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The 1980 Gray Murders
The 1980 Gray Murders
It was a black December night in 1980. Trooper Earl Nicholson sped to the scene of a reported automobile accident. Arriving at the scene, Nicholson expected to see mangled steel and broken glass. Instead, he was met with the sight of a young woman dressed in pajamas - and a small, shirtless, boy - laying under a tree in the front yard of the house facing the street. Scanning the bodies with his flashlight beam, it was evident to the state trooper that the victims had died from multiple stab wounds. Leading away from the stiffening corpses were two frozen trails of blood - one in the direction of the front door, the other in the direction of the railroad crossing down the road.
Nicholson radioed for back-up and cautiously made his way toward the house.
A List of Characters
Henrietta Thomas - murdered by her son, Riddle C. Thomas, Junior.
Howard Sisk - 14-year old relative murdered by Riddle C. Thomas, Junior.
Charlotte Haynes - Howard's mother. Seriously injured when Riddle C. Thomas, Junior attacked her with a butcher knife.
Riddle C. Thomas, Junior - Known as "Junior" by family and friends. 20-year old who went on a murderous rampage in his mother's house on a cold December night in 1980.
Earl Nicholson - Kentucky State Trooper who was the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the scene of the murders.
An Interview with Steve A.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was working on my undergraduate degree at Cumberland College.
Where do your ideas come from?
From real life events that are action packed and potentially dangerous.
What do you think makes a good story?
Always leave the reader wanting to turn the page.
Which of your characters would you most like to invite to dinner, and why?
I'd invite any of the crew members from Squawk 7500. And I'd like to sit down with Charlotte Haynes from The 1980 Gray Murders.
Which of your characters would you least want to dine with?
I wouldn't want to have dinner with the dirt bag who attempted to hijack my plane in Squawk 7500.
Did you have any mentors who helped you along the way?
I'm eternally grateful for the assistance and guidance provided by Bruce Moran.
Where did the idea for (Book Title) come from?
From the date of the actual crime and its location.
Why did you want to write about (Your Subject)?
There were so many unanswered I wanted to see if I could find the answers. I found some, others will never be known.
Was it difficult to write this style of book?
Very difficult. The deeper I got into the writing, the more I began to empathize with the victims.
What other (articles, books etc) that you have written have been published?
My other Squawk 7500
It is about an airline pilot's dilemma when an unruly passenger takes the stewardess hostage. Wait until you read the ending.
What's your next project?
I am working on a short story adventure series for TotalRecall Publications. Contact them if you have a manuscript as they are looking for good stories.
If you could do anything, what would you do?
Ride a bull for the full 8 seconds.
How did you come up with the idea for this book?
I'd always been intrigued by the mysteries surrounding this crime.
I grew up in the area and actually new some of the people involved in the story.
If you could give any advice to beginning writers, what would it be?
Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
It was a black December night in 1980. Trooper Earl Nicholson sped to the scene of a reported automobile accident. Arriving at the scene, Nicholson expected to see mangled steel and broken glass. Instead, he was met with the sight of a young woman dressed in pajamas - and a small, shirtless, boy - laying under a tree in the front yard of the house facing the street. Scanning the bodies with his flashlight beam, it was evident to the state trooper that the victims had died from multiple stab wounds. Leading away from the stiffening corpses were two frozen trails of blood - one in the direction of the front door, the other in the direction of the railroad crossing down the road.
Nicholson radioed for back-up and cautiously made his way toward the house.
A List of Characters
Henrietta Thomas - murdered by her son, Riddle C. Thomas, Junior.
Howard Sisk - 14-year old relative murdered by Riddle C. Thomas, Junior.
Charlotte Haynes - Howard's mother. Seriously injured when Riddle C. Thomas, Junior attacked her with a butcher knife.
Riddle C. Thomas, Junior - Known as "Junior" by family and friends. 20-year old who went on a murderous rampage in his mother's house on a cold December night in 1980.
Earl Nicholson - Kentucky State Trooper who was the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the scene of the murders.
An Interview with Steve A.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was working on my undergraduate degree at Cumberland College.
Where do your ideas come from?
From real life events that are action packed and potentially dangerous.
What do you think makes a good story?
Always leave the reader wanting to turn the page.
Which of your characters would you most like to invite to dinner, and why?
I'd invite any of the crew members from Squawk 7500. And I'd like to sit down with Charlotte Haynes from The 1980 Gray Murders.
Which of your characters would you least want to dine with?
I wouldn't want to have dinner with the dirt bag who attempted to hijack my plane in Squawk 7500.
Did you have any mentors who helped you along the way?
I'm eternally grateful for the assistance and guidance provided by Bruce Moran.
Where did the idea for (Book Title) come from?
From the date of the actual crime and its location.
Why did you want to write about (Your Subject)?
There were so many unanswered I wanted to see if I could find the answers. I found some, others will never be known.
Was it difficult to write this style of book?
Very difficult. The deeper I got into the writing, the more I began to empathize with the victims.
What other (articles, books etc) that you have written have been published?
My other Squawk 7500
It is about an airline pilot's dilemma when an unruly passenger takes the stewardess hostage. Wait until you read the ending.
What's your next project?
I am working on a short story adventure series for TotalRecall Publications. Contact them if you have a manuscript as they are looking for good stories.
If you could do anything, what would you do?
Ride a bull for the full 8 seconds.
How did you come up with the idea for this book?
I'd always been intrigued by the mysteries surrounding this crime.
I grew up in the area and actually new some of the people involved in the story.
If you could give any advice to beginning writers, what would it be?
Don't give up. Don't ever give up.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 27, 2023
Interesting to see this glimpse into history. In my opinion, the first couple chapters (family history) is irrelevant and reads more like a click bait article where you just want it to get to the point but they keep stringing you along with extraneous details. When you get to the actual meat of the murders it is described by the author from his POV/Understanding based on research he conducted. The appendixes are nice and provide autopsy summary’s, deposition transcripts and other court documents used in the case.
I only gave 3 stars because I was hoping for a more spooky story that offered some resolution and motive, but it’s really just a fact based summary of the events of the Gray murders.
I only gave 3 stars because I was hoping for a more spooky story that offered some resolution and motive, but it’s really just a fact based summary of the events of the Gray murders.
December 14, 2024
Keep my attention throughout. Not enough information {I understand the author had problems getting the accused and his families information, for they denied talking to him} on this case.
With what information I did have, it was sad, and I still don't understand what could turn him to do this unspeakable thing.
First time reading this author's books 📚.
With what information I did have, it was sad, and I still don't understand what could turn him to do this unspeakable thing.
First time reading this author's books 📚.
February 5, 2022
I live just a few miles away from this location. I've been really interested in how something like this could have happened and this book answered lots of questions. I read it through in one night. I love the details and the follow up info.
June 29, 2018
Dissappointed
I just expected more than I got. The story reads like a newspaper article. I doubt I will recommend it.
I just expected more than I got. The story reads like a newspaper article. I doubt I will recommend it.
February 19, 2015
Interesting read
My husband is from Williamsburg, KY and knows the arresting officer in this case, so I wanted to read this story. I found it interesting and not sensationalized. I only wish you were able to obtain an interview with Junior.
My husband is from Williamsburg, KY and knows the arresting officer in this case, so I wanted to read this story. I found it interesting and not sensationalized. I only wish you were able to obtain an interview with Junior.
January 17, 2016
I live in this community and this book has infomation very graphic and well researched. It gives background information as well as events leading up to the murders.
March 17, 2016
Redundant. Could have been said in a few pages. Waste of time to read it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews