our system must always seek to protect the innocent and punish the guity. The question is how to tell the difference?
April 5, 2022
While the writing was a bit boring at times, this is the most unbelievable true crime story I have read in while. The last third or so of the book is the most interesting and will keep you gripped to the pages. I’m not sure what to think . . . Guilty? Not guilty? The state needs to start testing the other evidence with the new technology available to try and get a better view of what might have happened because it is mind boggling that Tim has been sentenced to death, acquitted, and sentenced to death again for the same crime and still no answers or clarity as to what happened.
December 15, 2019
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
Did he or didn't he? I don't know but if Hennis is innocent, he paid for that dog over and over.
Did he or didn't he? I don't know but if Hennis is innocent, he paid for that dog over and over.
October 23, 2024
I never heard of this case till I found this freebie book and decided to listen. A very interesting and extremely sad case. I hope justice will be done for ALL the victims one day.
April 1, 2017
Wow just wow is all I can think of when I finished this book. This book is as in depth as other crime books and the author does skim over or rushed through certain parts and I felt left things out. At times I felt frustrated because though the focus is on Hennis there are so many questions that this book fails to answer and leaves open to interpretation. It is a well written book but it will leave you with so many questions and no answers.
I received a copy from netgalley.
I received a copy from netgalley.
July 24, 2017
Makes you wonder what the truth is
I read this book years ago when Hennis was acquitted. It seemed pretty much cut and dried at the end. A man who was found guilty on eye-witness testimony and sentenced to death had been vindicated. A wrong had been righted. When I heard DNA had been matched to Hennis, I was surprised and wanted to know more, so when I saw the book had been updated and re-released, I dove in. I read from the beginning so I could read all the details offered again. I had also heard news about problems in the SBI lab because I live in North Carolina, but never put the two together because the news of the DNA findings and the problems at the lab were heard years apart. I understand the importance of DNA results and had accepted that the killer had been found without doubt. However, if that is the case, why does the military oppose the testing of hairs, fingernail clippings, combings and blood-stained towels at the expense of the defense, which should support the DNA? Especially in view of the problems found in over 200 cases by the SBI lab, they should be happy for any other evidence showing Hennis is the guilty party. If the purpose of a trial is to find the truth, which is what I've read many times, why not make sure this is the truth? It won't cost the State and Hennis has no objection. Unless it shows another specific suspect, it doesn't jeopardize the State's case. They've already stated much of what was tested doesn't implicate Hennis. My heart goes out to Gary Eastburn, Jana, Katie, Erin and Kara, who lost their family or their lives in this horrific crime. They deserve justice. The defense was allowed to retest the DNA match and didn't release their findings; if the results showed the DNA was not their client's, they would certainly announce it. I feel 97% sure Hennis committed this brutal, merciless crime against a helpless woman and her children. I would still like to see the other evidence tested by an independent lab. I also read "Bloody Lies: A CSI Scandal in the Heartland" recently, which adds to the slight doubt I have about how helpful people convinced of a person's guilt want to be in convicting him. There's too much pressure to "win" for those involved, the truth, if it doesn't support their view of the case, may be the last thing they really want to find. I found it another fascinating look at the reality of how criminal justice is carried out.
I read this book years ago when Hennis was acquitted. It seemed pretty much cut and dried at the end. A man who was found guilty on eye-witness testimony and sentenced to death had been vindicated. A wrong had been righted. When I heard DNA had been matched to Hennis, I was surprised and wanted to know more, so when I saw the book had been updated and re-released, I dove in. I read from the beginning so I could read all the details offered again. I had also heard news about problems in the SBI lab because I live in North Carolina, but never put the two together because the news of the DNA findings and the problems at the lab were heard years apart. I understand the importance of DNA results and had accepted that the killer had been found without doubt. However, if that is the case, why does the military oppose the testing of hairs, fingernail clippings, combings and blood-stained towels at the expense of the defense, which should support the DNA? Especially in view of the problems found in over 200 cases by the SBI lab, they should be happy for any other evidence showing Hennis is the guilty party. If the purpose of a trial is to find the truth, which is what I've read many times, why not make sure this is the truth? It won't cost the State and Hennis has no objection. Unless it shows another specific suspect, it doesn't jeopardize the State's case. They've already stated much of what was tested doesn't implicate Hennis. My heart goes out to Gary Eastburn, Jana, Katie, Erin and Kara, who lost their family or their lives in this horrific crime. They deserve justice. The defense was allowed to retest the DNA match and didn't release their findings; if the results showed the DNA was not their client's, they would certainly announce it. I feel 97% sure Hennis committed this brutal, merciless crime against a helpless woman and her children. I would still like to see the other evidence tested by an independent lab. I also read "Bloody Lies: A CSI Scandal in the Heartland" recently, which adds to the slight doubt I have about how helpful people convinced of a person's guilt want to be in convicting him. There's too much pressure to "win" for those involved, the truth, if it doesn't support their view of the case, may be the last thing they really want to find. I found it another fascinating look at the reality of how criminal justice is carried out.
March 27, 2017
I thought I understood the legal term "double jeopardy" but this story proved I was wrong. The actual crime occurred over 30 years ago but Tim Hennis has been on a rollercoaster ride of verdicts . I found this story very interesting and a relatively fast read. This is a must read for people who enjoyed Fatal Vision or Making a Murderer.
August 24, 2017
I'm a huge true crime fan and read Innocent Victims when it was first published 20 years ago. Despite Mr. Whisnant's talent for writing and ability to explain events accurately, the ending left me confused and unsure. I looked forward to rereading this book to refresh my memory but mainly to find out what happened afterwards. The gruesome murders of Kate, Kara & Erin Eastburn is extremely heartbreaking. It was a horrible crime followed by a horrible, sorely lacking investigation(s) and then 3 trials; none of which really provided clear answers. In all honestly there were so many instances of conflicting or unclear evidence I'm still "on the fence' as to Tim Hennis' guilt or innocence. I lost count of the times I wanted to scream at the attorneys and judges because there was so much that could and should have been done. I realize forensic testing is costly but it just boggles the mind of the average person why the judge refused to allow more, if not all, of the evidence to be tested...even after the defense arranged to pay the fees.
March 28, 2018
This book is intriguing. I am still unsure about this case. I am also unsettled by the fact that this man has been through this ordeal and am unaware of the legalities of this case. I am stumped as to who is guilty, and am pained for the children who were lost. This is a book you ill not soon forget.
*Thank you to Scott Whisnant, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to Scott Whisnant, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2018
Horrific story of a mother and two children brutally murdered and the man on trial three times over 20 years.. And the corruption and mis handling of evidence and underhanded DA's office and local law enforcement.. Shocking.
May 15, 2019
I Rarely Give 5 Stars
It’s not often that I give 5 stars, as I like to have some wiggle room for books that are a little under or over the 3 median, well this book is just what I leave room for. I don’t know if I’ve EVER been SO infuriated, disgusted & plain saddened, both for one side and for the other as I was while reading this book.
Let me start by saying I DETEST unfairness, nothing gets under my skin faster than seeing someone being treated with any less respect than the next guy, and throughout this book it was a reoccurring theme. I got SO angry reading this that I started highlighting & writing notes on certain pieces of the book, just to get my blood pressure down so I could keep reading.
I knew absolutely nothing about this crime, the search for the killer, the prosecution and subsequent prosecutions other than what was written for the book Blurb/Synopsis and I kept it that way while reading the book, I didn’t look anything up until I’d finished the book, and boy, by the time I’d finished reading my blood pressure was ALL over the place.
The author is very careful not to put his pen too far on one side of this fence than the other, but as the book progresses only an absolute idiot, or the police and prosecutors in this case could possibly believe for an instant that this guy was the actual suspect.
The arrest and first trial I was infuriated, the work up to and the second trial is some of the best court trial work in print, it was SO good it would make John Grisham proud to of penned it. The 3rd trial .... disgust is the only thing I can feel, I’m not going to give too much away, in case there are people who don’t know, and want to read it for themselves, but let’s just say I do NOT for a second believe it and what is included in this book about the labs and the police make me suspect very strongly that they would continue to keep going until they got their man, no matter what it took.
