Frank F. Weber's Blog, page 2

January 2024

In 2023, in Minnesota, there was an $487 million settlement, and accidental death of the involved CEO 1 month later. ​ ​The case was heard in the Warren E. Burger Federal Building & United States Courthouse in St. Paul.
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Fesenmaier v. Cameron-Ehlen Group
Kip Fesenmaier a former employee of Sightpath Medical filed a suit claiming Sightpath Medical partnered with Precision Lens and its CEO, Paul Ehlen, to bill Medicare for false claims. Sightpath and Precision Lens are headquartered in the same building in Bloomington, Minnesota.  The jury found that the kickbacks led to the submission of 64,575 false claims to Medicare between 2006 – 2015. The kickbacks were used to get physicians to use Precision Lens and Sightpath products in various ophthalmology procedures.  For example: Physicians were encouraged to convert from interocular lenses (IOLs) that they were currently using in cataract surgery to IOLs made available by Precision Lens and Sightpath in exchange for the kickbacks. The Department of Justice noted the kickbacks took various forms including high-end skiing, fishing, hunting and golfing trips. There were trips paid for doctors to attend the College Football National Championship and the Masters golf tournament. There were dinners at expensive restaurants, wine trips, ski trips, private flights, helicopter rides and tickets to Vikings, Packers and Twins games. 
May 17, 2023, A U.S. District Judge entered a judgment against Precision Lens and its owner, Paul Ehlen, for more than $487 million to settle allegations that it defrauded Medicare.  
P40-Warhawk On June 27, 2023, Paul Ehlen died when his twin-engine plane crashed due to a mechanical failure, shortly after take-off from Ravalli County Airport in western Montana. Paul was flying a vintage World War II P-40 Warhawk. 

The following statements were released regarding Paul Ehlen:

“Paul had a passion for restoring and flying vintage military aircraft, and he was killed this morning when the single-engine P-40 he was flying back to Minneapolis suffered a mechanical failure on takeoff.
"Paul was an innovative and courageous man, and his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others will continue."

"Above all else, Paul was a family man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children whom he loved so dearly." 
Paul Ehlen was worth $10 million. 
October 12, 2023, the Honorable Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright (of the Minnesota US District Court) said Kathryn Ehlen, Paul’s widow and the estate’s personal representative, failed to show that the FCA claims against her husband were “extinguished” upon his death. It is an interesting ruling, as by statute, only civil actions for damages survive the death of the defendant. The court ruled that the False Claims Act allows for recovery of damages.
I wonder if Paul Ehlen knew the debt would remain. It’s important to note that I haven’t seen anything that would suggest Paul’s spouse had any awareness of the fraud.
The cost of Medicare fraud is staggering. According to a report from the Centers for Medicare, improper payments made under Medicare programs in 2020 amounted to roughly $31.6 billion. This represents 7.25% of the total Medicare payments made under these programs. And as taxpayers, we foot the bill. 
Thanks for listening,
Frank

December

The Jon Frederick series has been selected as a finalist for a national award for the series of 2023 by Chanticleer Book Awards.  Merry Christmas to all..., I would like to thank everyone I’ve had the opportunity to interact with. There have been so many great conversations, stories and laughs. I can’t believe the number of books I’ve sold even though I’ve been too busy this past month to do events or blogs I do plan on getting back to it in 2024.  I will be releasing the next book in the Jon Frederick series, Scandal of Vandals in 2024. Here’s a peek at the back cover:
Enjoy the Christmas and New Years with friends and family!  All we have is moments. Instead of losing yourself in the past, or hoping for the future, for a time enjoy the moment. You have a chance to be with kind people—folks who might not always say the right things or engage in the correct behavior. Fallible humans--just like us. All we have is this moment. Appreciate it. Be kind. This has been the first year without my mother, Rosetta Kapsner Weber. There is value in learning from the past. Rosetta was reluctant to talk about hard times, because her philosophy was that if you have the opportunity to enjoy the moment, don’t waste it. 

Thank you for being so incredibly kind to me. Success only comes with the assistance of friends.

And to all a good night! Make it a Great Night!

Thanks for listening,

Frank

November 2023

Thank you for great book tour. In the last 7 months I’ve averaged 13 book presentations a month, along with still working full-time as a forensic psychologist. The Lake Agassiz tour was a blast with great crowds in every library. This was followed by a presentation at the Willmar library, 86 people signed up for! Thank you all!  I have one presentation left this year, in Waconia at Waconia brewing. I would like to share a little marriage and family trivia.

America’s weird family history…
Marrying for love became common place in the 1800’s.  Prior to that people were concerned that a marriage for love was less stable.  It was believed your most passionate love should be for God.

1850 1 in 8 girls in the United States were named Mary. In 2023, 1 in every 100 girls were named Mary. We have far greater variety of names today.

By 1950, the dream of a companionship family became a reality for some Americans. (Cohen 2022) This was new kind of marriage, where partners were friends and romantic partners. While I can’t find a specific date when this attitude change, the hope that became popular at that time, changed marital attitudes over time. Families ate meals and went on outings together. The concept of “teenagers” emerged. Just a generation earlier, many Americans entered the workforce after eighth grade. Unfortunately, the dream was hampered by laws and traditions that still denied women equal status. Young girls were expected to be housewives instead of educated professionals. Still, the ideal was important as over time, it changed the expectations people had of marriage. The idea would become a reality for most couples two generations later. The first birth control pill was invented by devout Catholic, Dr. John Rock, who saw it as a way to help people out of poverty. On June 23, 1960, The Food and Drug Administration approved of Enovid, the first oral contraceptive. The availability of effective birth control enabled couples to delay marriage and increased women’s opportunity to develop a career. (Goldin 2002)                                                                                            Family in the 1960’s
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The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin in public places, schools, and employment. However, discrimination based on sex was not initially included in the proposed bill and was only added as an amendment in an attempt to prevent its passage. Congressman Howard Smith, (a staunch opponent of civil rights), offered an amendment that added sex to the four original categories, but only in Title VII (equal employment opportunity).  Smith’s amendment to the civil rights bill was intended to kill the bill. Fortunately, the bill was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964. The Civil Rights Act has greatly improved opportunities for a large number of Americans and subsequently improved the lives of families. (Couch 2015) The implementation of Headstart in 1965 was a tremendous boost to underprivileged families. Children who participate in Headstart are more likely to finish high school, graduate from college and are less likely to be arrested.  A growing body of research suggests that the first few years of life are a particularly promising time to intervene in the lives of low-income children. (Macionis 2019) The National Organization for Women (NOW) was formed on June 30, 1966. NOW lost no time in pressing President Johnson to follow through with the promise of equal employment opportunity for women contained in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.  While praising him for his efforts the new organization’s leaders pointed out the omission of sex in its wording and expressed disappointment that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) did not seem willing to carry out that part of the law’s mandate. The omission of sex in the executive order was finally rectified on October 13, 1967.  (Ryan-Hume 2021) Title IX of the Civil Right Act was signed into law on June 23, 1972. The significance of Title IX cannot be underestimated. It ensured women the right to be athletes in school and the number of women participating in high school and college sports increased ten times in the following two decades. The greatest concern when Title IX passed was that the growth of women’s sports would dimmish the involvement in sports by men. That is not the case. The number of men involved in sports has also increased. (Macionis 2019) On March 6, 1975, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in regard to the Petition of Kruzel, ruled that no law requires a married woman to change her name when she marries. (Gorence 1976) Kathleen Harney, an art teacher in the Milwaukee public school system, continued to use her birth name after marriage. At no time had she used her husband's surname and he had no issue with this. The school board informed her that to continue teaching, she either had to use her husband's surname or "legally" change her name to Harney. The case initially went to a circuit court. The circuit court ruled that all family members should bear the same surname. The judge suggested if parents cannot agree on a common name, it would be better for their children, and society in general, that they didn’t marry. Authorities cited in American Jurisprudence, erroneously, that under “common law” a woman is required to adopt her husband's surname.  

Common Law refers to practices that are enforced because they are popular or common, rather than by legal statute.

Ironically, under English Common Law, the surname by which a person is known was considered to be a person's "legal" name. In this case, she was commonly known as Kathleen Harney. The case went to the Wisconsin supreme court which overturned the circuit court ruling, stating: "While it is true that some customs of society have developed into rules of law, there is no evidence that in this jurisdiction the custom was ever accorded that effect.” (Gorence 1976) The case provided recognition by the court of the right of a woman to her own identify, separate from that of her husband. It is important as a symbolic statement of equality of rights under the law. This decision was used as a guide by other states. Until this law was passed, a woman had to get a license, passport or credit card in her husband’s name, even if she had kept her “maiden name.” What is the word for a name a man was born with? We don’t have a word for it. It’s just his name.  In 1993 Marital Rape made illegal in all 50 states. North Carolina was the last state to pass this protection. Oregon passed a law in 1977 eliminating marital rape immunity. In 1978 John Rideout was the first man in the U.S. charged for raping his wife. John Rideout was accused of raping his wife, Greta Rideout, while they were still living together. John Rideout was acquitted unanimously by a jury. An interesting aside is that in 2017, John Rideout was convicted of raping two women, including a woman who had hired him to do handyman work and his cohabitating partner. John was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to two 100-month sentences. (Bazhaw 2008)
Our efforts to aid families who struggle financially provide some benefits but need improvement. The federal program known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was passed in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act to support widows and women who had been abandoned by their husbands. Rapid growth in the program occurred in the 1960’s and 1970’s. This would lead to the end of the program in 1996.  President Bill Clinton negotiated with a Republican controlled Congress to pass the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. A lifetime limit of five years was imposed on receipt of benefits. The act mandated a lifetime ban on welfare benefits for individuals convicted of a drug-related felony. However, follow-up studies on the change suggested the policy of denying welfare benefits based on a felony conviction status was unlikely to deter drug use or promote self-efficacy unless accompanied by effective mental-health services, help with employment, and supports to ensure a safe living environment. (Kubiak 2004) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was passed on October 28, 1995 and implemented in 1997 with similar restrictions. Many Americans continue to refer to the program as AFDC or “welfare.” After 20 years of research on the impacts of TANF, it is clear that it falls short of helping people enter the workforce and stay there. In order to receive TANF caregivers with children under 6 are required to work 20 hours per week. However, research shows that many participants find work, but are not successful in keeping it. About one third of TANF recipients have a work limiting health condition and in general recipients have high rates of exposure to violence. (Kubiak 2004) The criticism of TANF is it results in more families in deep poverty, for if they can’t meet the work requirements there is no help. Picture of family at homeless encampment in Beltrami neighborhood in Minneapolis.
We need to take the tax burden off the working class and middle class and ask billionaires to help. This would help rid us of many of our homeless encampments. 
On June 26, 2015, Obergefell vs. Hodges ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. The percentage of Americans saying gay or lesbian relations between consenting adults should be legal rose from 43% in 1977 to 73% in 2017. (Butler 2017) I am an advocate of two adults committing to a loving and caring relationship, which will provide guidance for children. It clarifies roles and expectations. Because of the law, now after a divorce if one partner moves into a same sex marriage, they are subsequently evaluated on their ability to parent, rather than their lack of having a marital partner. In the past a parent could be denied custody for being unmarried, even if they legally couldn’t marry their lover. I dealt with cases where a married abusive parent received custody of a child over an unmarried caring partner before the law was changed. 
As a society I feel we are headed toward treating more people equally, and I see this as a positive step as a Christian and a sociologist. Jesus never struck as someone who would say, “You can’t be in my group.” Recent studies show two interesting facts: Couples who help each other with chores report the greatest satisfaction in marriage. The longer people are married, the more they share chores.
Thanks for listening,
Frank Weber


Cohen, P. (2022). The family: Diversity, inequality, and social change (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton. 
ISBN-13: 9781324038993​

Goldin, Claudia and Lawrence F. Katz. (2002). The power of the pill: Oral contraceptives and women's career and marriage decisions. Journal of Political Economy 110(4): 730-770.

Patricia J. Gorence, (1976). Women's Name Rights, 59 Marq. L. Rev. 876 (1976). Available at: http://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/mulr/vol59/iss4/8
Macionis, J. (2019). Sociology. (17th ed.) Pearson India Education Services Pvt. Ltd. ISBN: 978013464279Kubiak, S., Siefert, K., Boyd, C. (2004). Empowerment and Public Policy: An exploration of the Implications of Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act. Journal of Community Psychology. Vol. 32 Issue 2. p 127-143, March 2004: https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.10088

Booshehri, L.G., Dugan, J., Patel, F., Bloom, S., Chilton, M. (2018) Trauma-informed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): A Randomized Controlled Trial with a Two-Generational Impact. Journal of Child & Family Studies. 2018; 27(5);1594-1604. Doi:10.1007/s10826-017-0987-y. Epub 2018 Jan 1. PMID: 29657515; PMCID: PMC5886995.

Couch, K. A., Hersch, J., & Shinall, J. B. (2015). FIFTY YEARS LATER: THE LEGACY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 34(2), 424–456. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43866378

Ryan-Hume, J. (2021). The National Organization for Women and the Democratic Party in Reagan’s America. The Historical Joournal. 64(2), p 454-476.

Bazhaw, Melissa Anne, (2008) For Better or for Worse? Media Coverage of Marital Rape in the 1978 Rideout Trial. Department of Communication. Georgia State University 4-21-2008
Butler, Brian E., (2017), 'Brown and Obergefell: Two Positive Precedents?', The Democratic Constitution: Experimentalism and Interpretation (Chicago, IL, 2017)

Ludwig J, Phillips DA. Long-term effects of head start on low-income children. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008;1136:257-68. doi: 10.1196/annals.1425.005. Epub 2007 Oct 22. PMID: 17954676.
The History, Uses, and Abuses of Title IX. (2016). Bulletin of the American Association of University Professors (2010-), 102, 69–99. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44648664

Halloween adventures at Fitger’s Bookstore in Duluth.

On the first Saturday of October, I was at Fitger’s Bookstore. As typical, I arrived an hour early to get everything set up. I made one last trip to the vehicle to bring in a poster. I bent down by the side of my SUV to pick it up and unbeknownst to me, the tailgate started dropping down. When I glanced up the corner cut into my forehead tearing out a chunk. I’ve been on a blood thinner, since my heart attack two years ago, so blood poured down my face.

I remembered on the way in that there was an Essentia Clinic, right across the street from Fitger’s so I jogged over. Unfortunately, the street level clinic is closed on weekends. The hospital is on top of the hill, so I jogged up 8 flights of stairs, holding bloody Kleenexes to my forehead. 
The Essentia Hospital staff were amazing. They quickly realized it couldn’t be stitched so they created an antibiotic patch to cover the wound.  They carefully cleaned the blood off my face so I could return and sign books. The staff were amazing, and I am thankful! It’s a reminder that there are some great professionals out there and I am grateful!

After the events outlined below I’m taking a break to finish my next book.  

Thanks for listening!


Frank Upcoming events:

Thursday, October 12, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Hello Beautiful Event in Little Falls, signing and selling books from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Frank will have his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH}. It is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. The book contains amazing true stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will be answering questions on forensic work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Hello Beautiful event is held at the Little Falls Ballroom at 5870 Minnesota Highway 27, Little Falls, Minnesota, 56345


Saturday, October 14, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Great Regional River Library in Pierz, speaking from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 9:00 a.m. to noon answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Pierz Library is located at 117 Main Street South Pierz, Minnesota, 56364.  This is as close as you can get to hear the story from the community it occurs in. 


​Saturday, October 21, 2023, Frank Weber will be speaking at the Lakes Area Writers Alliance Fall Conference.  The LAWA conference will be held at the Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter, Minnesota. The conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Frank will be speaking at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. He will then answer questions on a panel at 3:00 p.m. The Arrowwood Lodge is located at 6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter, Minnesota, 56425.

Monday, October 23, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Bon Ton Tavern in Luck, Wisconsin speaking from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the tavern from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The event is sponsored by the Luck Public Library and is being held at Bon Ton Tavern.  Bon Ton Tavern is located at 212 South Main Street, Luck, Wisconsin.


Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Forensic Psychologist & True Crime author, Frank Weber will be speaking to The Readers Brainerd Book Club in Baxter. The Readers were the winners of drawing on a set of Frank’s books and a personal visit with their bookclub.


Saturday, October 28, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Kitchigami Regional Library in Bemidji, speaking from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 9:00 a.m. to noon answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Kitchigami Regional Library in Beltrami county is located at:  509 American Avenue Northwest, Bemidji, Minnesota. 


Halloween, October 31, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Brainerd High School, speaking from 9:45 to 11:00 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be speaking in the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts and will be answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books, and discussing the latest forensic tools.


Lake Agassiz Regional Library tour November 1 2 & 3, 2023:


Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be speaking on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Frank will be at the library answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books, and discussing the latest forensic tools before and briefly after the presentation. Frank will be at the following locations:
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Mahnomen, presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Mahnomen Library is located at 203 South Main Street, Mahnomen, Minnesota, 56557.
Thursday, November 2, 2023, Fertile, presentation from12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.  The Fertile Public Library is located at 101 South Mill Street, Fertile, Minnesota, 56540.
Thursday, November 2, 2023, Ada, presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The Ada Public Library is located at 107 4th Avenue East, Ada, Minnesota, 56510.
Friday, November 3, 2023, Hawley, presentation from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Hawley Public Library is located at 422 Hartford Street, Hawley, Minnesota, 56549.
Friday, November 3, 2023, Moorhead, presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Moorhead Public Library is located at 118 5th Street South, Moorhead, Minnesota, 56560.


Saturday, November 4, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Willmar Public Library in Willmar, speaking from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Willmar Public Library is located at: 410 5thStreet Southwest, Willmar, Minnesota, 56201.


Sunday, November 5, 2023, Forensic Psychologist &True Crime Author, Frank Weber,  will be at Forgotten Star from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  He’ll speak from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. about Forensic psychology and the writing of True Crime mysteries. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend to beat it). He will share what they get right and wrong on crime shows. It’s a great time to get questions about forensics answered while enjoying a cold beverage. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost. He will also share information on the true story behind his newest novel, The Haunted House of Hillman. Forgotten Star is located at: 38 Northern Stacks Drive, Fridley, Minnesota 5542.


