Michael Chapel

by Henry Ball, Deborah Dahlmann (Editor)

Michael Chapel is the tragic, infuriating, and explosive true story of a decorated veteran and former Gwinnett County (Georgia) police officer, with over thirty (30) letters of commendation from his police department, for meritorious service. In 1995 Chapel was convicted for the wanton armed robbery and murder of Emogene Thompson a Sugar Hill grandmother.
Chapel has maintained his innocence for twenty-eight years and a team of investigators have uncovered a mountain of evidence that proves the Gwinnett County Police Department and the District Attorney manufactured evidence (in their own words), destroyed evidence, coerced witnesses, lied in open court and otherwise manipulated the justice system and the case of the State of Georgia vs. Michael Harold Chapel.
Award winning author Henry Ball exposes it all in this instant classic true crime, true story.

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2021

Reviews

[Stacey Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Chapel ~the book is very well researched and thought provoking, the content centers around the very tragic and cold blooded killing of Emogene Thompson that occurred in Gwinnett County, Sugar Hill GA at the then Gwinnco Muffler located off Peachtree Industrial Blvd. and the cop in Gwinnett County who was convicted of her murder Michael (Mike) Chapel. This book is a must read. I was called as a witness to the Gwinnett County DA prosecution years ago in this case. Never, was I contacted by Mike Chapels defense counsel in this case. Why? One of many questions that’s always made me wonder about the guilt or innocence of Mike Chapel.

I did not witness any murder. I was a passer by Gwinnco Muffler at Peachtree Industrial Boulevard on that very unfortunate night of Ms. Thompson’s murder.

Questions remain. Why would any cop sit parked in a patrol car of any driveway off a busy road, facing the road with the dome light on knowing a murder was about to take place, that he was about to commit? And, knowing there were cars passing by the same area at the same time?

This book is worth the read and compelling enough to at least rise to the level of Chapel deserves a review of the original case.

Only God knows the truth. If Chapel is innocent, this is a double tragedy of the terrible fate of Emogene Thompson. And may her murder be avenged. As a believer in God, I pray for truth in all things. As a sinner, I am no ones judge and glad I’m not. If Michael Chapel~the man, is innocent of this crime he was convicted of… may God avenge.

[Henry Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating true story.

[Scott Epps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is innocent!

[Robert Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book lays out a clear and definitive case for Michael Chapel’s innocence. Michael Chapel was railroaded by a corrupt system and this book proves it. It is a fabulous read.

[Smith Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Chapel is a powerful and unsettling true-crime account that exposes how easily justice can be distorted when authority goes unchecked. Henry Ball presents a deeply researched examination of a case that raises urgent questions about evidence integrity, prosecutorial conduct, and the human cost of institutional failure.

Rather than sensationalizing the crime, the narrative focuses on the systems surrounding it—how testimony can be shaped, evidence lost or manipulated, and certainty constructed in courtrooms that demand closure over truth. Chapel’s history as a decorated police officer adds another layer of complexity, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable realities about who the system protects and who it discards.

What makes this book especially compelling is its restraint. The facts are allowed to speak, and in doing so, they paint a picture that is both infuriating and heartbreaking. The decades-long consequences of a contested conviction linger well beyond the final page.

This is essential reading for true crime fans, justice reform advocates, and anyone interested in cases where the official story deserves deeper scrutiny.

[Kim Byrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must give high praise to this author for his diligent work of bringing this travesty of justice to light. There is no doubt in my mind that this man was robbed of 28 yrs if his life by Danny Porter and his cronies. The TRUTH will prevail . Pubkic records do not lie but actually uncover the corruption in the Gwinnett County Police Department. Had this evidence been presented to the Jury Michael Chapel would not have missed his children’s lives and left his wife to be a single mom to their children. Stellar decorated Marine has lost 28 yrs of his life cof a crime he could NOT have committed!!!!! Where is the public outrage for Michael Chapel and his family???????

[Jenny Foxworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Ball is exposing the truth regarding the "good ole boy" system at work as Gwinnett County's DA, Danny Porter hid, destroyed, and suppressed so much of the true evidence for his own personal gain and list for power and control. Therefore a Marine Veteran Gwinnett Co Police Officer Michael Chapel was wrongly convicted for murder and ripped from his wife and two young children. He remains locked up for over 29 years! #michaelchaoelisinnocent.

[Michelle Cason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exposes a great injustice. Well written and a must-read!❤️