I’m not on the fence on this, I don’t for a second believe Tim Hennis had a single thing to do with these murders, I believe the police decided for whatever reason that he did, and they would go to ANY lengths to prove their theory right. In my opinion they ignored evidence, they pressured witnesses, they took testimony they knew to be false and held it up to a jury and said here is Proof he was their ‘baby killer’ I also believe they lied, hid evidence and manufactured evidence. They had their man and they refused to let him go.
The lives of the Hennis family were ripped apart just as much as the lives of the Eastburn family’s was and the murders touched and left a stain on everyone involved in one way or another. You’d think that was bad enough, right ? 2 family’s destroyed, a mother left raped & slaughtered along with her 2 young children but what about the REAL killer ? The one the police seemingly refused to look for ? What’s he been doing all of these years ? Roaming free, able to do anything he can, as no one sees him anymore than they’d see a shadow of an invisible man on a dark foggy night ...
It’s not often that I give 5 stars, as I like to have some wiggle room for books that are a little under or over the 3 median, well this book is just what I leave room for. I don’t know if I’ve EVER been SO infuriated, disgusted & plain saddened, both for one side and for the other as I was while reading this book.
Let me start by saying I DETEST unfairness, nothing gets under my skin faster than seeing someone being treated with any less respect than the next guy, and throughout this book it was a reoccurring theme. I got SO angry reading this that I started highlighting & writing notes on certain pieces of the book, just to get my blood pressure down so I could keep reading.
I knew absolutely nothing about this crime, the search for the killer, the prosecution and subsequent prosecutions other than what was written for the book Blurb/Synopsis and I kept it that way while reading the book, I didn’t look anything up until I’d finished the book, and boy, by the time I’d finished reading my blood pressure was ALL over the place.
The author is very careful not to put his pen too far on one side of this fence than the other, but as the book progresses only an absolute idiot, or the police and prosecutors in this case could possibly believe for an instant that this guy was the actual suspect.
The arrest and first trial I was infuriated, the work up to and the second trial is some of the best court trial work in print, it was SO good it would make John Grisham proud to of penned it. The 3rd trial .... disgust is the only thing I can feel, I’m not going to give too much away, in case there are people who don’t know, and want to read it for themselves, but let’s just say I do NOT for a second believe it and what is included in this book about the labs and the police make me suspect very strongly that they would continue to keep going until they got their man, no matter what it took.
I’m not on the fence on this, I don’t for a second believe Tim Hennis had a single thing to do with these murders, I believe the police decided for whatever reason that he did, and they would go to ANY lengths to prove their theory right. In my opinion they ignored evidence, they pressured witnesses, they took testimony they knew to be false and held it up to a jury and said here is Proof he was their ‘baby killer’ I also believe they lied, hid evidence and manufactured evidence. They had their man and they refused to let him go.
The lives of the Hennis family were ripped apart just as much as the lives of the Eastburn family’s was and the murders touched and left a stain on everyone involved in one way or another. You’d think that was bad enough, right ? 2 family’s destroyed, a mother left raped & slaughtered along with her 2 young children but what about the REAL killer ? The one the police seemingly refused to look for ? What’s he been doing all of these years ? Roaming free, able to do anything he can, as no one sees him anymore than they’d see a shadow of an invisible man on a dark foggy night ...
February 29, 2020
Innocent Victims, The True Story of the Eastburn Family Murders by Scott Whisnant (4 Stars)
WARNING: Spoiler ahead!
If you like true crime, this is definitely one you need to read. This was a Book Bub offering, and I looked up the story behind the book. Intriguing to say the least, so I purchased it. What a story!
It’s 1985 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is a military town. Gary and Katie Eastburn, along with their three young daughters, were making preparations for Air Force Captain Easturn’s move to England. While Gary was away from home for an extended period, Katie placed an ad for a good home for their aging dog. Army Sergeant Tim Hennis answers the ad, visits Katie one evening and picks up the dog. Gary is unable to get in touch with his wife (it’s 1985, we didn’t have phones as an extension to our appendages) and is concerned. The neighbors begin thinking they haven’t seen Katie, and go to the house where the baby is heard crying, but no answer to their shouts. Breaking in, Katie and two of her children were found murdered, with the youngest left alone in her crib for about three days.
A few days later, Hennis is watching the news and learns he is a person of interest in the murders. He knows he’s innocent, so he goes to the police station thinking it’s just routine questioning. And soon he finds himself arrested, convicted and on death row for the murders. Based on the evidence presented, if I had been on the jury, I’m not sure I could have voted guilty and placed him on death row. He kind of seemed guilty, but beyond a reasonable doubt? I wasn’t so sure. Swaying my judgment also were some of the antics by the prosecutors.
In 1989, an appeal was granted and there was a retrial. This time, his lawyers have all the evidence available, even evidence concealed in the first trial. They discover some new evidence and are able to discredit previous testimony. They prove prosecutorial misconduct. Hennis is acquitted. His wife had stood by him, and Hennis and his family pick-up the pieces of their lives.
25 years later, Hennis’ DNA is tested against evidence collected from the crime scene. And it matches! But he can’t be retried due to double jeopardy. Or can he? Seems the Army can! Hennis is again charged with murder, conviceted and is now back on death row. He now says that they had consensual sex, which is where they found his DNA, but he did not commit the murders.
I still don’t know what to believe.
www.candysplanet.wordpress.com
WARNING: Spoiler ahead!
If you like true crime, this is definitely one you need to read. This was a Book Bub offering, and I looked up the story behind the book. Intriguing to say the least, so I purchased it. What a story!
It’s 1985 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is a military town. Gary and Katie Eastburn, along with their three young daughters, were making preparations for Air Force Captain Easturn’s move to England. While Gary was away from home for an extended period, Katie placed an ad for a good home for their aging dog. Army Sergeant Tim Hennis answers the ad, visits Katie one evening and picks up the dog. Gary is unable to get in touch with his wife (it’s 1985, we didn’t have phones as an extension to our appendages) and is concerned. The neighbors begin thinking they haven’t seen Katie, and go to the house where the baby is heard crying, but no answer to their shouts. Breaking in, Katie and two of her children were found murdered, with the youngest left alone in her crib for about three days.
A few days later, Hennis is watching the news and learns he is a person of interest in the murders. He knows he’s innocent, so he goes to the police station thinking it’s just routine questioning. And soon he finds himself arrested, convicted and on death row for the murders. Based on the evidence presented, if I had been on the jury, I’m not sure I could have voted guilty and placed him on death row. He kind of seemed guilty, but beyond a reasonable doubt? I wasn’t so sure. Swaying my judgment also were some of the antics by the prosecutors.
In 1989, an appeal was granted and there was a retrial. This time, his lawyers have all the evidence available, even evidence concealed in the first trial. They discover some new evidence and are able to discredit previous testimony. They prove prosecutorial misconduct. Hennis is acquitted. His wife had stood by him, and Hennis and his family pick-up the pieces of their lives.
25 years later, Hennis’ DNA is tested against evidence collected from the crime scene. And it matches! But he can’t be retried due to double jeopardy. Or can he? Seems the Army can! Hennis is again charged with murder, conviceted and is now back on death row. He now says that they had consensual sex, which is where they found his DNA, but he did not commit the murders.
I still don’t know what to believe.
www.candysplanet.wordpress.com
November 25, 2023
The good news is that Scott Whisnant is an excellent writer* and the murder case about which he wrote is as fascinating as any I’ve read. The bad news is that Innocent Victims appears to be his only book. He is the reporter who has written about the rape/murder of a young woman and the brutal killing of two of her young children (the youngest was left in her crib without food or water to die) from the time of the bodies’ discovery until the conclusion of the accused’s trials. Over the course of a quarter century the alleged perpetrator is investigated, then arrested, charged & jailed, and then bailed out - itself extraordinary, given the nature of the crime. He is tried, convicted and sentenced to death. After several years on death row he is retried, acquitted and released. A couple decades later, he is again arrested, jailed, tried, convicted and sentenced to death. Whisnat’s leaning is not hidden, but it does not appear to influence his coverage which is superior to that of “professional” true crime writers, not surprising since it is the work of someone who has lived with the subject for years. Innocent Victims is a MUST for true crime readers. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
*although “quotations” like “‘I’m glad that mean man didn’t find me,’ two-and-a-half-year-old Jana said suddenly. ‘He’d have killed me, too.’” raises legitimate questions of accuracy - most toddlers are not that good with conditionals, contractions, etc.