Thursday, November 16, 2023, Forensic Psychologist and True Crime Author will be at the Meet the Author Event at Northern Lakes Assisted Living Lifelong Learning Program.  Frank will present from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on his forensic work and the writing of his newest True Crime thriller, The Haunted House of Hillman. Maddie Dehler demonstrated one of the most remarkable survival escapes in history. Still horror returns again and again to the same county in rural Minnesota, and eventually to the home Julia Adams built. Based on a true case that eluded resolution for years. Northern Lakes Assisted Living Lifelong Learning Program is located at 8186 Excelsior Road, Baxter, Minnesota, 56425​

Girls on bicycles…

As an adolescent my wife used to bike the roads of rural Minnesota whenever she had the chance. She felt free and independent and enjoyed the physical exertion of pushing her body to bike further and faster. When I studied Larry Hall and saw how he destroyed the lives of families of young women who were either walking or biking it breaks my heart. 
March 29, 1993, Tricia Lynn Reitler took a break from writing her term paper. She wanted to be a psychologist. She walked to Marsh’s Grocery Store to get a root beer and vanished, never to be seen or heard from again. Tricia told her roommate that a van was driving by her when she was biking or walking. Tricia felt she was being stalked. Tricia Reitler’s clothes were found under a tree with blood on them and an earring had been torn off her ear. From the evidence, it was clear Tricia had been abducted and a sexual assault had occurred. 
Suspect, 28-year-old Tony Searcy made a 911 call on the night of Tricia’s disappearance. Investigators feel Tony was trying to send police to another part of town. Tony is given a polygraph examination on Tricia’s disappearance and fails. Cadaver dogs walked around his vehicle and hit on the back of his truck. One of the problems is that cadaver dogs are trained to hit on the presence of copper and Tony is a copper thief. Searcy is arrested for the theft of copper. Evidence or coincidence. As I’ve said before I believe in coincidence.
On September 20, 1993, at around 3:30 p.m, Jessica Roach, 15-years-old, had gone for a bicycle ride in rural Georgetown, Illinois. Jesse wanted to be a pilot and was described as “always smiling.” Her bicycle was found abandoned only a quarter of a mile away from her home on a road between two large corn fields. 

A farmer in Indiana running a combine through a cornfield discovered a body. Investigators initially thought it was Tricia Reitler, but the Medical Examiner discovered it was Jessica Roach. A witness, Monte Cox, gave a description of a man with dark lambchop sideburns coming out of the cornfield late at night and getting into a van. 

In May of 1994, in Georgetown, Illinois, two teenage girls Abbey Rummel and Kaylen Hoskins were out riding their bikes. They realize a van is following them. They turned and pedaled fast but he followed. They cut into an alley his van couldn’t fit through and headed home. They had just escaped a serial killer. 
One year after the day Tricia Reitler disappears, two teen girls report being stalked by a man in a van. Police pull the van over and find lighter fluid, rope and the Tricia Reitler missing poster. The van belonged to Larry Hall. Larry says he might have kidnapped Tricia or he might have just dreamed it. They call a detective in Larry Hall’s hometown, and the detective tells him Larry isn’t the guy. “He’s just an odd duck.”

Investigator Gary Miller still suspected Larry Hall. If you had a civil war reenactment, Larry Hall would be there. Miller discovered a civil war reenactment took place close to where Jessica disappeared. Miller showed Larry Hall a picture of Jessica Roach. Hall flinched and didn’t want to look at it. Ten days later, Gary spoke to Hall again. Hall admitted, “I was on the road. “There was a girl and I wanted to talk to her. Since she wouldn’t get in my van, I had to grab her…” He acknowledged sexually assaulting her. “I just do things. I’m out of control. I have nightmares.” He reported burying most of his victims. Hall also confessed to the Tricia Reitler murder. He admitted Tricia fought him hard when she attempted to escape, but he had a hunting knife. After Larry confessed to multiple murders, he then recanted his statement. They had no forensic evidence. It was argued Hall’s personality was such that he would admit to anything under pressure. The conclusion was: Larry Hall had no remorse, or he didn’t do it. 
Larry and Gary Hall This gets confusing. Not only was the lead investigator named Gary, Larry also had a twin brother named Gary. Larry and Gary Hall were twins born in 1962. Both babies shared the same placenta. Larry was small and born blue because he wasn’t receiving the same nutrition Gary was receiving during the pregnancy. Gary and Larry Hall’s father, Robert, was a sexton (gravedigger) in a cemetery. The family lived next to the graveyard. At age 12, Larry began digging graves with Robert. Larry greatly feared his father. His parents were hoarders. People described their home as “living in a garage sale.” Their father often smelled like alcohol and the boys were smothered by their mother. (Today they would call the relationship enmeshed.) Larry shared that Gary would talk about his mother as if she was his girlfriend, into his adulthood. Gary and Larry loved to participate in confederate reenactments. They were extras in the Glory and Gettysburg movies.  

Larry was easy to talk to but would never initiate a conversation. Gary was the leader. Both showed a lack of respect for authority as they got older. The police described them as “hardened.” Larry set fire to several buildings. In 1984, their father, Robert Hall was fired for drinking alcohol and burying people in the wrong place. Gary went to live with his girlfriend, which was a traumatic event for Larry. He had lost his best friend. Larry got work as a janitor at the bank. IN 1987, Gary married. Larry started going to civil war reenactments by himself. Gary reported that Larry was always very jealous of him and threatened to kill him numerous times during their childhood. 
The Macdonald Triad theory was developed in 1961 by John Macdonald. The Triad suggests that serial killers are more likely to have a history of three elements: enuresis (bedwetting), fire setting, and animal cruelty. Larry Hall met all 3. He was embarrassed about wetting the bed in adolescence. Larry had started a number of buildings on fire. Larry also killed approximately 300 rabbits on the family rabbit farm. 
Michelle Dewey was a young mother in her 20’s who was strangled to death close to Larry’s hometown. Her son was clearly the most important thing in her life. On July 1, 1991 Michelle Dewey was sunbathing in the backyard of her Irvington home on South Downey Avenue. "Michelle was sitting in the lawn chair and Willie was playing in the little wading pool," recalls Michelle's aunt Jane Bray.

Gary Hall visited his brother in prison in 2009, in an effort to give Michelle’s family some closure. Gary stated, "Larry confessed that he was in the Irvington area of Indianapolis on July 1, 1991," Larry had driven to Irvington to check out a blue Dodge van listed in a Trader newspaper. "He drove by Michelle Dewey. She was laying out." Hall says his brother stalked her and later barged in the door of the home, strangled Michelle Dewey and left when her child began to scream and cry. Larry admitted to an investigator that he had taken a record from Michelle’s home, a detail that hadn’t been public.
Gary Hall said his brother confessed to 15 murders that took place in California, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri and Wyoming. "I don't believe he's making any of this up. He's got too many specific details," says Gary Hall. "He was attracted to young, long dark-haired women, 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-5 inches in height, with a slender, athletic build," says Gary Hall. (The dimensions of Gary’s wife.) All of the convicted victims looked like Larry’s twin brother’s first wife. Gary Hall’s wife had dark curly hair and was small in stature like the victims.
On August 19, 1992, a co-worker walked Laurie Jean Depies to her vehicle after work at the Fox River Mall in Appleton, Wisconsin. Her vehicle was heard coming into the parking lot of her boyfriend’s apartment complex, located at 310 West Wilson Avenue in Appleton, Wisconsin; however, Depies never entered the apartment. Depies’ boyfriend’s sister and her friend searched for Depies in the parking lot to no avail.  They found her vehicle locked, with a Styrofoam cup of soda on top of it. Larry Hall admitted killing her in an interrogation. Larry remembered she’d placed a soda cup on top of her car. 

Prosecution portrayed Larry Hall as a stalker. The defense presented Larry as a mild mannered, shy man who was easily manipulated into a confession. Larry was convicted of murder; however, he won an appeal for a new trial. It was determined that the confession was coerced. Larry was convicted again at the new trial. The case was appealed again.  The prosecutor wanted to help the Reitler family find Tricia’s body. They placed convict Jimmy Keene in Larry’s cell in an effort to get Larry to reveal the location of Tricia’s body. Larry loved watching America’s Most Wanted. When they were watching the show in a general area another prisoner changed the channel. Jimmy changed it back to Larry’s favorite show and a fight ensued. Jimmy earned Larry’s trust by standing up for him. Larry created a map and placed a hand carved falcon at the location of every body. Larry spoke of the victims as if they were his girlfriends. Larry admits Tricia Reitler put up a tough fight. Larry admitted he had the murder kit in his van including shackles and a tarp. He drove Tricia’s body into the woods and buried her there. Jimmy made a call to the FBI and told them he now had all the information they needed. Jimmy then made the mistake of going back to the cell and confronting Larry and calling him “a demented killer.” Jimmy’s FBI handler didn’t get the new information in a timely manner, which gave Larry time to destroy the map. (This is featured in the Netflix series Blackbird.) 
Larry would return to crime scenes after and offer to help with searches for his victims. An investigator interviewed Larry Hall in prison regarding an unidentified victim, called “Grace Doe,” who was strangled and sexually assaulted. Larry denied murdering “Grace Doe” but did admit to murdering the Springfield three. Larry told the investigator how he enjoyed strangling and spoke specifically about the murder of Jessica Roach. Larry stopped during the interview and apologized for eating in front of her, and then went on to give the details of murder. Larry claimed his brother Gary Hall was involved, but there is no evidence to support this.

