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Bad Moon Rising: The Prom Night Murders Memoir
Ed Morrison's brother, Michael, and his spunky girlfriend, Debra Means, never made it home from the Mascoutah Community High School prom held on May 3, 1969. Two days later, their bodies were discovered near an abandoned strip mine on the outskirts of town. After taking his victims at gunpoint, Marshall Wayne Stauffer raped and strangled fifteen-year-old Debbie and dispatched eighteen-year-old Mike with three shots to the back of his head.
In this true crime memoir, Ed Morrison chronicles his journey nearly fifty years after that fateful night to learn the truth of what happened, illuminate the evil within a murderer, and find resolution. Gathering insight from interviews with former police investigators, attorneys, judges, a survivor of a similar attack, and prison personnel, Morrison exposes the raw emotions that accompanied the senseless killings. He traces the murderer throughout his life, uncovering facts and unknown stories about his cross-country crime spree, imprisonment, and eventual death-before he could be convicted of the murders.
Bad Moon Rising is the gripping true story of one man's quest to uncover the truth fifty years after his brother and his girlfriend were murdered on prom night.
In this true crime memoir, Ed Morrison chronicles his journey nearly fifty years after that fateful night to learn the truth of what happened, illuminate the evil within a murderer, and find resolution. Gathering insight from interviews with former police investigators, attorneys, judges, a survivor of a similar attack, and prison personnel, Morrison exposes the raw emotions that accompanied the senseless killings. He traces the murderer throughout his life, uncovering facts and unknown stories about his cross-country crime spree, imprisonment, and eventual death-before he could be convicted of the murders.
Bad Moon Rising is the gripping true story of one man's quest to uncover the truth fifty years after his brother and his girlfriend were murdered on prom night.
298 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2019
255 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 4, 2019
I wanted to like this book; I really did. I'm from Mascoutah, Illinois, and ironically, my junior prom date received the Means-Morrison scholarship our senior year. John Hinkle was my 10th grade math teacher and his daughter was my class president. My uncle, mom, and I all graduated from Mascoutah High School and had lived on Scott Air Force Base at some point. I'm very familiar with the geography and many of the last names discussed in the book. I know that this situation was absolutely heart-wrenching, so many of the details left me on the edge of my seat with their gruesome depth.
With that said, though, this book leaves a lot to be desired. The author is obviously just someone who put his thoughts down on paper after being told for 50 years, "You should write a book, Eddie." His style and tone wasn't consistent throughout.I couldn't figure out if it was a book about Mike Morrison, or a book about Marshall Wayne Stauffer. This was obviously self-published, because a good editor would've been able to polish this coal into a diamond, as well as clean up the factual errors (mostly about intricacies of the Air Force) and the typos. An editor definitely would've removed a lot of the Boomer-isms of mentioning contacting someone via info gleaned from "whitepages.com."
I recommend the author read a few Ann Rule books and to hire a ghostwriter. Once that happens, this book has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation true crime story.
With that said, though, this book leaves a lot to be desired. The author is obviously just someone who put his thoughts down on paper after being told for 50 years, "You should write a book, Eddie." His style and tone wasn't consistent throughout.I couldn't figure out if it was a book about Mike Morrison, or a book about Marshall Wayne Stauffer. This was obviously self-published, because a good editor would've been able to polish this coal into a diamond, as well as clean up the factual errors (mostly about intricacies of the Air Force) and the typos. An editor definitely would've removed a lot of the Boomer-isms of mentioning contacting someone via info gleaned from "whitepages.com."
I recommend the author read a few Ann Rule books and to hire a ghostwriter. Once that happens, this book has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation true crime story.
January 12, 2020
Bad Moon Rising
I enjoy reading true crime and found this one interesting and intriguing. If you also like true crime, try this one.
I enjoy reading true crime and found this one interesting and intriguing. If you also like true crime, try this one.
December 6, 2019
Amazing story
Reading this tragic story reached my soul. I live in the area but was not born until years later, so I never knew this story. Many places in this book I cried , only to laugh in the next chapter. Highly recommended!!
Reading this tragic story reached my soul. I live in the area but was not born until years later, so I never knew this story. Many places in this book I cried , only to laugh in the next chapter. Highly recommended!!
February 19, 2020
"Bad Moon Rising" was an interesting book. As the subtitle states, we are reading about the murders of two teens from southern Illinois in 1969. The authors are the male victim's brother Ed and Ed's wife, Mindy. This is not my usual genre and my only reason for reading this was my geographic connection to the victims. I moved to a small town not far from the scene of the crime just months before the murders occurred. I was fourteen at the time and had no idea that this crime had taken place or of the furor it caused. Ed and Mindy Morrison, through personal recollection and extensive research, have certainly painted a vivid picture of the times and the locale. As a warning to readers, we are exposed to some fairly grim and graphic facts, including a haunting letter written by the murderer to the mother of the female victim. Due to redactions and good taste, those facts could have been worse and more disturbing but, still, reading this isn't for the faint of heart.
