Angels of Death: A True Story of Murder and Innocence Lost

by Gary C. King

Describes the murder of Terry King, bludgeoned to death in his home, which was then set afire, and the arrest and trial of his two young sons, Derek and Alex, and their friend, convicted sex offender Ricky Chavis. Original.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2003

About the author

Gary C. King is a freelance author and lecturer who has published more than 500 articles in true crime magazines in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is also the author of several true crime books including: Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, Driven to Kill, Web of Deceit, Blind Rage, Savage Vengeance, An Early Grave, The Texas 7, Murder in Hollywood, Angels of Death, Stolen in the Night, Love, Lies, and Murder, An Almost Perfect Murder, Butcher, Rage, The Murder of Meredith Kercher, Crime Scene: True Stories of Crime and Detection, and Murder Most Foul: True Crime Stories of Murder and Mayhem.

Driven to Kill, the story of serial child killer Westley Allan Dodd's killing spree, was nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best True Crime Book category at Bouchercon 25.

Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, details the bizarre case of Dayton Leroy Rogers, Oregon's worst serial killer. A German language edition of Blood Lust was published in 1995. Both Blood Lust and Driven to Kill were chosen as featured selections of Doubleday's True Crime Book Club.

King’s television appearances have included Entertainment Tonight, Larry King Live, Inside Edition, Court TV, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, E!, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Extra TV, and several other programs. He also frequently provides radio interviews and has given talks at libraries as well as organizations devoted to readers and writers interested in the genre of true crime.

After years of traditional publishing, King recently joined the growing ranks of indie authors.

Reviews

[Julie Young Buckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Credibility

These boys and their adult friend really made a mess with the murder of their father. After lying about admitting to killing their dad, they change their story and say their adult friend did it. Sounds believable, sort of. Messy trial and outcomes that seem less than satisfying. They almost got away with murder.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange and depressing account of two young boys who kill their father, apparently at the behest of a pedophile who has designs on one of the boys.

[Caralyn Rubli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to understand, quick read. Very interesting

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a general read, the subject is a little much, but if you're interested in the facts, then this book is perfect. You follow the lives of Derek and Alex King as they kill their father and go through the judicial system. Even at the end of the book, it's still pretty much up to the reader to put all the endings to the story. Your heart will break for these boys as you find out they never had a decent childhood and probably will never have a decent future either. So sad but it's the times we live in.

[Sandra Laymon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story that leaves you guessing.

This story of how 12 and 13 year old brothers could kill their own dad is certainly a convoluted one that leaves you guessing about what really happened. But it was never a perfect family environment...not even close! This is a story involving the foster care system, run aways, a much older pedophile family "friend", an absentee mother and so much more! These two young brothers had very unstable lives but did THEY kill their abusive father or did the creepy family "friend" who also abused them? Most family pets are treated better than these children, much better! A must read to see what a judge and jury decided

[Katrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had lots of twists and turns. However kind of dragged out.

[Talia Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good book

I loved this book it was nice and simple and didn’t go
off on some tangents that seem boring or not important the story I loved it it was a great read

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the boys didn't have much of a chance with parents who weren't capable of parenting even on the most basic level of nurturing their sons.
the father didn't deserve to be murdered and the mother should have given the children up for adoption at birth. now the rest of these boys lives are pretty much over.
sad.

[Cheryl Schibley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two really cute pre-teen brothers plot to kill their father. True story.