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You Can't Try a Dead Man: The Untold Story of Injustice
“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” Sir William BlackstoneAs Jeff hitchhiked across the country, his mind was focused on getting clean, sober, and starting over, again. As a 27-year-old, Jeff had been in and out of trouble most of his life. He began drinking at the age of nine and using hard drugs in his late teens. He couldn’t seem to leave it behind even after four stints in treatment and two in prison. But, while planning how to get his life back on track, events unfolded that would dash his hopes and dreams to pieces. Unbeknownst to Jeff, his roommate had been murdered the morning he left town, and Jeff was deemed the likely suspect. This sounds like the start to a good, suspenseful, fiction novel, but, tragically, you’re about to read an absolutely true story. You Can’t Try a Dead Man will challenge you to ponder your expectations for our justice system and consider whether there’s more to a story than what you’re hearing. Intertwined in Jeff’s story of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, this book will help you rediscover the true meaning of freedom and forgiveness.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2018
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Judee Howard
1 book2 followersJudee Howard worked as a social worker for over twenty years in the non-profit world. She loves creating a safe place where people feel they belong and can be authentic; helping them find acceptance and identity in a relationship with God. Besides being married, Judee has three sons and loves devoting time to them and their families. She values genuine relationships and enjoys spending time with friends and meeting new people.
Twenty-five years ago, Judee met Jeff Howard and entered his story. You Can't Try a Dead Man is a powerful and moving story of their fight for his freedom. But, intertwined with the intriguing story of his case, there is also a story of endurance, faith, forgiveness, and freedom that readers can relate to while living out their own struggles.
Judee is also a speaker and coach. She is a certified "Your Secret Name" coach/facilitator for individuals or groups, helping people find freedom in knowing their authentic identity according to our loving Heavenly Father.
Visit Judee's website for more information www.judeehoward.com
Twenty-five years ago, Judee met Jeff Howard and entered his story. You Can't Try a Dead Man is a powerful and moving story of their fight for his freedom. But, intertwined with the intriguing story of his case, there is also a story of endurance, faith, forgiveness, and freedom that readers can relate to while living out their own struggles.
Judee is also a speaker and coach. She is a certified "Your Secret Name" coach/facilitator for individuals or groups, helping people find freedom in knowing their authentic identity according to our loving Heavenly Father.
Visit Judee's website for more information www.judeehoward.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 30, 2019
I am appalled at the injustice that has transpired in South Dakota and the inability of those in power to admit the wrongdoing that was done.
“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” Sir William Blackstone
This book is easy to read and clearly lays out the evidence for proving this injustice. It tells the story of a young man with a troubled past and how those marks against him have so far cost him a future of his own making.
Unlike what some may expect, this book does not paint a rosy picture of Jeff and his past. There were mistakes made on his part and he answered for them. However, the actions that resulted in his life being dramatically altered and his freedom stolen were not his.
Throughout this book I got numerous goosebumps/“Holy Spirit shivers” and I was afflicted with much depth of grief as time and time again evil triumphed.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
Many good men have set out but unfortunately when it reaches the very top, courage, conscience, and conviction have faltered.
It’s now up to us to champion for wrongs to be undone.
“Every time we witness an injustice and do not act, we train our character to be passive in its presence and thereby eventually lose all ability to defend ourselves and those we love.” Julian Assange
“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” Sir William Blackstone
This book is easy to read and clearly lays out the evidence for proving this injustice. It tells the story of a young man with a troubled past and how those marks against him have so far cost him a future of his own making.
Unlike what some may expect, this book does not paint a rosy picture of Jeff and his past. There were mistakes made on his part and he answered for them. However, the actions that resulted in his life being dramatically altered and his freedom stolen were not his.
Throughout this book I got numerous goosebumps/“Holy Spirit shivers” and I was afflicted with much depth of grief as time and time again evil triumphed.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
Many good men have set out but unfortunately when it reaches the very top, courage, conscience, and conviction have faltered.
It’s now up to us to champion for wrongs to be undone.