*although “quotations” like “‘I’m glad that mean man didn’t find me,’ two-and-a-half-year-old Jana said suddenly. ‘He’d have killed me, too.’” raises legitimate questions of accuracy - most toddlers are not that good with conditionals, contractions, etc.
June 5, 2023
It was not easy, but I went into this book without reading what it was about or who did it. A mother and two daughters were murdered in their home. My first thought was the husband, who was in the military. Nope, his whereabouts checked out. A man, Tim Hennis, was seen in the area at the time and that seemed to be all the cops had to go on to charge him with murder. If you don't know how the book turned out then the rest of the book is spent wondering 'did he do it?'. A lot of the second half of the book is spent discussing the death penalty, but then there is a second trial. The results of that trial are surprising! But that's not the end of the surprises! I read the older version of this book that was printed in 1993, so I did a search to find out if anything has happened with this guy since the book was printed. I found out there is a lot that happened. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but here's a hint...bet you thought you couldn't be tried twice for the same crime, also called double indemnity. Because DNA testing was not available at the time of the murders, when it was available it brought a whole new light to this case.
May 13, 2024
This is one of the best true crime books that I have read. The sad story of the gruesome senseless murders of Katie Eastburn and two of her three daughters in her home. Katie a military wife, lived alone while her husband was training. She posted an ad to give away her dog. Tim Hennesey (another soldier) came to pick up the dog. He went home and was alone while his wife Angela was away with their daughter. He burned some items that he had in his house. During this time, the murders occurred. He was the main suspect since he didn't have an alibi and was the last person to see Katie alive. He was convicted by a jury on circumstantial evidence and sent to jail. He was placed on death row. After four years he was acquitted. He lived an exemplary life for 17 years. However, with new DNA technology, were able to confirm that the sperm found inside Katie was his. He was re-tried and sent to jail and is now on death row again.
November 16, 2024
4 ⭐️ This book shows how terrible the police departments can be with evidence. There is no way the evidence was as contaminated as it was. A man convicted, placed on death row, acquitted, then retried AGAIN, even though double jeopardy in my opinion, plays a large factor here. It was clear from the beginning that the police WANTED Hennis to be “their guy”. So after an acquittal they fabricated the DNA he submitted. Quite the possibility since the physical evidence is NOT pointing to him. Will I say he’s innocent, I’m unsure. BUT, it’s unlikely a loving dad would murder a mother and 2 children and NEVER have been convicted of any other crimes and that he could move on from the acquittal and be a productive member of the world. I just don’t buy that. And the fact he’s on death town after double jeopardy is absolutely INSANE.
January 3, 2020
Good book
This book is yet another example of why the death penalty I'm America should be abolished. I am the mother of a murdered son. There is no doubt who did it or why. But if there were an doubt I would not want someone put to dead. Especially under suspicious circumstances. Don't get me wrong because I want justice. I want heads to roll. But right is right and wrong is wrong. We as a people believe that the Constitution protects our right to certain freedoms, and knowing that the State could continually prosecute someone over and over until they got the verdict they desire offends my sensibilities as an American. This book opens your eyes to the reality of the world we live in.
This book is yet another example of why the death penalty I'm America should be abolished. I am the mother of a murdered son. There is no doubt who did it or why. But if there were an doubt I would not want someone put to dead. Especially under suspicious circumstances. Don't get me wrong because I want justice. I want heads to roll. But right is right and wrong is wrong. We as a people believe that the Constitution protects our right to certain freedoms, and knowing that the State could continually prosecute someone over and over until they got the verdict they desire offends my sensibilities as an American. This book opens your eyes to the reality of the world we live in.
December 18, 2018
Speechless
Where to begin! Considering how crooked the prosecution was during the first trial, the embarrassment by the state\county after acquittal, the SBI, lab corruption, has it occurred to Tim's defense that the sudden "ahah!" moment (definitive test results) were planted, misapplied, etc.?
He freely gave samples in 1985, what better way to relieve the shame and embarrassment than by planting evidence? The prosecution proved nothing was beneath them.
After reading and dwelling on the facts presented, it seems impossible this guy could be guilty. We already know what lengths the DA's office would go to, it's just not a stretch of imagination to take one further step.
Where to begin! Considering how crooked the prosecution was during the first trial, the embarrassment by the state\county after acquittal, the SBI, lab corruption, has it occurred to Tim's defense that the sudden "ahah!" moment (definitive test results) were planted, misapplied, etc.?
He freely gave samples in 1985, what better way to relieve the shame and embarrassment than by planting evidence? The prosecution proved nothing was beneath them.
After reading and dwelling on the facts presented, it seems impossible this guy could be guilty. We already know what lengths the DA's office would go to, it's just not a stretch of imagination to take one further step.
October 21, 2019
I have personally met Mr. Hennis & now have a different opinion of not only him but how he comes across at times. I believe that he has been severely wronged by the justice system & that the real killer is & has continued to be free. This book has intimate details of the case & the appeal. Double jeopardy was put in place to stop what has happened here. The sheriff's office, states attorney & SBI lab are corrupt then used the Army/military court to get the outcome they wanted. I feel sorry for the victims but in this case they have not punished the real perpetrator thus creating another victim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2020
I first heard of the Eastburn family murders through the podcast Crime Junkies just a few weeks ago. While browsing for new books for my Kindle, I stumbled across the familiar story in novel form. I was eager to hear more about the trials of Tim Hennis and to see if the Eastburn family saw their loved ones’ killer brought to justice. Honestly, I’m still in the fence about Hennis’s guilt or innocence. The author leans toward Hennis’s innocence and there are questions of mishandling of evidence and outright ignoring other possible suspects. I am anxious to see how this case develops further in the future. I highly recommend this compelling true crime drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2020
I appreciate the author's research on these horrific murders I had never heard of previously. Like the book, and perhaps the author, I went back and forth about Hennis' guilt or innocence. At first, the evidence seemed circumstantial. It seemed as if Hennis was innocent. Then the DNA test results came in. Science doesn't lie, does it? As the author suggested, maybe a new DNA test can be performed as the previous one was so long ago. The only issue I had with the book was the writing. It seemed rough and choppy. I was surprised to learn the author is a reporter. I thought his writing would be smoother and more sophisticated.
March 1, 2021
I trudged through this book after I started it. It’s not hard to read or anything, it just feels like there’s quite a bit of repetition. Maybe it was necessary to tell the story but I personally don’t think so. The first trial was covered in minute detail but it feels like the rest of the “story” was rushed through to the “ending”.
It seems as though the author is not a very neutral storyteller. It became apparent to me what his opinion about Hennis’s guilt or innocence was before I got to the original end, where he made it crystal clear. In true crime books I’ve read in the past most writers give the facts and then let the reader decide. There’s an update to the case in the digital version I read that seems to make the case open and shut but the author still holds on to his opinion.
My heart goes out to the victims and their survivors. Such a very sad case.
It seems as though the author is not a very neutral storyteller. It became apparent to me what his opinion about Hennis’s guilt or innocence was before I got to the original end, where he made it crystal clear. In true crime books I’ve read in the past most writers give the facts and then let the reader decide. There’s an update to the case in the digital version I read that seems to make the case open and shut but the author still holds on to his opinion.
My heart goes out to the victims and their survivors. Such a very sad case.
June 1, 2022
A riveting account of this gruesome murder and the unprecedented three trials to finally get justice. The author has a very fluid writing style that is very readable, and he breaks down the legal entanglements into easily understood terms. Voluminous research went into this work, and if you enjoy true crime this is is a must read. So many elements of the crime paralleled the Jeffrey MacDonald case, especially that both murders occured at Fort Bragg, and the babysitter for the murdered family was obsessed with MacDonald and corresponded with him regularly. So sad that the murderer went free for so long as the wheels of justice turned slowly.
September 30, 2019
Very good book. Detailed step by step details of the killings, court hearings, appeals and the last conviction. I myself thought he couldn't be the one who did such a haness crime. For such a long period of time flourishing as an upstanding citizen to the final outcome. Author lead you through each page wanting more and more information. Would recommend this book and I'm a true crime story addict.
Great job and would love to read more from this author. So sad for the families involved and the anguish throughout this who!e ordeal and for life.
Great job and would love to read more from this author. So sad for the families involved and the anguish throughout this who!e ordeal and for life.
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