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Countdown to Murder: Pam Hupp: (Death "Insured") Behind the Scenes
The brutal murder of Betsy Faria on December 27, 2011 set off a maelstrom of events that resulted in an innocent man's imprisonment and another man's death. It would take a decade to unravel all the misdirection in the Faria murder case, the misconduct of the prosecution team, and the insidious mind of a murderer that St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar called "The Worst of the Worst!" Betsy Faria was stabbed over 55 times. The murder scene was staged in an effort to frame the victim's husband Russell Faria. Through an investigative trial filled with perjury, tainted evidence, and misdirection, Russell was found guilty and spent 3 1/2 years in prison before his tenacious lawyer won him a second chance. It was during that second trial that the shadows fell away and the real murderer was revealed. But, before they could bring her to justice, several people would be stalked as potential victims, and one man would eventually lose his life in her effort to deflect suspicion from herself. Along the way, her mother mysteriously plunged from her third-floor balcony and died. Pam Hupp benefited from the insurance in both her mother's and Betsy Faria's deaths.
Ripped from the headlines, this incredible case has spawned multiple podcasts, including Dateline NBC's most-popular podcast to The Thing About Pam. It will air February 22, 2022 as an NBC mini-series starring Renee Zellweger as Pam Hupp. The story will also appear as a People Magazine Investigates documentary. At this printing, a Preliminary Hearing and Death Penalty Murder Trial are in the works against Ms. Hupp. At their conclusion, there will be a follow-up book in the Countdown to Pam Hupp series by Rebecca F. Pittman. Rumors of other victims are also being looked into at this time.
The book is packed with crime scene photos supplied to Ms. Pittman by the prosecuting attorneys and their law enforcement agencies. Exclusive interviews with family, police, media, and prosecutors are included. Ms. Pittman was also given access to the detectives and PA's involved in the two murder cases.
Female serial killers are rare, representing only five to seven percent of the population. Accused of three murders, and with rumors of possible other victims, Pam Hupp falls within that five to seven percent. She filled the dark hours will plots so nefarious and unbelievable that it boggles the mind. It is chilling to think of what other plans she was composing when she was finally apprehended. There is still much to unveil. It is a story that will continue to rank as one of the most diabolical in True Crime history. The ripple effects of her actions have so far torn apart the lives of three victims and their families.
Pam Hupp is in prison for the murder of Louis Gumpenberger and is currently going to trial for the murder of Betsy Faria where Prosecutor Mike Wood will be seeking the Death Penalty. A Preliminary Hearing is set for Spring of 2022, with the trial probably falling in early 2023.
Rebecca F. Pittman is a bestselling author in several genres including her popular History and Haunting series. Her non-fiction books have uncovered new evidence in several cases, including that of the famous Borden murders of 1892 where Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her parents. She was also granted the rare privilege of writing about the Palace of Versailles paranormal activity along with its history. Her new Countdown to Murder series will include famous as well as current True Crime events. Look for her fiction series coming in 2022 based on murder mysteries with a supernatural bent. Check out her books at www.rebeccafpittmanbooks.com and sign-up for the free Ghost Writings newsletter for current information on appearances, signings, and intriguing events.
Ripped from the headlines, this incredible case has spawned multiple podcasts, including Dateline NBC's most-popular podcast to The Thing About Pam. It will air February 22, 2022 as an NBC mini-series starring Renee Zellweger as Pam Hupp. The story will also appear as a People Magazine Investigates documentary. At this printing, a Preliminary Hearing and Death Penalty Murder Trial are in the works against Ms. Hupp. At their conclusion, there will be a follow-up book in the Countdown to Pam Hupp series by Rebecca F. Pittman. Rumors of other victims are also being looked into at this time.
The book is packed with crime scene photos supplied to Ms. Pittman by the prosecuting attorneys and their law enforcement agencies. Exclusive interviews with family, police, media, and prosecutors are included. Ms. Pittman was also given access to the detectives and PA's involved in the two murder cases.
Female serial killers are rare, representing only five to seven percent of the population. Accused of three murders, and with rumors of possible other victims, Pam Hupp falls within that five to seven percent. She filled the dark hours will plots so nefarious and unbelievable that it boggles the mind. It is chilling to think of what other plans she was composing when she was finally apprehended. There is still much to unveil. It is a story that will continue to rank as one of the most diabolical in True Crime history. The ripple effects of her actions have so far torn apart the lives of three victims and their families.
Pam Hupp is in prison for the murder of Louis Gumpenberger and is currently going to trial for the murder of Betsy Faria where Prosecutor Mike Wood will be seeking the Death Penalty. A Preliminary Hearing is set for Spring of 2022, with the trial probably falling in early 2023.
Rebecca F. Pittman is a bestselling author in several genres including her popular History and Haunting series. Her non-fiction books have uncovered new evidence in several cases, including that of the famous Borden murders of 1892 where Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her parents. She was also granted the rare privilege of writing about the Palace of Versailles paranormal activity along with its history. Her new Countdown to Murder series will include famous as well as current True Crime events. Look for her fiction series coming in 2022 based on murder mysteries with a supernatural bent. Check out her books at www.rebeccafpittmanbooks.com and sign-up for the free Ghost Writings newsletter for current information on appearances, signings, and intriguing events.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
56 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Pittman
19 books12 followersRebecca Pittman grew up literally on a runway. Her mother was teaching fashion modeling before she was born.
Rebecca took to the catwalk at the age of 5 and was teaching modeling by the young age of 16. From there she began designing stage sets for fashion shows, upscale weddings and special events, along with pursuing her love of art and journalism.
She created Wonderland Productions and has been painting wall murals around the country for the past 33 years. In that time she published four books and has no intention of slowing down. Her first book, "How to Start a Faux Painting or Mural Business" went into a 2nd edition October, 2010. "Scrapbooking for Profit" was published in 2005.
Her journalistic interest took a sharp turn when she decided to write about the haunted location of The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, including the personal history of its ghosts. After living only 45 minutes away from the historical site for 33 years, her love of its history and her experiences there with things unexplained and paranormal led to her to write the book, The History and Haunting of the Stanley Hotel, released in July, 2011.
Ms. Pittman is currently researching The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana. The plantation is touted as the most-haunted home in America. That book will be followed by The History and Haunting of the Tower of London and the paranormal goings-on in Salem. She is also working on a children's adventure book and a screenplay about Edgar A. Poe.
Rebecca makes her home in Loveland, Colorado where she indulges her love of golf, boating, the arts and travel. She is the proud mother of 4 sons and their extended families.
"Show me a good mystery and I will want to solve it. It's the puzzle that fascinates me ... the clues, and the answers that tumble into place like a combination lock giving up its hold."
Rebecca took to the catwalk at the age of 5 and was teaching modeling by the young age of 16. From there she began designing stage sets for fashion shows, upscale weddings and special events, along with pursuing her love of art and journalism.
She created Wonderland Productions and has been painting wall murals around the country for the past 33 years. In that time she published four books and has no intention of slowing down. Her first book, "How to Start a Faux Painting or Mural Business" went into a 2nd edition October, 2010. "Scrapbooking for Profit" was published in 2005.
Her journalistic interest took a sharp turn when she decided to write about the haunted location of The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, including the personal history of its ghosts. After living only 45 minutes away from the historical site for 33 years, her love of its history and her experiences there with things unexplained and paranormal led to her to write the book, The History and Haunting of the Stanley Hotel, released in July, 2011.
Ms. Pittman is currently researching The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana. The plantation is touted as the most-haunted home in America. That book will be followed by The History and Haunting of the Tower of London and the paranormal goings-on in Salem. She is also working on a children's adventure book and a screenplay about Edgar A. Poe.
Rebecca makes her home in Loveland, Colorado where she indulges her love of golf, boating, the arts and travel. She is the proud mother of 4 sons and their extended families.
"Show me a good mystery and I will want to solve it. It's the puzzle that fascinates me ... the clues, and the answers that tumble into place like a combination lock giving up its hold."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 15, 2022
Badly needs editing
There is no doubt that Ms. Pittman did extensive research. However, the book was badly edited from both a substantive and copy basis. The numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes interrupted the flow (for me, at least), and it was repetitive in several places. I gave it 3 stars because of the extensive research, but the horrible editing made it difficult to read.
There is no doubt that Ms. Pittman did extensive research. However, the book was badly edited from both a substantive and copy basis. The numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes interrupted the flow (for me, at least), and it was repetitive in several places. I gave it 3 stars because of the extensive research, but the horrible editing made it difficult to read.
July 15, 2022
A riveting detailed account of the horrific murders committed by Pamela Hupp. A woman who on the surface, appears to be your normal everyday housewife.
Underneath that surface lurks a dark and doggedly determined woman, who sets her sights on someone and relentlessly pursue to the point of rude and obnoxiousness; her goal of achieving money that she blood thirstily desires.
Building layer upon layer of fabricated lies to make herself appear a weaker person than she really was-all while basking in the glorious attention she felt she deserved. Pointing fingers in misleading directions, anything to keep the authorities from breathing down her neck and off her trail.
However, over confidence can sometimes trip you up and when one brick falls out of place, the balance is thrown and eventually all comes tumbling down.
This retelling of true crime events alludes to more than one murder and the diabolical sociopath behind those crimes.
Highly recommend!
Underneath that surface lurks a dark and doggedly determined woman, who sets her sights on someone and relentlessly pursue to the point of rude and obnoxiousness; her goal of achieving money that she blood thirstily desires.
Building layer upon layer of fabricated lies to make herself appear a weaker person than she really was-all while basking in the glorious attention she felt she deserved. Pointing fingers in misleading directions, anything to keep the authorities from breathing down her neck and off her trail.
However, over confidence can sometimes trip you up and when one brick falls out of place, the balance is thrown and eventually all comes tumbling down.
This retelling of true crime events alludes to more than one murder and the diabolical sociopath behind those crimes.
Highly recommend!
May 9, 2022
This book is riddled with errors. Common words used in place of other common words (Collaboration for corroboration as a frequent example). It reads like talk to text gone wrong. I was a tough thing to let go.
Not only are there spelling and grammatical errors but there are also factual errors (number of stab wounds is publicly known to be 56, not 55, refers to dog as a he despite being female, there's a photo of BRISK ice teas the author has captioned as being SNAPPLE, for basic examples). Maybe I know too much about this crime but it was a little irritating.
It's rough because the interviews would've been great had they been presented in full verbatim style instead of heavy paraphrasing. Perhaps that's something "this author" (a phrase you will begin to hate throughout this book) should focus on fr her planned sequel.
Overall this book reads as rushed to cash in on a now popular true-crime interest story. It adds nothing to public knowledge that Atty. Joel Schwartz's book doesn't, other than creating a new introductory avenue, I guess.
Not only are there spelling and grammatical errors but there are also factual errors (number of stab wounds is publicly known to be 56, not 55, refers to dog as a he despite being female, there's a photo of BRISK ice teas the author has captioned as being SNAPPLE, for basic examples). Maybe I know too much about this crime but it was a little irritating.
It's rough because the interviews would've been great had they been presented in full verbatim style instead of heavy paraphrasing. Perhaps that's something "this author" (a phrase you will begin to hate throughout this book) should focus on fr her planned sequel.
Overall this book reads as rushed to cash in on a now popular true-crime interest story. It adds nothing to public knowledge that Atty. Joel Schwartz's book doesn't, other than creating a new introductory avenue, I guess.
March 12, 2022
I watched the first episode of the mini-series on NBC called “There’s Something About Pam”. It was very good and Renee Zellweger did a wonderful job playing Pam Hupp. I decided I would read the book before the next episode comes out. The book was very interesting but kind of like reading trial transcripts (still interesting if you’re into that kind of thing). The story itself is fascinating so all you true-crime lovers will most likely enjoy it.
Based on one of Dateline’s famous exposé detailing the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ' conviction. When his conviction was overturned, the crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp.
Based on one of Dateline’s famous exposé detailing the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ' conviction. When his conviction was overturned, the crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp.
February 18, 2025
This book was just okay. There are much better books about this case out there. In addition, the book needs serious editing. Many mistakes makes it difficult to read. The author also adds a lot of opinions and tries to sell us on her next book at the end. Not the worst book I’ve read but not the best either.
March 21, 2022
It’s difficult to Imagine
It’s hard to imagine anyone could be so calculating but yet so dumb. I am currently watching the series on TV and so I wanted to jump ahead by reading the book. Both are good.
It’s hard to imagine anyone could be so calculating but yet so dumb. I am currently watching the series on TV and so I wanted to jump ahead by reading the book. Both are good.
March 28, 2022
Pam Hupp
It is a very good book. I went to school with Pam Hupp. Was related to her by marriage in her first marriage. She has no shame. Treats her daughter like dog poop on the bottom of her shoe. Her daughter is the sweetest woman know. Drew the short straw for a mom.
It is a very good book. I went to school with Pam Hupp. Was related to her by marriage in her first marriage. She has no shame. Treats her daughter like dog poop on the bottom of her shoe. Her daughter is the sweetest woman know. Drew the short straw for a mom.
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April 22, 2022Jaw Dropping
This book had me captivated before I even started reading it.It is so juicy,but horrifying at the same time. It was a page turner for sure. I could not put it down. It was a very very good book. I defiantly can not wait for the sequel.
This book had me captivated before I even started reading it.It is so juicy,but horrifying at the same time. It was a page turner for sure. I could not put it down. It was a very very good book. I defiantly can not wait for the sequel.
June 29, 2022
Very good book. Good research and interesting story. However, the editing was terrible and took away from the overall effect.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews