Shattered Justice: The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders

by J.D. Morrison

Shattered Justice, bearing the title chosen by Paul Smith (Sheriff of Mayes County, OK, from 1981 to 1985), describes Smith’s squelched efforts to get justice for three little Girl Scouts murdered deep in the woods just outside Locust Grove, OK, on June 13, 1977. Lori Farmer, 8, Doris “Denise” Milner, 10, and Michelle Gusé, 9, were bludgeoned and strangled while sharing a tent during their first night of summer camp.

Morrison chronicles Smith’s attempts to get three suspects (one of whom confessed) charged in the killings, only to be stopped cold by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which still claims that Gene Leroy Hart, a prison escapee, was the lone killer. Following a ten-month manhunt, Hart was brought to trial and acquitted by a jury in 1979.

Smith and Morrison, who both appeared in Fox Nation’s The Girl Scout Murders in October 2022, together put forth a compelling analysis of evidence that points in another direction. Morrison now reveals details from hidden law enforcement records that she discovered in early 2022–records that Smith was deprived of during his stint as sheriff—as well as a death bed confession letter mailed to Morrison in the spring of 2021.

Shattered Justice covers one of the biggest whodunnits in Oklahoma history and meticulously educates the reader as to why no one has ever been held accountable for the horrendous crime. Morrison makes her case with disturbing and explosive details of misconduct by those who, seemingly, are determined to prevent justice from being meted out to the guilty.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2022

Reviews

[Karen Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s retelling of this horrific crime points out the crime itself, the abundance of law enforcement investigating but also the number of mishaps in collecting evidence.
Mere mention of the possible identity of the suspected killer is mentioned early on, and that someone, is all the police zeroed on, the only direction they looked at instead of gathering a list of suspects.
It is beyond tragedy that those three beautiful girls never got the justice they deserved.
The question remains, why would police not follow through on the initial investigation?
Who on the task force is actually related to the killer(s)?
Well done on the research from this author.

[Lisa]

Horrible topic, but wonderful coverage

Unfortunately this horrible crime remains open. Had the officials back when it first happened not covered things up to protect someone considered to be a friend, maybe Justice would be served by now. But with time comes age and memories fade and people die and some of those people will never see the Justice for their children. Others have been living life carefree when they should have been locked up.

My only issue with this book is that it ends so abruptly, and then it ends with a very religious afterward. It's not appreciated that an author thanks their readers by pushing their religious beliefs down our throat and suggesting we say a prayer of their choosing. Some of us are agnostic, and some are of other faiths than the author. I'm glad the author finds comfort in her own religion, but pushing it on those who purchase her books isn't appreciated. Just my opinion, of course

[Richard Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

mesmerizing and heart wrenching

One of the most immersive books of true crime I’ve read. Told in interesting and compelling style. The perspective is quite unique with appropriate wit well interspersed. The story itself is hideous but told in a sensitive manner. Over its 40 or so year time span you will be introduced to many characters, some of great virtue and several that are despicable several of whom are law enforcement personnel. All in all, SHOCKING in the manner Justice is circumvented in a case of child murder. It took me for a ride.

[Emma Buchanan · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I’ve researched this case well, and I was gonna use this book to write more of an essay that I had previously written. However, this book takes the approach of this case hasn’t been solved, when it has. The DNA was tested months before this book was even published and it was determined that Hart had involvement. Also there are inaccuracies in this book. Honestly if you can find it read “Someone Cry for The Children”. It’s out of print but it’s written by OSBI agents. That’s the most accurate book you can find.

[Casie Bazay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on what may have really happened with the Girl Scout murders in Oklahoma. I was riveted until about the last quarter when the pace slowed and things got a little too technical. There isn't much of a resolution to this story, but the again, the case is far from resolved. I do hope this book leads to more investigation and some possible arrests though. Lots of dirty deeds done by Oklahoma lawmen, it appears.

[Mjdrean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not four stars because of the length. Oh so many details bogged down this fascinating reconstruction and thorough research of a tragic event. Two brave women and one bedraggled lawman search for the truth, wading through seeming ongoing police coverups, badly handled evidence, a myriad of shady characters, and an ocean of red herrings. Sadly, I found myself scanning, but it was still captivating.

[Paige Nifong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

This tragedy is heartbreaking on so many levels. What happened to the young girls and how the case was handled. Being from Oklahoma, I am very disappointed by how the case was handled. Whether Hart is the true killer or not, there is enough reasonable doubt presented to overshadowed any "evidence" that was previously presented. I hope the Cherokee Nation chose to continue investigating.

[Steven Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly researched book. Do not miss this retelling of the Horrible Girl Scout murders at Camp Scott in 1977.
There are all kinds of new evidence brought forth here.
Not just a recounting of places and people involved; Ms. Morrison has done extensive new research and encountered hostile officials and factual remembrances.

[Danette Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

I still can’t believe that the true killers haven’t been brought to justice after all these years.
And they are still able to walk around freely.
When I think of Paul I think of courage. And now also Jennifer and Faith thank you for continuing his search for justice and sharing his faith.
And knowing that those 3 little girls are at peace.

[Sarah Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already knew a lot of this story, so it was nice to read it from a different perspective. Way too much backstory though on other people, it took the light off of those 3 sweet innocent lives that were taken too soon. Interesting read.

[Kyndal Berkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly got a little bogged down at the end with the DNA information, but that is more a me problem than the book. This book is really sad, by virtue of the nature of the case, but major respect to the players determined to find justice.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an informational book about the murders. It did have information that I had not read, or heard about, but also this book was written with a theory in mind. There are a lot of different veiws and ideas that are the opposite of other theories. Over all it was an interesting read.

[Amy H. Sturgis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad that this work highlights insights from outside of the original Sheriff Weaver and OSBI point of view, specifically those of Sheriff Smith and various community members. I hope this book will inspire continued inquiry into this important and still-solvable case.

[Marie C. Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read! Well written. My only disappointment was the unresolved ending. I was looking forward to reading DNA finally pointed a finger at the real killers. I agree it looks like law enforcement could've done a better job.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book

I gave 4 stars as the crime has not been solved, it does prove that hart was not associated with the murders. The girls still have not received their justice.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Never really had an interest in these kind of books, but true crime has always held a fascination. This book is really well written and very informative.

[Gayle DuBois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offered a theory that is believable. Still left a lot of unanswered questions.

[Lisa Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this book down!

This book had me from page 1. I was the same age as the youngest victim and was also at a Girl Scout camp that summer. I started reading wanting to know more about the horrible crime, and I finished reading with so many unanswered questions.

[Jeff York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome book!

I started reading this book at 7PM NEW YEARS EVE, couldn’t put it down, next thing I knew it was 3AM! I have followed this case for years, definitely the best book related to the case, I hope it brings answers and closure for the families!