A Perversion of Justice

by Kathryn Medico, Mollye Barrows

A startling look inside one of the most fascinating cases of last year––the murder of Terry King, the conviction of his 12 and 13–year old sons, and the pedophile who was accused of being an accessory. On November 26, 2001, Terry King was found dead in his recliner in his home in Pensacola, Florida. Though a fire had been set in an attempt to cover up the scene, the evidence was indisputable––he had been beaten to death with a baseball bat. Days later, King's two young sons, 12 and 13 and not even five feet tall each, were found hiding out in the mobile home of their close friend, Rick Chavis, a convicted pedophile who had recently become very close to 12–year old Alex. In parallel statements, Alex and Derek confessed to murdering their father, and soon, they became the two youngest people ever to stand on trial for murder in the state of Florida. But in a startling twist, the prosecution decided to do the unprecedented––try the boys for murder in one trial and Rick Chavis for murder in another, despite the boys' confessions. And in a case that gripped the state of Florida and hit headlines across the nation, convictions came down and were soon overturned. But in the end, the case became a series of missed opportunities, stunning reversals, and one of the most riveting true crime stories of the last decade.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

404 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 25, 2004

Reviews

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

The odor coming off this case was pretty rank to begin with, but when I read about the legal proceedings that followed I realized I was seeing a real Dumpster fire of a case. Incredible, multilayered tragedy on top of injustice on top of wrongheaded incompetence. I hope I never see another case this messed up again -- but then I've never fully tackled the OJ trial, have I? This book is well written and moves right along.

[Tina Markovetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow it kept me interested and finished it quickly so I could find out the results.

[Michael Bowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this many months back, but too busy to post. In light of the Sandusky child rape verdict, this book is especially relevant. This book describes a bizarre case in which two of the youngest defendants ever were charged with murdering their father. At the heart of the case, however, was the serial pedophile who coerced the boys into participating in the deed. This guy is in the same league as Sandusky, maybe even worse. No horror film can depict a character as evil and manipulating and repulsive as Rick Chavis. The book also shows the worst side of our prosecutorial system here in America. The prosecutor has such a vendetta against these boys that Chavis's manipulation and sexual acts with these and other young boys was unimportant to him. He felt the boys, aged 11 and 13, were more evil than Chavis. Incredible! Chilling and revealing and very well written, this book is an eye-opening depiction of what's wrong with our justice system.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave it 3 stars which means on here I liked it and that is correct. The writing was very good but I was so upset with what happened in this book.
Such a sad story. This was the second time I tried to read this book and the reason I stopped the first time was definitely not because of the writing cause that is very good. Just so hard to read on. I do not know why this story really saddened me cause I read so many true crime books so i should think I am used to sad stories, but I felt so sorry for the 2 boys.

I am going to google see how they are doing now.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad... Seems clear to me that the system failed two young children.

[Josi Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This baffled me - no enraged me. How could a known pedophile get away with so much? How could he have had so many connections? How dare multiple members of the trial proceedings allow the humiliation of children in front of their pedophile. Prosecutor Rimmer’s handling of the case was beyond frustrating. How can you justify interviewing Ricky 9 times who kept changing his story and take his word BUT the children changing their statement once was enough for Rimmer to think the little boys were evil masterminds? Not the 40 year old pedophile…. Even blaming the victims for being groomed by Ricky Chavis! I can’t believe how Ricky was worried about his safety in prison for being a child molester but in front of the public, jury and law enforcement he was barely (if anything) scolded for being obsessed with a 12-year-old boy. Hey news flash a man is not “in a relationship” with a child. Ricky groomed, molested, and manipulated multiple little boys!
The only positive things were the commendable hard work of Sharon Porter, Dennis Corder, and James Strokes. The only people in this case that had hearts and diligent work ethics. Thank goodness the boys were put in a juvenile detention center and not an adult prison.
Ugh those boys just wanted a family and some darn stability. I was deeply saddened learning that Alex has passed away. I hope Derek understands that adults letting him down his entire childhood was not his fault, nor his little brother’s.

[connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this book. I cared for the boys and I knew why they did what they did but the author 's writing was too dry for me. Other people may not agree but there were times that the story just dragged and it didn't keep my interest. Most crime stories usually I read cover to cover in a few days . This one I could put down and forget about for a few weeks , which to me is not a good sign . I hope others find it to be a better read than I did.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this is a horrible true crime involving children. Now, about the book. It’s a very well written account of the Terry King murder and how the parties involved were tried. It involves Mr. King’s sons, a nasty predator, and a judicial system that may not always work. The book also tells about the lawyers who worked hard to make Hong’s right.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bored one day in class, and looked for a book to read. I saw this one, saw "A PERVERSION OF JUSTICE" emblazoned on the front, and thought "okay, why not? Sounds good".

I was right, but at times, I wish I weren't.

"A Perversion of Justice" is a compelling tale of lies, deceit, love, and a dirty passion that leads a man to commit crimes deserving of a life-sentence in prison. This book was very interesting, and I loved reading it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves non-fiction, true crime, and anyone who has a stomach strong enough to read about the gruesome events that take place in "A Perversion of Justice".

[Lily OnTheLam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard of this story many years ago, but reading about the trials involved were both disheartening and infuriating - "Perversion of Justice" was an apt title regarding the lack of appropriate punishment toward a convicted pedophile in this case. The book was detailed and well-written. I'll avoid spoilers for any who do not know the case. This book made me sad and angry, but I am glad that I read it.

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

C+

[Courtney Himes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in family law and juvenile justice, and this book has just confirmed my passion for it. I have a whole new look on the impact parents and family have on young children.

[Matt Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disturbing.

[LInda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY long and wordy -- makes you want to NEVER go to the state of Florida for any reason. Scary scary "justice" system there.

[Emily White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book by watching some special on E! I am glad I read the book because I got alot more background. I don't necessarily agree with the outcome, but it is a true story.

[Gayle Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my collection.
I was really fascinated by this story. I will probably try to find out more about the case, because true crime books always make me want to know more.

[Amy]

Not too bad.