Rating this book was difficult for me on a couple of levels. First, I felt that there was a "two separate books" vibe. The first half was a bit tighter in its structure and writing. I felt the Morrison's were moving deftly between the time of the murders, the Morrison family history, and the modern day attempts to uncover facts and recollections of the event. The second half began to splinter, wandering more randomly from topic to topic and, on a couple of occasions, losing clarity in some fairly clumsy sentences and editing errors.
Despite that dichotomy, the overall effect is to get a clear view of several important facts. First, we get a first-hand view of how a family reacts to such a tragic loss. Second, we follow Ed's struggles to get past his feelings of loss, anger, and revenge and he is surprisingly open about those struggles. Third, Mike and Debbie, the victims, were partying after the prom in the same way many of my peers and I would have. It is always spooky to look back and ponder who your own actions could have much more consequential and dangerous than you imagined at the time. Finally, we get an unflinching look at the justice and penal systems. Morrison certainly lets us know what he thinks about how his family was treated by the system in 1969.
"Bad Moon Rising" was interesting, more well written than I expected, and more applicable to today's world than you might imagine.
Rating this book was difficult for me on a couple of levels. First, I felt that there was a "two separate books" vibe. The first half was a bit tighter in its structure and writing. I felt the Morrison's were moving deftly between the time of the murders, the Morrison family history, and the modern day attempts to uncover facts and recollections of the event. The second half began to splinter, wandering more randomly from topic to topic and, on a couple of occasions, losing clarity in some fairly clumsy sentences and editing errors.
Despite that dichotomy, the overall effect is to get a clear view of several important facts. First, we get a first-hand view of how a family reacts to such a tragic loss. Second, we follow Ed's struggles to get past his feelings of loss, anger, and revenge and he is surprisingly open about those struggles. Third, Mike and Debbie, the victims, were partying after the prom in the same way many of my peers and I would have. It is always spooky to look back and ponder who your own actions could have much more consequential and dangerous than you imagined at the time. Finally, we get an unflinching look at the justice and penal systems. Morrison certainly lets us know what he thinks about how his family was treated by the system in 1969.
"Bad Moon Rising" was interesting, more well written than I expected, and more applicable to today's world than you might imagine.
July 24, 2023
I’m normally not much for disturbing books featuring horror, gore, or true crime, but some of my coworkers recommended this book to me, so I decided to check out out. This is a true-crime memoir written by Ed Morrison and his wife, Mindy, about Ed’s brother Mike and Mike’s girlfriend Debbie, who were murdered after Prom in May of 1969. This occurred in Mascoutah, Illinois, which is a small town right down the road from where my family and I currently live. It was very interesting (and also very creepy) reading about these events that occurred around towns and roads and Scott Air Force Base, places that our family encounters daily. The writing isn’t the best, especially the non-linear, all-over-the-place timeline, but it was very intriguing following the story and hearing all the accounts and details and discoveries. So awful how the judicial system failed in this case, and resulted in even more rapes and murders by that man. All if it is so horrific and sad. I hope that researching and writing this book helped bring peace to this brother and to the rest of their family and friends. I give this memoir four broken hearts. 💔💔💔💔
August 20, 2019
Heartfelt & Dedicated
This story reminded me of the quote "justice delayed is justice denied", that legal maxim is literally the definition of this book. If that predator had been taken to court for the deaths of these two young people, this man\author\brother wouldn't have had to spend his life wondering and working so hard to find answers. The politics that allowed this creep to walk out of jail and continue his reign of terror is shameful and the fault lies squarely on our judicial system. The same system that gives more time in jail to drug dealers than to murderers, rapists and pedophiles.
The previously mentioned maxim reads "if legal redress is available for a party that has suffered some injury, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no redress st all."
Well written book. On a side note, after all the traveling Mr. & Mrs. Morrison did, I was surprised and delighted to learn that they'd settled near my own hometown. Their sons attended the same college my husband received his MBA from. You've chosen a great little town in the Shenandoah Valley, but I'm a little biased.
This story reminded me of the quote "justice delayed is justice denied", that legal maxim is literally the definition of this book. If that predator had been taken to court for the deaths of these two young people, this man\author\brother wouldn't have had to spend his life wondering and working so hard to find answers. The politics that allowed this creep to walk out of jail and continue his reign of terror is shameful and the fault lies squarely on our judicial system. The same system that gives more time in jail to drug dealers than to murderers, rapists and pedophiles.
The previously mentioned maxim reads "if legal redress is available for a party that has suffered some injury, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no redress st all."
Well written book. On a side note, after all the traveling Mr. & Mrs. Morrison did, I was surprised and delighted to learn that they'd settled near my own hometown. Their sons attended the same college my husband received his MBA from. You've chosen a great little town in the Shenandoah Valley, but I'm a little biased.
September 3, 2019
I "met" the author through a Facebook group we both belong to, and ordered the book after reading a post of his. It is the heartbreaking story of the brutal murder of Ed Morrison’s brother Mike and his girlfriend Debbie on their prom night in 1969, and Ed's journey to uncover the truth fifty years later. The author details the days before and after the murders in the first half of the book, with each chapter of the crime alternating with his family's history, so that you feel you know each one of them. The second half of the book tells the story of Ed's quest to answer 3 questions that had haunted him over the years: What happened? Why were the charges dismissed? What happened to the killer? He answers them in this book, and in doing so he honors both Mike and Debbie. I highly recommend this book
November 20, 2019
So Heartbreaking
The author and brother of the victim ,Mike , writes a complete account of the horrific murder of Mike and his date, Debbie. On prom night the unspeakable terror they must have experienced is haunting. In an attempt to understand the crime the author researched completely all facets. The tragic loss of these two teens cried out for a better justice system. The evil, perverted, and psychopathic killer did not get his consequences for his actions. There were so many mistakes made that let him continue his unspeakable crimes. To the author and his family, their ability to move forward is a testament to the human spirit. This book left me feeling sad that two beautiful and promising lives were ended and that they suffered in death. I can only hope that they rest in peace, never forgotten by all whose lives they touched, even this reader's.
The author and brother of the victim ,Mike , writes a complete account of the horrific murder of Mike and his date, Debbie. On prom night the unspeakable terror they must have experienced is haunting. In an attempt to understand the crime the author researched completely all facets. The tragic loss of these two teens cried out for a better justice system. The evil, perverted, and psychopathic killer did not get his consequences for his actions. There were so many mistakes made that let him continue his unspeakable crimes. To the author and his family, their ability to move forward is a testament to the human spirit. This book left me feeling sad that two beautiful and promising lives were ended and that they suffered in death. I can only hope that they rest in peace, never forgotten by all whose lives they touched, even this reader's.
February 21, 2020
Excellent book for anyone interested in true crime
January 3, 2023
Riveting book! Could not put it down. The story was an emotional roller coaster. The fact that it's a true story made it even more unbelievable. The author did a great job of describing the families involved and the small town setting of Mascoutah, Illinois. He also described in chilling detail the murder and the subsequent legal aftermath that was frustrating and almost maddening. After 50 years since the murders, I think the Morrison family was able to finally get some closure.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2019
Touching and riveting
Mascots is a small mid western town with deep roots. It became part of my family forty years ago. I was absolutely stunned by this story. Not even a close knit community escapes the horror of violence that is so prevalent in large cities. Thanks to the author for putting details and resolution to this crime. Thankfully the guilty was finally jailed for good.
Mascots is a small mid western town with deep roots. It became part of my family forty years ago. I was absolutely stunned by this story. Not even a close knit community escapes the horror of violence that is so prevalent in large cities. Thanks to the author for putting details and resolution to this crime. Thankfully the guilty was finally jailed for good.
November 28, 2020
Wondered
I lived on Renchler road when this happened. I always wondered what happened and weather or not they figured out who did it. When I heard about it happening I was scared after that to go out after dark. We never locked out doors back then. Anyone could have walked right in. I can not imagine how your family felt and what they sent through. I enjoyed reading this book. I hate what you all went through. I hope you got a little bit of closure from all of this.
I lived on Renchler road when this happened. I always wondered what happened and weather or not they figured out who did it. When I heard about it happening I was scared after that to go out after dark. We never locked out doors back then. Anyone could have walked right in. I can not imagine how your family felt and what they sent through. I enjoyed reading this book. I hate what you all went through. I hope you got a little bit of closure from all of this.
July 5, 2019
This is a heartening story. One that no one should be a main character.
The author s pain is felt throughout this horrific tale. Do read this book. It will make you focus how evil walks this earth. However, this not a story of defeat, the author and his family went on though broken.
The author s pain is felt throughout this horrific tale. Do read this book. It will make you focus how evil walks this earth. However, this not a story of defeat, the author and his family went on though broken.
Read
August 8, 2019Great tribute to the memory of a brother
While also being much more...a story told from many perspectives: That of the victim/family, law enforcement, and even the life and travels of the perpetrator.
A very, very good indie memoir/crime book that I'm sure was painful to write, but that I hope finally brought the writer/brother of the victim some peace.
While also being much more...a story told from many perspectives: That of the victim/family, law enforcement, and even the life and travels of the perpetrator.
A very, very good indie memoir/crime book that I'm sure was painful to write, but that I hope finally brought the writer/brother of the victim some peace.
December 7, 2019
This is not your typical true crime story.
It is written by the brother of one of the victims and I enjoyed very much his candid way of writing and how he intertwined the story of the murder with his own story. I very much admire all the research he did about the murderer and, even more, how he has evolved from an angry teenager to a compassionate adult.
It is written by the brother of one of the victims and I enjoyed very much his candid way of writing and how he intertwined the story of the murder with his own story. I very much admire all the research he did about the murderer and, even more, how he has evolved from an angry teenager to a compassionate adult.
September 2, 2019
The first half is surprisingly strong especially as the author is not a writer by profession. Second half drags a bit. The story itself is enraging as a murderer was let out prison after about 15 years only to commit more serious crimes.
January 7, 2020
This event happened in my own county at the same time I was a teenager. I remember vividly the fear and horror that gripped the area. The details revealed in this book renewed the emotional period of my life.
June 14, 2020
Fascinating story of a murder and how it affected a community for decades afterward
Highly recommend this story about high school students murdered in1969 and how it affected families for decades afterward Chilling and compelling
Highly recommend this story about high school students murdered in1969 and how it affected families for decades afterward Chilling and compelling
July 16, 2019
Luella, Central patron, July 2019, 4 stars:
A poignant memoir describing the horrific murder of his brother and how his family dealt with a psychopathic killer.
A poignant memoir describing the horrific murder of his brother and how his family dealt with a psychopathic killer.
October 29, 2019
This account of a 1969 double murder and its' aftermath was written by the brother of victim Mike Morrison. It's rough in spots but definitely from the heart.
November 15, 2019
Fantastic and moving story. Wish it were fiction as it is heartbreaking.
June 24, 2020
If you like books based on true stories you will enjoy this one it's about a young man and woman killed in 60s after prom the brother of the young man that was killed is the writer
January 1, 2021
I could not put this book down
January 26, 2023
I liked the book but I never fell in love with it. The story is extremely heart wrenching with the author being the brother of one of the victims who was murdered after Prom night in 1969. It would have been a horrendous thing to go through for him, his family and the community.
My problem is the book jumped around too much which stopped the flow of the story, had too many details on how he tried to piece the crime together 50 years later and it became monotonous. The start of the book was excellent but so many people and events came into the book it was confusing and lost traction.
It is a good example though of how murder affects so many people.
My problem is the book jumped around too much which stopped the flow of the story, had too many details on how he tried to piece the crime together 50 years later and it became monotonous. The start of the book was excellent but so many people and events came into the book it was confusing and lost traction.
It is a good example though of how murder affects so many people.
July 29, 2025
"Dark Moon Rising" details the tragic events of Prom Night, 1969 that shattered the peace of a tight-knit community and loving family. Ed and Mindy Morrison painstakingly research and present the horrific facts of the case of the double murder of Ed's brother, Mike and his girlfriend, Debbie. They explore the ramifications of this crime in the families, in the community and in issues of trust in a good God in the midst of evil. The book uncovers the failures of the justice system in not trying the perpetrator for this murder. This book is well-written and aptly conveys the reverberations of such a heinous deed.
January 7, 2022
Not sure how to rate this book since it details a local crime scene. The story was very interesting and engaging - the order of the book was weird though. I was okay with some of the jumping around but some of it was awkward. It also shows another way in which the justice system failed - in his plea bargain and in him being released early and harming many more people before being captured again. Overall, a good true crime book but skip it if you don't handle that sort of thing well.
February 7, 2023
I was intrigued about this case enough to include it in a book of my own that's titled Zodaic Maniac. There's good information in this book (Bad Moon Rising) about the case but the facts, from when the murders of Mike Morrison and Debbie Means occurred to numerous unique MOs (not to mention documentary evidence) that points to an infamous criminal. Many people, including myself, believe his crimes were covered up.
February 4, 2025
I am abandoning this book halfway through and this is why. The author decided to publish a letter the rapist and murderer sent to the mother of the girl he raped and killed as a way to torture the mother. The letter described in explicit detail the rape and the pleasure he experienced. How dare this author publish that and violate her all over again? The poor girl suffered horribly and he just made it public for all to know in detail. I agreed to read this as a friend recommended it knowing about the crime firsthand.
March 31, 2023
Great Book! Based in my hometown, a crazy in depth story from a brother trying to come to peace. So many locations close to home, it really hit deep!
October 12, 2023
Fascinating story, but very tedious to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews