
Pro Bono
The 18-Year Defense of Caril Ann Fugate
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Narrated by:
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Jeff McArthur
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By:
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Jeff McArthur
About this listen
In 1958, 19-year-old Charlie Starkweather went on a murder spree that paralyzed Nebraska, shocked the nation, and left 11 people dead. With him when he was captured was his 14-year-old ex-girlfriend Caril Fugate. The question soon arose: Was Caril a kidnapped victim or a heartless accomplice?
Appointed to her case, Attorney John McArthur initially accepted the assignment out of a sense of constitutional duty. But as he delved deeper, he found that the truth was far more complicated than anyone was letting on. Up against incredible odds, and with a strong conviction of her innocence, McArthur remained with Caril and fought for her freedom for 18 years. For this service, he took no pay, accepting the case pro bono.
This audiobook follows the long struggle of McArthur, his partner Merril Reller, and John's son, James, as they took on the Nebraska legal system and a public that had already determined Caril's guilt before ever hearing a word of testimony. The story continues through all it influenced, such as Stephen King, who became a horror writer because of it, Bruce Springsteen, who wrote a whole album about it, Terrence Malick, Oliver Stone, Martin Sheen, and Peter Jackson, who wrote his first major movie based on the Starkweather-Fugate incident.
Pro Bono explores aspects of this incredible story that have never been revealed before, and sheds new light on these terrifying and complex events.
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Phenomenal!!!
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I liked the story and learn about Caril Ann Fugate and her case. It was interesting and worth a credit to learn about the case.
Great True Life Story
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Caril Ann’s name sounded familiar but I couldn't put any facts together with it so I had some reservations going in when it came to the question of her guilt. I definitely came out of this book
with some thoughts on her guilt. Overall this is a great read for all levels of true crime officianado
A True Crime Story Well Worth Your Time
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Although Jeff McArthur obviously isn't your usual narrator for an audiobook, I do think, however, that his personal connection to the story was a plus. There were several editing errors in the audio, but had little impact on the story. Overall, a captivating experience!
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts on it are my own.
Captivating!
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Enjoyable listen
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Po Bono
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Fascinating subject, poor recording
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It was okay
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pretty good
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Jeff has clearly researched this well and having grown up with the case, he can give a broader insight into the finer details. I like how he has almost come to the defense of his grandfather and the case he provided. He has a passion for the case and for the integrity of the truth. He stands by the fact that only Caril Ann knows what truly happened in that killing time spree, but her behavior prior and after speaks quite well for itself. I do believe myself after listening to this, that she was just a bit of a simple girl that partook in the event in whatever form due to fear.
A great listen from an impassioned narrator.
Social opinion over justice
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