The Springfield Three:
On June 7, 1992, 47-year-old Sherill Levitt, her daughter 19-year-old Suzanne Streeter and Streeter's friend, 18-year-old Stacy McCall, disappeared from Levitt and Streeter's Springfield, Missouri, home. They haven't been seen or heard from since. Authorities believe the women were abducted sometime between 2:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on June 7. 
The suspects in the Springfield 3 disappearance:
The primary suspect has been Robert Craig Cox. Cox was convicted of killing a woman in Florida. However, at the time of the disappearance of the Springfield 3, that conviction had been overturned and he was living in Springfield, Missouri. Cox pled guilty to kidnapping and assault in California and served nine years in prison before being convicted of the murder of Sharon Zellars in Orlando, Florida, and sentenced to death. That conviction was overturned due to lack of evidence, and after that reversal, Cox moved to Springfield. Cox's girlfriend provided him an alibi saying they were together when the women disappeared, but she eventually confessed to police that her statement was a lie.
Sherill Levitt and Suzanne Streeter’s house. ​In 1996, reporter Dennis Graves went to a Texas prison to interview Cox about the Springfield 3. “I know that they are dead," Cox told Graves. "I’ll say that. And I know that.” Cox refused to provide further details. Robert Cox is currently serving a life sentence in Texas for robbery and will be eligible for parole in 2025. Despite heavy suspicion, he was never charged in connection with the disappearance of the Springfield Three.
​
2. Bartt Streeter was Sherrill Levitt’s son and Suzanne’s brother. Bartt had a history of intoxication and trouble, and Sherrill had disinherited him. Despite his volatile relationship with Sherrill, investigators didn’t feel it was him. In 2019, Bartt Streeter was arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and attempted false imprisonment. Surveillance video showed Streeter grabbed a customer's hand—at a nail shop in Las Vegas. The owner said Streeter pointed to a 15-year-old girl customer, claiming he was her grandfather and saying he was there to take her home when she was finished. The girl had never seen him before.

3. A 3rd suspect in the murder of the Springfield 3 is Dustin Recia. Recia was a former boyfriend of Suzie Streeter. He broke into a Springfield mausoleum a few months before the women vanished and stole $30 worth of gold fillings from a skull. Streeter had given investigators a statement about the mausoleum break-in and was scheduled to testify as a witness against Recla in court. Recla and two friends that helped in the mausoleum robbery were known to be together and in the area the night the women went missing.

4. Larry Hall. Serial killer Larry Hall claimed he killed them. Stacy and Suzie at Kickapoo High School graduation on the night of their disappearance. At the time of their disappearances, Sherill Levitt is described by the police department as 5 feet tall and 110 lbs. with brown eyes and short bleached-blonde, curly hair.
Suzanne Streeter was 102 lbs. with brown eyes, straight, shoulder-length, bleached blonde with a scar on top of her right forearm and a small tumor in the left corner of her mouth.
Stacy McCall was 120 lbs. with blue eyes, dark blonde, medium-length hair with freckles and a dimple in the middle of her chin.
Larry Hall was never convicted of Tricia Reitler’s murder. Larry told his brother in 2009 he murdered 19 women. In 1994, Larry confessed to murdering 22 women. He later changed the number to 39. People now believe Larry is a murderer and not a “false confessor.” The number of murders is unknown. Larry Hall is incarcerated at the all-male Federal Correctional Institution Butner Medium II in North Carolina, where he’s expected to remain for the rest of his natural life. 

Additional Alleged victims of Larry Hall: On June 28, 1982, 19-year-old Naomi Lee Kidder left Buffalo, Wyoming with several friends en route to Rawlins, Wyoming. They stayed at the Travelodge Hotel until June 29, 1982, when Kidder left to go hitchhiking. This was the last time she was seen alive. Kidder's nude remains were found in Natrona County, Wyoming on September 10, 1982, in what appeared to be a partially-dug grave. She was identified on March 10, 1993, through dental records. Her cause of death was ligature strangulation. Larry Hall is considered a viable suspect because after his arrest he was found in possession of a document bearing Kidder's name. ​ On September 6, 1986, the body of a young woman was found nude, strangled, and sexually mutilated a day after her death in a cornfield near Summerfield, Illinois by a farmer. The unidentified woman was referred to by detectives as the "Summerfield Jane Doe," and was buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery under a gravestone that said "Jane Doe: Known Only to God". In 2007, the unidentified woman's body was identified as being 26-year-old Eulalia Mylia "Lolly" Chavez after fingerprints from an arrest record matched. Lolly was believed to have been hitchhiking on the day she disappeared. After confessing to Chavez's murder to a St. Louis television reporter via letter, Larry Hall became a suspect. DNA evidence at the crime scene proved to be inconclusive. Linda Lynn "Little Linda" Weldy, 10, disappeared on February 24, 1987, after she was dropped off by her school bus near her home on McClung Road in La Porte, Indiana at about 3:30 pm.  Linda was last walking to her rural home, 200 yards from the bus stop. Linda’s body was found three weeks later on March 17, along an abandoned railroad track nine miles away from where she was last seen on County Road 500 South near Kingsbury, Indiana. She had been manually strangled. According to investigators, Larry Hall was in the area at that time. At around 2:00 p.m. on June 4, 1987, 16-year-old Wendy Louise Felton stayed home in Marion, Indiana, when her older sister drove their parents to an airport for a business trip that afternoon. When her sister returned home at about 5:00 pm, Felton was gone, but all of her belongings were left behind in her bedroom. Felton's home was less than twenty-five miles from Wabash, Indiana where Larry Hall lived at the time. In addition, the Felton home was located only a few miles away from a civil war reenactment site Hall often visited. Detectives have not ruled out Hall as a suspect.
19-year-old Paulette Sue Webster was last seen walking home from a friend's house in Chester, Illinois at 11:00 p.m. on September 2, 1988. She has not been seen since. In 2011, Hall sent a letter to author Christopher Hawley Martin, who is from Hall's hometown of Wabash, Indiana in which he claimed responsibility for Webster's murder. Hall claimed Paulette was taken from the main east and west roads through Chester near a mobile home park. Hall then said he took Paulette to a remote location where she was kept and sexually assaulted for several hours. Hall claimed he either threw her in the Mississippi River or buried her. Hall wrote, "If I did it, I would have put her in a river or in a field." 
I want people to enjoy nature. We need to do what we can to make it safe…
To the victims, I wish you peace...  Thanks for listening,

Frank
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 15-17, 2023 Frank will be at the Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival in Wisconsin Dells selling and signing all of his books including his newest, The Haunted House of Hillman. A festive celebration of autumn, Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival is filled with family activities, including an arts and crafts fair, antique flea market, Maxwell Street Days, live entertainment and a large parade.​
Monday, September 18, 2023, Frank Weber will be a guest on the morning show at 8:05 a.m. with Host Bob Hughes. You can listen in on AM 1450/FM 99.3, KNSI. Bob and Frank will discuss current crimes and serial killers.Thursday, September 21, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Arlington Public Library in Arlington, speaking from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Arlington Public Library is located at: 321 W Main St, Arlington, MN 55307
Wednesday, September 27 through Saturday, September 30, 2023, Forensic Psychologist &True Crime Author, Frank Weber, will be Norsk Hostfest selling and signing books from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Minot, North Dakota. Norsk Hostfest is North America's largest Scandinavian festival.  Tens of thousands attend this festival annually. Frank’s newest thriller, The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  It’s a great time to ask questions about forensics and find out what they get wrong on TV and movies. Norsk Hostfest is held at the North Dakota State Fair Center on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, North Dakota.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Frank will be a guest speaker at the Retired Educators Association of Minnesota (REAM) conference from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. The REAM 2024 convention is being held at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn, Monday, September 30 - Tuesday, October 1, 2024.The Holiday Inn in St. Cloud is located at: 75 37th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota.
​Friday, October 6, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until noon Frank Weber will be signing books in front of Lake Country BookSellers in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Frank will have his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH}. It is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. There are amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Lake Country Booksellers is a bookstore located at: 4766 Washington Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.​
October 7, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Frank Weber will be signing books at the Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth, Minnesota. Frank will have his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH}. It is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. There are amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Stop in and get your book signed, ask about forensics, crime shows and the writing of true crime.  Bookstore at Fitger’s is located at: 600 East Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota, 55802
Saturday, October 14, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Great Regional River Library in Pierz, speaking from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 9:00 a.m. to noon answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Pierz Library is located at 117 Main Street South Pierz, Minnesota,  56364.  This is as close as you can get to hear the story from the community it occurs in. 


​October 21, 2023, Frank Weber will be speaking at the Lakes Area Writers Alliance Fall Conference.  The LAWA conference will be held at the Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter, Minnesota. The conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Frank will be speaking at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. He will then be answer questions on a panel at 3:00 p.m. The Arrowwood Lodge is located at 6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter, Minnesota, 56425
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Forensic Psychologist & True Crime author, Frank Weber will be speaking to The Readers Brainerd Book Club in Baxter. The Readers were the winners of drawing on a set of Frank’s books and a personal visit with their bookclub.
Saturday, October 28, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Kitchigami Regional Library in Bemidji, speaking from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 9:00 a.m. to noon answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Kitchigami Regional Library in Beltrami County is located at:  509 American Avenue Northwest, Bemidji, Minnesota.

Scandal of Vandals Photos

Jeffery Dahmer: An American obsession with a monster.

​Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story had the best opening week for a new show on the streaming platform ever, with over 1 billion hours of views in the first 60 days. I didn’t watch the Netflix series on Dahmer as I never found him particularly interesting, but I will share a couple insights into his behavior, based on his own words.
​Jeffrey Dahmer raped and murdered and dismembered at least 17 men and boys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin between 1978 and 1991. His crimes included cannibalism and necrophilia. I won’t get into the details of his crimes, but I would like to share some of the motivation of his crimes, based on his own words about them. 
​Jeffrey Dahmer was raised by parents who had volatile verbal arguments daily. Jeffrey shared that he lived in a fantasy world to escape the tension in his home. His fantasies weren’t initially violent, but he recalled having intense anger over his parents arguing. His parents finally separated when Jeff was 18 years old. Jeff had a younger brother David who was 11 at the time. Their parents, Lionel and Joyce Dahmer split in 1978, and charged each other with “extreme cruelty and gross neglect of duty.” David left state with his mother and Jeff remained with his father. Dahmer was gay and knew his parents would both greatly disapprove of this. He began abusing alcohol.
Jeffrey Dahmer stated that his fascination with body parts began when he dissected a fetal pig in 9th grade biology class. Dahmer was an odd character who didn’t get respect from others. His ability to get some attention from peers for working with a dissected animal without concern gave him a new status. The Netflix show apparently had Dahmer asking the teacher if he could take a fetal pig home and practice. In real life, he stole the fetal pig from school. Dahmer began working on roadkill after this. Dahmer had no religious beliefs at the time and felt no connection to the fact that he was working on a once living animal. Dahmer was isolative and had odd fantasies. He reported receiving some arousal from cutting into an animal. 
Stephen Hicks Jeffrey Dahmer didn’t fantasize about relationships. Instead, he fantasized about completely dominating someone who would never leave him. No arguing, just compliance. He imagined picking up a hitchhiker and making the man do what he desired. He wanted to completely dominate his victim. The fantasies began at age 15 and he maintained them until the opportunity finally occurred at age 18, in 1978.  He picked up a hitchhiker and knew his parents and brother were gone for the evening. Dahmer lured Steven Hicks back to his home. When Stephen wanted to leave, Dahmer bludgeoned him with a 10-pound dumbbell before strangling him to death and then stripped him. The next day, Dahmer dissected Hicks’ body in the crawlspace of the house before burying the remains in a shallow grave in the backyard. After a couple of weeks, Dahmer dug up Hicks’ remains and cut the remaining flesh from the bones. Dahmer then dissolved the flesh in acid and crushed the bones with a sledgehammer.
Jeffrey Dahmer went 9 years before his second murder. During this time, he stole a mannequin from a store and attempted a relationship with it. He enrolled in Ohio State University but dropped out after one quarter due to his alcohol abuse. He enlisted in the army, but was discharged early, without explanation. Dahmer continued to heavily abuse alcohol. He returned to living with his father and received charges for Indecent Exposure and Disorderly Conduct. ​
Steven Toumi ​In November of 1987, Jeffrey Dahmer killed Steven Toumi. Steven was a 24-year-old artist and a short order cook. Dahmer recalled meeting Steven in a bar and slipping sleeping pills into Steven’s drink. Dahmer admitted killing Toumi, but reported it occurred during a blackout and he didn’t recall the details of the murder. After this murder, Dahmer stated there was no going back. Dahmer now actively sought out opportunities to seduce and kill. ​By 1991, he had killed seventeen men and boys. He claimed he sought out attractive men, and that the attacks weren’t racially oriented. The reality is that his attraction template was racially oriented, as you can see by the pictures of his victims. 
​In July 1991, Tracy Edwards was drinking with his friends at Grand Avenue Mall in Milwaukee when he was approached by Jeffrey Dahmer. After getting to know each other, Dahmer suddenly propositioned Edwards, inviting him back to his apartment to watch The Exorcist, have a few beers, and perhaps pose for some nude photos in exchange for money. Enticed by the offer, Edwards followed Dahmer home. Once at Dahmer’s home, his demeanor changed. Dahmer handcuffed Edwards and held a knife to his chest telling Edwards he intended to eat his heart.
Edwards was eventually able to escape by punching Dahmer and fleeing. Tracy was able to flag down two Milwaukee police officers and led them back to Dahmer's apartment. When they arrived, the offers noticed an open drawer that contained Polaroid pictures of human bodies in various stages of dismemberment. Once Dahmer saw the Polaroid pictures, he tried to flee, but they overpowered him and cuffed him.  Following his arrest ​​on July 22, Dahmer gave a detailed confession to police, confessing to 17 murders.
Tracey Edwards spent time homeless after the incident and then was incarcerated for pushing a man off of a bridge to his death. Edwards described Dahmer as “the devil.” CURT BORGWARDT/SYGMA/SYGMA VIA GETTY ​Jeffrey Dahmer would later state that he didn’t have a fascination with killing people. He wanted to completely dominate his victims and killing became a necessity. Dahmer experimented with lobotomizing some of his victims. He thought if he could just make them do whatever he wanted, he would keep them alive.
 
Between 1936 and the late 1950’s approximately 50,000 lobotomies were performed in the U.S. The intended effect of a lobotomy is reduced tension or agitation. However, many also showed other effects, such as apathy, passivity, lack of initiative, poor ability to concentrate, and a generally decreased depth and intensity of their emotional response to life. They became people who lost their personality. (A lobotomy is what occurred at the end of the movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.) Dahmer’s attempts to lobotomize his victims weren’t successful. Dahmer was Machiavellian. Nicholas Machiavelli believed that unscrupulous behavior was acceptable to achieve power. In 1512, he started a militia in an attempt to overthrow Florence and ultimately was banned for the city for one year.
​People want to be loved. For some, if they can’t be loved they want to be admired. And if they can’t be admired, they want to be feared. Jeffrey Dahmer took pleasure in being the personification of evil. He felt little connection to others but wanted to keep his victims with him forever. So, he ate them and kept their body parts. He kept a 50-gallon drum of acid in his home to destroy body parts. At the time of his arrest, he had drawn out plans to make an alter out of skulls to worship himself.
 
Dahmer’s narcissism and morbid fantasy with body parts ultimately got him killed. The prisoner who killed him said he got tired of Dahmer’s jokes about cannibalism with the guards and Dahmer’s shaping food into body parts at times as a joke during meals. Dahmer could have stayed in protective custody in prison but requested to be placed in general population. I think he still wanted the attention from others for his cruelty. Dahmer acknowledged he was trying to change, but the urges remained with him up to his death. His parents argued if Jeffrey’s brain should be given to science for study or destroyed. Ultimately, his brain was destroyed. I like mystery. All Dahmer had to offer was self-centered gore.
 
Time to move on to a good mystery. Thanks for listening,
 
 
Frank

Edward Gein was the basis for killers in the movies: Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of The Lambs.

Gein was the culmination of severe mental illness, sexual and emotional abuse, crazy fanatical religious lessons from his mother, and a severely alcoholic and uninvolved father. I generally don’t write about the popular serial killers like Gein as I find them more gross than interesting. Ed Gein Edward Theodore Gein was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 27, 1906.  His father, George Gein was a severe alcoholic generally described as meek. Ed’s mother, Augusta Wilhelmine was “fervently” religious, and nominally Luthern. I don’t know of any religion that would claim her. Augusta frequently announced she hated her husband and that all sex was evil, including sex for procreation, however it was necessary to have a family. She told Ed and his brother, Henry, that women were “vessels of sin,” and the world was evil. She told them that women were naturally promiscuous and instruments of the devil, (with the exception of herself of course). Every afternoon she read verses about death, murder and divine retribution from the Old Testament. Augusta believed evil lurked around every corner in LaCrosse, so she moved the family to the country near Plainfield, Wisconsin where they could be isolated from the world. Her son Ed would eventually earn the nickname “the butcher of Plainfield.”
Pictured above is the Gein farmhouse. Ed Gein only left the family farmhouse to attend school. Ed was described as odd and failed to make friends. He had unexplained fits of laughter, a lazy eye, and a speech impediment which made him an easy target for bullies. After high school, Ed lived at home like a hermit. His father, George Gein died in 1940, empowering Augusta further. Henry occasionally stood up to his mother, but Edward never did. Ed would later suggest that Augusta had a sexual relationship with him, and then would later punish her son for this. 
In 1944, Ed and Henry set out to clear some vegetation in their fields by burning it away. As they worked, their fire got out of control. When firefighters arrived to put out the blaze, Ed told them that Henry had vanished. His body was found soon afterward, face down in the marsh, dead from asphyxiation. There were mysterious circumstances regarding Henry’s death. For example, Ed said he lost track of this brother while they were fighting the fire, but Ed led the authorities directly to Ed’s body. Further, Henry’s body wasn’t burned, even though he was lying in the midst of a fire, and Henry had bruises in the back of his head. People close to the case believed that Henry had likely criticized either Ed, or their mother, for their relationship and Ed killed him. No charges were filed. 
Augusta had a paralyzing stroke after Henry’s death and Ed Gein devoted himself to taking care of his mother. Gein would later recount visiting a man named “Smith” with his mother to purchase straw.  Smith beat his dog to death in front of them. A woman ran out of Smith’s home yelling at him to stop. Augusta was extremely upset by this scene; but not by what would be obvious to most of us. She was upset that a woman not married to Smith was in his house, and angrily called her, "Smith's harlot."  Augusta died on December 29, 1945, at the age of 67. Ed was devastated by her death; in the words of author Harold Schechter, he had "lost his only friend and one true love. And he was absolutely alone in the world.”
The interior of Ed Gein’s home. Though he kept some rooms pristine in memory of his mother, the rest of the house was a mess. Ed Gein’s mental illness went into overdrive following his mother’s death in 1945. Ed became a hermit. In the years after her death, he cordoned off areas of the home, in a shrine to Augusta and lived in filth in the remaining rooms. 
Ed Gein was schizophrenic which meant he had delusions (false beliefs despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary), and auditory hallucinations (heard voices). Ed filled his days studying Nazi medical experiments, studying human anatomy, viewing pornography and reading horror novels. 
Ed Gein began robbing graves (for over a decade) and stealing skin and body parts. His reports were confirmed by authorities. He attempted to recreate his mother, with body parts (similar to the last scene in Psycho pictured above). Gein would lay against the skin he’d taken off bodies for comfort at night. He dug up his mother’s body, cut off her head and brought it back home. ​ Ed Gein’s disturbing behavior went unnoticed until November 1957, when local hardware store owner Bernice Worden, age 58, vanished leaving nothing but bloodstains. Bernice Worden looked like Gein’s mother in her later years. Ed Gein was her last customer. When police went to Gein’s home to speak to him, they walked into a house of horrors. Bernice Worden’s body was decapitated and hung by her ankles from the rafters. ​ Trooper Dave Sharkey looks over some of the musical instruments found in the home of Edward Gein, 51, suspected grave robber and murderer. Also found in the house were human skulls, heads, death masks and the butchered corpse of a neighbor woman. The neighbor, Mary Hogan, looked like a younger version of Gein’s mother. Mary Hogan was a tavern keeper who disappeared in 1954. There were also countless bones, both whole and fragmented, skulls impaled on his bedposts, and bowls and kitchen utensils made from skulls. Gein had made household items made from human skin. Keep in mind he was severely psychotic and there isn’t a logical explanation for this. Here are the disgusting details: Authorities found chairs upholstered in human skin, a wastebasket made of skin, leggings made from human leg skin, masks made from faces, a belt made of nipples, a pair of lips being used as a window shade drawstring, a corset made of a female torso, and a lampshade made from a human face.  During questioning, Waushara County sheriff Art Schley reportedly assaulted Gein by banging his head and face into a brick wall. As a result, Gein's initial confession was ruled inadmissible. On November 21, 1957, Gein was arraigned on one count of first degree murder in Waushara County Court, where he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Gein was diagnosed with schizophrenia and found mentally incompetent, thus unfit for trial. Many who knew Sheriff Art Schley said he was traumatized by the horror of Gein's crimes, and this, along with the fear of having to testify (especially about assaulting Gein), caused his death. Schley died of heart failure at age 43 in 1968 before Gein's retrial.  ​ Art Schley and Ed Gein Ed Gein was sent to the Central State Hospital for the Criminally Insane (now the Dodge Correctional Institution), a maximum-security facility in Waupun, Wisconsin, and later transferred to the Mendota State Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin where he ultimately died at age 77 of natural causes. Gein was placed on antipsychotic medication for the remainder of his life. He was considered a model patient and spent his time completing hobbies in the dayroom.  
Gein was tried for only one murder—that of Bernice Worden. He also admitted to killing Mary Hogan. The Attorney General felt it was a waste of money to have another court hearing as Gein was never going to be released from his secure mental health facility. 
Another possible victim? Evelyn Hartley, age 14, disappeared while babysitting a college professor’s infant child in La Crosse, Wisconsin on October 24, 1953. After his arrest, Ed Gein was considered a suspect in Evelyn's disappearance, as he was visiting a relative a few blocks away from the Rasmussen house at the time. He denied killing her and no evidence of Evelyn was found in his home.
Evelyn Hartley In 2004, a man named Mel Williams came forward with a conversation he recorded at a bar in 1969. Although Mel’s goal was to record a band which was performing, a conversation between two men was unintentionally recorded as well.  On the tape, one of the men, Clyde "Tywee" Peterson, implicated himself, Jack Gaulphair, and an unnamed third party in Evelyn’s disappearance, claiming that Evelyn was murdered and buried in La Farge, Wisconsin, after her kidnapping. Unfortunately, by 2004, all 3 men were dead. Gaulphair committed suicide in 1967, Peterson died of a heart attack and 1974 and the unnamed 3rd person was also dead. It’s not certain why the person waited until 2004 to bring forth the recording. 

The one positive note is that there is much more likely to be intervention with a family like the Gein’s today, making it less likely a mentally ill man would deteriorate to that state. The lesson is to question people who are harshly judgmental and to consider the impact it has on their children. And love as Jesus did to guide children into being solutions, rather than problems.
Gein was the basis for all of the above movies. Even though Gein is referred to as a serial killer, he had two confirmed murders. Gein was different from other killers in that his crimes were restricted to his obsession with his mother. 

Thanks for listening,


Frank
Thursday, July 6, 2023, Frank Weber will be on LA Talk Radio. Frank will be interviewed live on Rendezvous with a Writer from 8:00 to 8:50 p.m. Central Standard Time. 
Interview Details:
Day: Thursday, July 6, 2023 regarding his new release: The Haunted House of Hillman
Time: 8:00-8:50pm Central Time 
Where - LA Talk Radio - these are links for your fans:
1. Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/latalkradio 
2. Audio only - https://www.latalkradio.com/content/rendezvous-writer  ​​

Possible Texas tour…


Saturday, July 22, 2023, Frank Weber will be selling his books at the Creators Market in Hastings for Rivertown Days. Frank will be set up outside of Quaint & Quirky Minnesota Gifts on 216 Second Street East in Hastings, Minnesota. The event last from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Trailside Killer. A man who loses his stutter when he kills.

David Carpenter was physically abused by his alcoholic father and neglectful mother. David had a horrible stutter and was bullied in school. At age 14 he was committed to the Napa State Hospital in California for sexual offenses. Those records are sealed. At age 17, Carpenter was charged for sexually molesting a 3-year-old girl. He was sentenced to juvenile detention until 18. After his release, David married Ellen and they had 3 kids. Carpenter demanded sex from his wife 3 times a day. 

In 1960, David Carpenter offered Lois DeAndrade a ride. He pretended to be lost and drove into the woods and stopped the vehicle. Carpenter became quiet. He then took out rope, a knife and a hammer. Lois notices a military police vehicle, reaches for the door handle, and takes off. Carpenter catches her and beats her with a hammer. Carpenter takes out a pen that fires a pellet at the officer. The officer fires back and hits Carpenter. Lois needed reconstructive surgery on her skull. Lois told investigators that despite Carpenter’s terrible stutter, he spoke clearly while he was assaulting her, suggesting killing calmed him. Lois DeAndrade is the grandmother of actress Lisa Rinna.
Lois DeAndrade and Lisa Rinna Lois Carpenter is charged with Assault and Kidnapping on a military basis and is sentenced to 14 years. His wife divorced him. Carpenter was released in 1969, after 9 years. Carpenter was suspect in the Zodiac murders but was eventually cleared. 
Carpenter is transferred to the California State Prison in Vacaville, California where he gets help with his stutter. Carpenter was paroled from state prison, but was transferred to a federal prison, because the woods he drove Lois to was on a military base, (which is a federal crime). Carpenter was released from federal prison in 1979. By mistake, they failed to put his name on the sex offender registry. He is placed in a halfway house in San Francisco and joins the Sierra club. Carpenter said from his past, he learned he needed to kill his victims. 
Mary Frances Bennett was murdered on October 21, 1979. The 23-year-old left her apartment for a late Sunday afternoon jog to her favorite place just north of Painted Rock at Lands’ End. Her body was found later that evening. She had been stabbed 26 times. Her agonizing screams could be heard by golfers on a nearby golf course. In 2010, DNA linked David Carpenter to her murder.
Mary Bennett Carol Laughlin, age 19, disappeared in Yosemite State Park in September of 1979. Carol had been staying in a tent in the park. It is suspected she was murdered by David Carpenter. There wasn’t enough evidence to prove it.​
On August 19, 1979, Edda Kane was hiking at a beautiful park called “the Sleeping Lady”. It overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The next day, Edda was found naked, except for wearing one stocking. She did not appear to have been sexually assaulted. Edda was made to kneel naked in submission to the killer and was then shot in the back of the head. The killer stole her glasses, credit cards and cash, but left her jewelry. ​ Edda Kane On March 8, 1980, organic breadmaker, Barbara Schwartz, age 23 went for a hike with her dog. Barbara was in the same park Edda was murdered in. Another hiker heard Barbara screaming and saw a man stabbing Barbara while the dog was barking. The courageous woman ran at them yelling for the killer to stop. The killer took off, but unfortunately it was too late for Barbara. She had been stabbed 12 times. The killer’s black glasses were found at the scene and a bloody knife was close. A reporter picked up the knife, eliminating the fingerprints from the handle. The glasses were traced to California’s prison system, but no match could be made. David Carpenter was injured in the assault and went to the hospital where he was treated for a stab wound. The hospital even filed a police report, but unfortunately investigators missed it. Carpenter also went to the optometrist to get a new pair of glasses. While a BOLO (be on the lookout) was sent to optometrists looking for someone who needed this prescription, this particular optometrist didn’t read it. ​ Barbara Schwartz October 13, 1980, avid runner and former peace corps worker, Anne Alderson age 26, decided to go for a walk in the woods. She had been seen sitting and enjoying the sunset. Anne’s body was later found in the woods. She had been sexually assaulted and redressed, one-half mile from where Edda Kane was murdered. Anne had also been forced to kneel before being shot in the head. All of the murders had occurred on weekends or holidays, suggesting the killer had full-time employment. 
Anne Alderson On November 28, 1980, Diane O’Connell, age 22, was reported lost in the woods, so a search was conducted.
Diane O’Connell Searchers find the bodies of two people, but neither was Diane O’Connell. The bodies were of Richard Stowers, age 19 and Cynthia Moreland, age 18. Richard and Cynthia had planned on marrying. They had gone missing in October of 1980, after setting off on a hiking trip at Point Reyes National Seashore Park. 
Richard Stowers & Cynthia Moreland A third body, the nude body of Shauna May, age 25, was also found as part of that search. She had been raped and shot in the head. Right next to her body was Diane O’Connell. Neither woman knew each other. It was assumed Carpenter was raping one when the other hiker interrupted them. Diane had also been raped, shot and strangled. He killed them both. The story was on Very Scary People on the ID channel. When the search was over, they had 4 bodies.
Diane O’Connell, Shauna May, Cynthia Moreland, & Richard Stowers December 28, 1980, Anny Menjivar, age 17, disappeared. Anny knew David Carpenter. Carpenter was suspected but they did not have enough evidence for a conviction. Her body was found in Castle Rock State Park.
March 29, 1981, Ellen Hansen, age 20, and Steven Hartle went on a camping trip together. They were on spring break from the University of California Davis. Carpenter pulled out a gun and Hartle said, “You can have our money.” Carpenter told Hartle, “I’m going to rape your girlfriend.” Steven told him he wasn’t going to let him. Carpenter shot both, killing Ellen execution style.​

Ellen Hanson & Steven Hartle Steven managed to run for help. The killer was wearing a golden jacket that featured a beer drinking contest on the back. The ballistics indicated the same gun had been used for the last 5 killings. 

David Carpenter became involved with a woman named “Candy.” He told his probation officer that her sex drive was as strong as his. He had never known anyone like her. Carpenter met Candy when her car broke down. She agreed to have sex with him that day, and he asked (that same day) her to move in with him. 

Saturday, May 2, 1981, Heather Scaggs, age 20, got a job at the Quick Print shop, where Carpenter was employed. Heather’s car broke down, so Carpenter told her where she could get a new car. Carpenter told her not to tell anyone, but Heather called her boyfriend and told him the number to call if she’s late. The number was for David Carpenter’s mother. Coworkers described Carpenter as overly attentive to Heather. Heather always carried green Kleenexes. Heather Scaggs Investigators notice, David Carpenter’s red car matches the car seen driving away from the Ellen Hanson and Steven Hartle assault scene. There are green Kleenexes on the seat. Friday, May 8, 1981, David Carpenter agrees to meet with investigators. Carpenter stutters so severely he is difficult to understand. Steven Hartle said the man had no speech impediment. Carpenter denied having a red car (even though investigators knew he was lying). He’s not wearing his glasses (changing his appearance). Carpenter stated he hated his mom because she made him take ballet lessons. Carpenter stood and showed the investigators ballet moves. Carpenter became relaxed and lost his stutter. When the interview ends Carpenter stated out of the blue, “I hope no one ever finds her body.” They weren’t talking about murder at the time. 

    Investigators interview Carpenter’s woman friend, Candy. She shares that Carpenter took a yellow jacket she had from a beer drinking contest. It was too large for her anyway. Only 12 jackets were made. David Carpenter was arrested. ​    Heather Scaggs body was then found in the Big Basin State Park. She had been raped and shot in the face.  
    Shane Williams, a friend of David Carpenter’s is caught robbing a bank. Shane tells investigators he knows where the gun is that the Trailside Killer used. David had given Shane the gun to use for the bank robbery. After David was arrested, Shane realized Carpenter was setting him up. Carpenter thought Shane would be killed in the robbery and everybody would assume Shane was the Trailside killer. 
Carpenter was convicted of five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Richard Stowers, Cynthia Moreland, Shauna May, Diane O'Connell and Anne Alderson. Carpenter also was found guilty of raping two of the women and attempting to rape a third. He was sentenced to death in the gas chamber on November 16, 1984. David Carpenter is now 92 years old and remains on San Quentin's death row. Richard Stowers, 19 ConvictedCynthia Moreland, 18 ConvictedShauna May, 25 ConvictedDiane O'Connell, 22 ConvictedAnne Alderson, 26 ConvictedEllen Marie Hansen, 20 Overturned but reinstated.Heather Scaggs, 20 Overturned but reinstated.Edda Kane, 44 SuspectedBarbara Schwartz, 23 SuspectedMary Frances Bennett, 23 ConfirmedAnna Kelly Menjivar, 17, SuspectedCarol Laughlin, 19, Suspected​We live in a beautiful world. Let’s enjoy it together and not let terrible people ruin it.  Thanks for listening,


Frank
Friday, May 12, 2023, True Crime Author & Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Quaint and Quirky bookstore  in Hastings, signing books from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Frank will answer questions on forensics and writing true crime. His latest book, Black and Blue is a thrilling mystery based on the murder of a police officer’s 19-year-old fiancé in Minneapolis. Frank will share the intriguing circumstances that led to this true crime thriller.  Quaint and Quirky is located at: 216 2nd St E, Hastings, MN 55033.​
May 13, 2023, Forensic Psychologist and True Crime Author, Frank F. Weber will be signing his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH) at Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis from noon until 2:00 p.m.. Once Upon a Crime bookstore is located at 604 West 26th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405. ​
Monday, May 15, 2023, Frank Weber, Forensic Psychologist and True Crime Author, will be at Cherry Street Books in Alexandria speaking on his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will be speaking from 6:00 to 7:00 on his newest book. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at Cherry Street Books from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. signing books. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Based on a true case that eluded resolution for years. Cherry Street Books is located at: 503 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308 Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Forensic Psychologist &True Crime Author, Frank Weber, will be at Rapids Brewing Company  in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  He’ll speak from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. about forensic psychology and writing True Crime mysteries. Frank’s newest thriller, The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will demonstrate the lie detector test (volunteer a friend). It’s a great time to ask questions about forensics answered while enjoying a cold beverage. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost. Rapids Lake Brewing Company is located at 214 North Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, 55744. ​
Friday, May 19, 2023, Frank Weber will be interviewed on Crime Door TV at 2:00 p.m. discussing current forensic cases. Frank will be interviewed by host Sydnee Scofield. This interview has been arranged by Adam Watson of Crime Door TV.


Friday, May 19, 2023, Fergus Brewing Company is hosting the opening of Frank F. Weber’s newest novel, The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will speak from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. about forensic psychology and intriguing murder mystery The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Frank will be at the taproom from 4:00 to 9:00, signing and selling books and answering individual questions. Fergus Brewing is located at 1683 Drive, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, 56537. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage.​
Saturday, May 20, 2023, Angry Inch Brewing is hosting the metro opening of Frank Weber’s newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH).  Frank will speak from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p,m. about forensic psychology and intriguing murder mystery that led to writing The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will be at Angry Inch signing and selling books and answering forensic questions from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Learn about new forensic techniques and find out what they get wrong on crime shows and movies.  Frank will signing and selling books both before and after speaking.  Angry Inch Brewing  is located at 20841 Holyoke Avenue in, Lakeville, Minnesota,  55044. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage!​
Sunday, May 21, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Lost Sanity Brewing, speaking from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on his forensic work and the writing of True Crime mysteries. Frank will speak about his latest book: The Haunted House of Hillman.  H2 OH is based on the true story of a search for a criminal that keeps leading back to crimes that occurred at one house. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will demonstrate a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the Lost Sanity Brewing from 1:00 to 5:00 to answer questions on his work, to sign and sell his books and to discuss the latest forensic tools. Lost Sanity Brewing is located at: 12 West Main Street, Madelia, Minnesota, 56062.
Monday, May 22, 2023, Beaver Island Brewing Company is hosting the big St.Cloud opening of The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH) from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m..  Frank will speak from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p,m. about forensic psychology and intriguing murder mystery that led to writing The Haunted House of Hillman. Learn about new forensic techniques and find out what they get wrong on crime shows and movies.  Frank will signing and selling books both before and after speaking.  The Beaver Island Brewing Company is located at 216 6th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota on Division. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage!
Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Lionseed Bookstore & Learning Commons in Battle Lake hosts True Crime Author & Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, as part of their Books & Brews Club at  ABC Brewing Company.
5:00 p.m. Casual reception, mingling, book-signing
6:00 p.m. Author talk/presentation
6:45 p.m. Q&A and book-signing
Frank will answer questions on forensics and writing true crime. His latest book, The Haunted House of Hillman is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the site of an unsolved murder. The killer, who remained in the area began seeing the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.   Frank will share the intriguing circumstances that led to this true crime thriller. ABC Brewing is located at 114 Memory Lane, Battle Lake, Minnesota, 56515​
Thursday, May 25, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library, speaking from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The St. Cloud Library is located at 1300 West St. Germain Street, St Cloud, Minnesota 56301


Saturday, May 27, 2022, Frank Weber will be at Barnes and Noble in St. Cloud at 11:00 a.m. discussing his newest release, The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH}. This is an informal get together inviting anyone who is interested. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give insights to the true crime case that led to writing this thriller. Barnes and Noble is located at Rainbow Village, 3940 Division Street, St Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
Sunday, May 28, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Roundhouse Brewing, speaking from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.  on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his newest book. The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the site of an unsolved murder. The killer, who remained in the area, began seeing the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Frank will demonstrate a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at Roundhouse Brewing from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. to answer questions on his work, to sign and sell his books and to discuss the latest forensic tools. Roundhouse Brewing is located at: 23836 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468​

St. Paul Serial Killer

In the early 1980’s St. Paul had a violent serial killer, who attacked women wearing red. The killer had a prior assault charge and a history of mental illness. His goal was to kill. The victims didn’t appear raped, but there was a sexual component. He asked some to open their blouses before he attacked and had sex with his last victim before he turned violent. The killer was unable to explain why he’d switch from being kind to violent.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1980, 20-year-old Karen Potak, a University of Stevens Point student was walking home from a nightclub at approximately 1:00 a.m. near Pierce Butler Road and Syndicate Avenue in St. Paul.  She was attacked by a man with a tire iron. At around 3:00 a.m. the police received a phone call from Karen’s attacker. His voice quivered with emotion as he directed police to the crime scene. He stated, “There’s a girl hurt here…”  The killer would become known as the “weepy voiced killer.” Miraculously, Karen survived the attack but was left without her memory. She had not been sexually assaulted. The man attacked her to kill her.  Karen Potak Kimberly Compton was an 18-year-old graduate of Pepin, Wisconsin. On June 3, 1981, Kimberly had walked across the street from the bus depot to Mickey’s Diner to grab a bite to eat. A man saw her sitting alone and offered to drive around St. Paul to see the city. Kim’s body was discovered by a group of teenage boys in a wooded area north of Superior and Oneida Streets in St. Paul. She had been stabbed 61 times with an ice pick and strangled with a shoelace on June 3, 1981. Police once again received a weeping phone call from her attacker. “God damn, will you find me? I just stabbed somebody with an ice pick. I can’t stop myself. I keep killing somebody.” Two days later, he called back and said: 'I’ll try not to kill anyone else.' On June 11, he called back, In a whimpering, barely coherent voice: "I'm sorry for what I did to Compton."
Kimberly Compton In a bizarre twist, a mentally ill man named Alan Lopez confessed to Kimberly’s murder. For a couple months, police thought they had the weepy voiced killer. Until one year later they had another body and another call…


The next victim was Kathleen Greening. On July 20, 1982, Kathleen had been drowned in her bathtub in Roseville. Her body was discovered in her bathtub by a friend the next day and ruled an accident. The weepy voiced killer would report he murdered her after he was incarcerated in prison. When investigators went through Kathleen’s items, they found an address book in her home, with her killer’s phone number in it. 
Kathleen Greening On August 5, 1982, 40-year-old Barbara Simons had met a man at the Hexagon Bar in St. Paul, who offered her a ride home. Barbara was stabbed to death with an ice pick. Her body was discovered by a newspaper carrier walking along the Mississippi River near 29th Street. Once again, the weepy killer called the police and said: 'Please don’t talk, just listen… I’m sorry I killed that girl. I stabbed her 40 times. Kimberly Compton was the first one over in St. Paul.' A waitress at the Hexagon Bar was shown several mugshots and she picked out a man named Paul Stephani. She told police Barbara left with Stefani.
Barbara Simons August 21, 1982, Denise Nelson was picked up on Hennepin and 6th street Paul Stephani. Paul repeatedly attacks her with a screwdriver. Denise grabs a bottle off of the floor and cracks Paul over the head, cutting up his face. She dives out of the car and yells, “He’s trying to kill me.” A good Samaritan, Douglas Panning, ran to the scene, and pulled Paul off of her. He then ran back to his home and grabbed a gun, but Paul took off.  Doug called “911” and Denise was saved.  Paul Stephani called 911 for an ambulance, indicating he’d been beat up. Investigators realize this is the voice of the weepy killer. 

Paul Michael Stephani was the youngest of ten children raised in Austin, Minnesota. His mother remarried when he was three years old. His stepfather was abusive to the children and was reported to have thrown the children down the stairs.
Paul Stephani Paul Stephani was married to Beverly Lider and fathered a daughter with her, but the couple soon divorced. He held down several jobs, but after he was fired from a janitor position at Malberg Manufacturing Company in 1977. Paul went on a spree of alcoholism after losing this job. His first victim's body would be discovered three years later by Malberg Manufacturing in St. Paul, Minnesota. Once Stephani was convicted, he was diagnosed with skin cancer. Realizing he was dying, he told investigators he would tell them of additional attacks if they would bring him a picture of his mother’s gravestone. They did and Stephanie confessed to the attempted murder of Karen Potack, and the murder of Kathy Greening. Stephani died of cancer on June 12, 1988, at the maximum security prison, Minnesota Correctional Facility in Oak Park Heights.

We need to help out people. We need to walk people to the car. We need to make sure people are safe.  Thanks for listening…

In two weeks, I’ll be sending out The Haunted House of Hillman, and--- it’s good!


Frank
Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Clearwater Great River Regional Library, speaking from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The Clearwater Library is located at 740 Clearwater Center, Clearwater, Minnesota, 55320.
Friday, May 12, 2023, True Crime Author & Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the Quaint and Quirky bookstore in Hastings, signing books from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Frank will answer questions on forensics and writing true crime. His latest book, Black and Blue is a thrilling mystery based on the murder of a police officer’s 19-year-old fiancé in Minneapolis. Frank will share the intriguing circumstances that led to this true crime thriller.  Quaint and Quirky is located at: 216 2nd St E, Hastings, MN 55033.
May 13, 2023, Forensic Psychologist and True Crime Author, Frank F. Weber will be signing his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH) at Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis from noon until 2:00 p.m.. Once Upon a Crime bookstore is located at 604 West 26th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405. ​​
Monday, May 15, 2023, Frank Weber, Forensic Psychologist and True Crime Author, will be at Cherry Street Books in Alexandria speaking on his newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will be speaking from 6:00 to 7:00 on his newest book. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at Cherry Street Books from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. signing books. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Based on a true case that eluded resolution for years. Cherry Street Books is located at: 503 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308
Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Forensic Psychologist &True Crime Author, Frank Weber,  will be at Rapids Brewing Company  in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  He’ll speak from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m. about forensic psychology and writing True Crime mysteries. Frank’s newest thriller, The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will demonstrate the lie detector test (volunteer a friend). It’s a great time to ask questions about forensics while enjoying a cold beverage. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost. Rapids Lake Brewing Company is located at 214 North Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, 55744. ​
Friday, May 19, 2023, Fergus Brewing Company is hosting the opening of Frank F. Weber’s newest novel, The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will speak from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. about forensic psychology and intriguing murder mystery The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Frank will be at the taproom from 4:00 to 9:00, signing and selling books and answering individual questions. Fergus Brewing is located at 1683 Drive, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, 56537. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage.
Saturday, May 20, 2023, Angry Inch Brewing is hosting the metro opening of Frank Weber’s newest book, The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH).  Frank will speak from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. about forensic psychology and the intriguing murder mystery that led to writing The Haunted House of Hillman. Frank will be at Angry Inch signing and selling books and answering forensic questions from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Learn about new forensic techniques and find out what they get wrong on crime shows and movies.  Frank will sign and sell books both before and after speaking.  Angry Inch Brewing  is located at 20841 Holyoke Avenue in Lakeville, Minnesota,  55044. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage!
Sunday, May 21, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Lost Sanity Brewing, speaking from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on his forensic work and the writing of True Crime mysteries. Frank will speak about his latest book: The Haunted House of Hillman.  H2 OH is based on the true story of a search for a criminal that keeps leading back to crimes that occurred at one house. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will demonstrate a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the Lost Sanity Brewing from 1:00 to 5:00 to answer questions on his work, to sign and sell his books and to discuss the latest forensic tools. Lost Sanity Brewing is located at: 12 West Main Street, Madelia, Minnesota, 56062.
Monday, May 22, 2023, Beaver Island Brewing Company is hosting the big St.Cloud opening of The Haunted House of Hillman (H2 OH) from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m..  Frank will speak from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. about forensic psychology and the intriguing murder mystery that led to writing The Haunted House of Hillman. Learn about new forensic techniques and find out what they get wrong on crime shows and movies.  Frank will signing and selling books both before and after speaking.  The Beaver Island Brewing Company is located at 216 6th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota on Division. This is going to be a blast and there is no cost.  Stop in and enjoy a cold beverage!
Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Lionseed Bookstore & Learning Commons in Battle Lake hosts True Crime Author & Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, as part of their Books & Brews Club at  ABC Brewing Company.
5:00 p.m. Casual reception, mingling, book-signing
6:00 p.m. Author talk/presentation
6:45 p.m. Q&A and book-signing
Frank will answer questions on forensics and writing true crime. His latest book, The Haunted House of Hillman is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the site of an unsolved murder. The killer, who remained in the area, began seeing the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.   Frank will share the intriguing circumstances that led to this true crime thriller. ABC Brewing is located at 114 Memory Lane, Battle Lake, Minnesota, 56515
Thursday, May 25, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library, speaking from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his latest book. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give a live demonstration of a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at the library from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. answering questions on his work, signing and selling his books and discussing the latest forensic tools. The St. Cloud Library is located at 1300 West St. Germain Street, St Cloud, Minnesota 56301
Saturday, May 27, 2022, Frank Weber will be at Barnes and Noble in St. Cloud at 11:00 a.m. discussing his newest release, The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH}. This is an informal get together inviting anyone who is interested. The Haunted House of Hillman {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the home of an unsolved murder. The killer begins to view the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller. Frank will give insights to the true crime case that led to writing this thriller. Barnes and Noble is located at Rainbow Village, 3940 Division Street, St Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
Sunday, May 28, 2023, Forensic Psychologist, Frank F. Weber, will be at Roundhouse Brewing, speaking from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.  on the writing of True Crime, forensic work and his newest book. The Haunted House of Hillman. {H2 OH} is based on the true story of teens daring each other to return to the site of an unsolved murder. The killer, who remained in the area, began seeing the home as a victim magnet. Frank will share the amazing stories of victim survival that led to the resolution of this true crime thriller.  Frank will demonstrate a lie detector test (volunteer a friend). Frank will be at Roundhouse Brewing from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. to answer questions on his work, to sign and sell his books and to discuss the latest forensic tools. Roundhouse Brewing is located at: 23836 Smiley Road, Nisswa, MN 56468