“Every time we witness an injustice and do not act, we train our character to be passive in its presence and thereby eventually lose all ability to defend ourselves and those we love.” Julian Assange
July 22, 2018
Well written, very personal, story about a complicated case!
This is a fascinating story!
This is a fairly quick read about a case that is, at various times: tragic, disturbing, intriguing, painful, exciting, frustrating and, ultimately, hopeful.
The pace and layout make for quick reading. Chapters are short and break up what is, by its very nature, a very complex and messy story, into manageable segments with a structure that helps the reader keep up with its quick pace.
This is a true story that is, very painfully, brought about because of the murder of a young man. The story, however, revolves primarily around the man who was convicted and is serving time for this murder, and his wife, who has joined his story. I will let the author skillfully usher you into their journey... just know that it will take you all over the place emotionally and leave you asking a lot of questions!
This is a fascinating story!
This is a fairly quick read about a case that is, at various times: tragic, disturbing, intriguing, painful, exciting, frustrating and, ultimately, hopeful.
The pace and layout make for quick reading. Chapters are short and break up what is, by its very nature, a very complex and messy story, into manageable segments with a structure that helps the reader keep up with its quick pace.
This is a true story that is, very painfully, brought about because of the murder of a young man. The story, however, revolves primarily around the man who was convicted and is serving time for this murder, and his wife, who has joined his story. I will let the author skillfully usher you into their journey... just know that it will take you all over the place emotionally and leave you asking a lot of questions!
October 10, 2018
An inspiring story of faith, forgiveness, and unlikely love that challenged my preconceived thoughts of the justice system. Well worth the read!
November 8, 2019
this is the story of a women who went to prison to find a husband. she happened to find the man who killed my brother. loosing my brother was not bad enough for this pair. they had to come and write a book of lies.
as if murdering someone is not enough they torture us with making money from the crime.
this is so sad and sickening and the amount of torture and heartache is unimaginable. please don't fall for her lies. He was so sick during the trial that he actually growled at my sister who was only 16 at the time and there to testify. His own father was petrified of him and he had spent most of his adult life at that time in prison for other crimes.
Don't allow this horrible women to warp you into believing there made up version. this man that she loves and spends her time trying to free is a animal.
as if murdering someone is not enough they torture us with making money from the crime.
this is so sad and sickening and the amount of torture and heartache is unimaginable. please don't fall for her lies. He was so sick during the trial that he actually growled at my sister who was only 16 at the time and there to testify. His own father was petrified of him and he had spent most of his adult life at that time in prison for other crimes.
Don't allow this horrible women to warp you into believing there made up version. this man that she loves and spends her time trying to free is a animal.
October 16, 2019
You Can't Try a Dead Man is the very well-written and compelling true story of Jeff Howard, who has been falsely accused and for 37 years has been living with the consequences of a failed justice system. I literally could not put the book down and wanted desperately to find a happy ending when I got to the last page. Instead, I was left speechless, and utterly amazed by the fact that both Jeff and Judee Howard have been able to display such love, mercy and forgiveness in one of the most unjust situations I can imagine. I don't know if Judee has plans of writing a sequel or not, but I am praying that their story will one day have the happy ending they deserve. This is absolutely a must read!!
November 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like a story based on a true story. It's organic. It's raw. It is filled with genuine emotions. You feel mad; you feel alone; you don't understand why all darkness is around you. And you try very hard to move one more step ahead....
I never meet Judy Howard in person. I know her through her story. If you pick up this story, you will be moved by her perseverance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like a story based on a true story. It's organic. It's raw. It is filled with genuine emotions. You feel mad; you feel alone; you don't understand why all darkness is around you. And you try very hard to move one more step ahead....
I never meet Judy Howard in person. I know her through her story. If you pick up this story, you will be moved by her perseverance.
February 4, 2023
Inspiring true story that needs to be heard
This book is very well written. Judge captures attention from her first sentence and moves the story at a pace it becomes very hard to put the book down. I only wish that it was fiction, as the truth is painful and you can't finish the book and forget it.
I know the pain of being family to an incarcerated innocent man and the frustrations of our legal system. It was like she was also telling my story. Thank you, Judee.
This book is very well written. Judge captures attention from her first sentence and moves the story at a pace it becomes very hard to put the book down. I only wish that it was fiction, as the truth is painful and you can't finish the book and forget it.
I know the pain of being family to an incarcerated innocent man and the frustrations of our legal system. It was like she was also telling my story. Thank you, Judee.
October 30, 2018
Everyday court cases are heard. Some are rightfully convicted and some are wrongfully convicted. After reading this book and not just reading the facts but also the emotions in the writer it leaves you wanting more. You want to see this man granted pardon and living his life on the outside. He will never gain the years he lost behind bars but still has many years to make new memories.
November 4, 2018
This is a fascinating book! From sceptic to advocate, Judee brings you through the true stories of a man wrongly accused of murder. This is a must read!
August 20, 2025
THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE TURNED INTO A MOVIE!
I just read "You Can't Try A Dead Man: The Untold Story of Injustice" by Judee Howard. Wow! What an incredible page turner! This is such a gripping story! At times both heartbreaking and hopeful; infuriating yet inspirational! It was hard to put it down! Most incredibly, it's a very moving, and very tragic TRUE story.
The book is about 1) a man in South Dakota who back in 1981 was wrongfully accused and framed for a murder he did not commit, 2) the woman who met him over a decade later and eventually fell in love with him and dedicated her life to not only loving and caring about him, but also trying to prove his innocence for over 44 years...and counting, and 3) the complacent, inept, arrogant, blinded-by-their-own-career-ambitions, and ultimately heartless, legalistic government and "justice" system employees who have refused to this very day to use their authority to do the right, honorable, or kind thing...you know, ACTUAL justice!
This true story shows so beautifully how faith in God and a REAL relationship with Jesus can transform a life and give a person the strength, courage, faith, and hope they need to be capable of enduring even the most confusing, cruel, lonely, and seemingly endless life locked behind bars, away from your loved ones.
If you enjoy true crime stories, you will enjoy this book. If you know someone who has ever been incarcerated, please read this book. If you want to be both encouraged and challenged in recognizing how God comforts us in every difficulty, I encourage you to read this book. If you simply like to read...please check out this book!
I just read "You Can't Try A Dead Man: The Untold Story of Injustice" by Judee Howard. Wow! What an incredible page turner! This is such a gripping story! At times both heartbreaking and hopeful; infuriating yet inspirational! It was hard to put it down! Most incredibly, it's a very moving, and very tragic TRUE story.
The book is about 1) a man in South Dakota who back in 1981 was wrongfully accused and framed for a murder he did not commit, 2) the woman who met him over a decade later and eventually fell in love with him and dedicated her life to not only loving and caring about him, but also trying to prove his innocence for over 44 years...and counting, and 3) the complacent, inept, arrogant, blinded-by-their-own-career-ambitions, and ultimately heartless, legalistic government and "justice" system employees who have refused to this very day to use their authority to do the right, honorable, or kind thing...you know, ACTUAL justice!
This true story shows so beautifully how faith in God and a REAL relationship with Jesus can transform a life and give a person the strength, courage, faith, and hope they need to be capable of enduring even the most confusing, cruel, lonely, and seemingly endless life locked behind bars, away from your loved ones.
If you enjoy true crime stories, you will enjoy this book. If you know someone who has ever been incarcerated, please read this book. If you want to be both encouraged and challenged in recognizing how God comforts us in every difficulty, I encourage you to read this book. If you simply like to read...please check out this book!
August 5, 2020
Stepping out of my comfort zone with this book and reading a novel by a South Dakota author was refreshing. I became aware of the criminal justice system and how long certain processes take as well as sometimes someone can be wrongfully convicted. Humans who are incarcerated have had personal lives outside of prison and Howard is able to balance the practical side of the freeing process with the struggles of prison life and what life was like before prison. A great quick read that doesn't feel like nonfiction as it reads like a novel.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews