What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadly Heist: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre
At just 21 years of age, friends Todd Wilson and Scott McCarthy were virtually inseparable. The pair reported for duty at United Bank of Denver at 6:00 a.m. on Father’s Day 1991—McCarthy’s first day on the job. They joined two more experienced guards and began making their rounds. By 9:30 a.m., all four were dead. The killer then descended upon the cash vault where he held six petrified tellers at gunpoint before absconding with nearly $200,000.
Eighteen days later, the Denver Police Department arrested one of its own. Not only had retired sergeant James W. King served on the force for 25 years, he’d recently been a guard at United Bank—often complaining about the abysmal security, including a decision to disarm its guards. But would he slaughter four of his unarmed successors to prove his point and risk a date with the execution chamber?
DEADLY HEIST is the captivating story of one of Colorado’s most notorious crimes and of a courtroom slugfest that would take a jury nine grueling days to resolve. Its verdict—delivered a year and a day after the bloody massacre—reverberates across the Rocky Mountains to this day.
"With a clear, crisp writing style, Steve Epstein has managed to capture something often lost in the retelling of a true the deep human toll. It’s not just the four bank employees who lost their lives that day, but the ones who survived, left with lasting trauma and guilt. Deadly Heist is a compelling read, and also a vivid reminder of the intense human efforts so vital to bringing those accused of heinous crimes to justice."
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News and 48 Hours Correspondent and host of podcast My Life of Crime with Erin Moriarty
"An engrossing story brilliantly told. This is a thorough behind-the-scenes breakdown of a horrific murder case, followed by the meticulous investigation seeking justice for victims and their families. This book made me nostalgic for my days as a homicide prosecutor and simultaneously inspired me as a true crime author. I can enthusiastically recommend!"
—Matt Murphy, Orange County, California homicide prosecutor (1993-2020), ABC legal analyst, and bestselling author of
The Book of Murder
"Deadly Heist is a fast-paced, extraordinary read, not only for true crime enthusiasts, but for anyone who loves a tight, well-told story, filled with suspense. Steve Epstein has carefully researched what is arguably Colorado's crime of the century. His background as an attorney helps him bring the characters to life and sheds new light on this incredible true story. Epstein's insight and access to the legal proceedings provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at what happens during a high-profile investigation and murder trial. It's a book you'll continue to think about long after you put it down."
—Ron Peterson, Jr., bestselling true crime author of Under the Trestle, Chasing the Squirrel, Eyes of a Monster, and In the Wind
"Deadly Heist takes you inside a fascinating criminal tragedy. This saga unfolds with the investigation after four unarmed bank guards were brutally murdered in a Sunday robbery that had all the hallmarks of an inside job. The telling of the subsequent arrest and trial of James King for Denver's Father's Day Massacre evokes the tension in a high-profile criminal case--between giving a suspect the benefit of reasonable doubt or convicting them on compelling circumstantial evidence. The writing is crisp and informative, a must-read for true crime and crime procedural readers.
Eighteen days later, the Denver Police Department arrested one of its own. Not only had retired sergeant James W. King served on the force for 25 years, he’d recently been a guard at United Bank—often complaining about the abysmal security, including a decision to disarm its guards. But would he slaughter four of his unarmed successors to prove his point and risk a date with the execution chamber?
DEADLY HEIST is the captivating story of one of Colorado’s most notorious crimes and of a courtroom slugfest that would take a jury nine grueling days to resolve. Its verdict—delivered a year and a day after the bloody massacre—reverberates across the Rocky Mountains to this day.
"With a clear, crisp writing style, Steve Epstein has managed to capture something often lost in the retelling of a true the deep human toll. It’s not just the four bank employees who lost their lives that day, but the ones who survived, left with lasting trauma and guilt. Deadly Heist is a compelling read, and also a vivid reminder of the intense human efforts so vital to bringing those accused of heinous crimes to justice."
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News and 48 Hours Correspondent and host of podcast My Life of Crime with Erin Moriarty
"An engrossing story brilliantly told. This is a thorough behind-the-scenes breakdown of a horrific murder case, followed by the meticulous investigation seeking justice for victims and their families. This book made me nostalgic for my days as a homicide prosecutor and simultaneously inspired me as a true crime author. I can enthusiastically recommend!"
—Matt Murphy, Orange County, California homicide prosecutor (1993-2020), ABC legal analyst, and bestselling author of
The Book of Murder
"Deadly Heist is a fast-paced, extraordinary read, not only for true crime enthusiasts, but for anyone who loves a tight, well-told story, filled with suspense. Steve Epstein has carefully researched what is arguably Colorado's crime of the century. His background as an attorney helps him bring the characters to life and sheds new light on this incredible true story. Epstein's insight and access to the legal proceedings provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at what happens during a high-profile investigation and murder trial. It's a book you'll continue to think about long after you put it down."
—Ron Peterson, Jr., bestselling true crime author of Under the Trestle, Chasing the Squirrel, Eyes of a Monster, and In the Wind
"Deadly Heist takes you inside a fascinating criminal tragedy. This saga unfolds with the investigation after four unarmed bank guards were brutally murdered in a Sunday robbery that had all the hallmarks of an inside job. The telling of the subsequent arrest and trial of James King for Denver's Father's Day Massacre evokes the tension in a high-profile criminal case--between giving a suspect the benefit of reasonable doubt or convicting them on compelling circumstantial evidence. The writing is crisp and informative, a must-read for true crime and crime procedural readers.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2025
28 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Steven B. Epstein
5 books302 followersSteven B. Epstein is a native of Long Island who graduated twice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—first with a bachelor’s degree in political science (1987) and then with a law degree (1990). His career began as a law clerk to a federal judge and included a stint as a law professor at the University of Illinois. He’s been a practicing lawyer for more than 35 years and has tried dozens of cases to judges and juries across North Carolina and has handled numerous appeals in state and federal courts. Since 2010, Steve’s been a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP, where his practice concentrates on family law.
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His fourth book, DEADLY HEIST: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre, was released in February 2025. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including Dateline NBC, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.StevenBEpstein.com
Steve’s writing career began more as an accident than an ambition—a mid-life crisis of sorts—and has morphed into quite the side hustle. His first book, MURDER ON BIRCHLEAF DRIVE (2019), reached #1 on Amazon's best-seller list in the true crime genre and cracked the Top 100 List of all non-fiction books sold on Amazon. His fourth book, DEADLY HEIST: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre, was released in February 2025. He and his books have been featured on TV documentaries, including Dateline NBC, TV news broadcasts, talk radio, YouTube livestreams, podcasts, and in newspaper and magazine articles. Steve lives, practices law, and burns the midnight oil writing, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his amazing wife Aletia Ferreira have five children in their blended family, all of whom have flown from the nest.
www.StevenBEpstein.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 1, 2025
5.0 stars— Another year another outstanding Steven B. Epstein true-crime thriller. This is the fourth book written by Mr. Epstein, and this is also the fourth book written by him in which I’ve rated 5 stars. I’m really not sure at this point why Mr. Epstein hasn’t reached the Ann Rule level of super-stardom because he is that good of a writer. Mr. Epstein has now tackled four separate true-crime cases, and has covered the facts in each of them in a very interesting and readable manner. Each of his books leaves no stone unturned and are very well organized treatments of some very prolific crimes. In his latest, “Deadly Heist: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre”, Epstein relates the story of the 1991 robbery and multiple murders that occurred on Father’s Day at United Bank in downtown Denver. The author does an excellent job of setting forth the facts of the crime from beginning to end in meticulous detail. You wouldn’t know it was a 35 year old case with as detailed a picture as Epstein is able to paint of the robbery and murders. He does an equally fine job on both the police investigation (including details on alternate suspects) and the three week trial and jury deliberations. I was very impressed with both the research and the legal analyses provided by the author (including his very impressive revised closing argument that he would have used if he was a lawyer in the trial). The only criticism I had with the book was the forward of the book written by Tom Costello, an NBC news correspondent. (I may be the only idiot who has ever critiqued “a forward”.) The forward gave away details of the crime and who was ultimately arrested and tried for the murders. For someone going into the book knowing nothing about the facts of the case, this made me angry and spoiled some of the investigative sections because I already knew which suspect was going to be arrested and tried. Thanks a lot Tom!
February 14, 2026
Very excellent true crime!
The best way to read true crime is to know nothing about the crime going in.
It created a great experience for me because during that trial I was kept guessing all the way to the end on whether James King robbed the bank and murdered the bank guards or really had not.
I’m not even sure if the jury “guessed” it right now.
And we will never know as the guy died not talking.
The best way to read true crime is to know nothing about the crime going in.
It created a great experience for me because during that trial I was kept guessing all the way to the end on whether James King robbed the bank and murdered the bank guards or really had not.
I’m not even sure if the jury “guessed” it right now.
And we will never know as the guy died not talking.
January 12, 2026
PLEASE NOTE: Do NOT read the Foreword written by Tom Costello before reading the book if you aren’t familiar with this case. For some ungodly reason, it has a royal spoiler. I can’t imagine why Mr Epstein didn’t have that portion censored before publication. FWIW IMO, for those who don’t know of the case, it’s a huge letdown knowing in advance such a crucial part of the crime.
REVIEW: I recall this atrocious case being covered thoroughly in my local newspaper, nearly 1,000 miles away from where the crime took place. I also followed the trial on Court TV. I remember the savagery committed, the four unarmed security guards so needlessly murdered, the various suspects, the amount of nearly $200,000 stolen, and the trial with the absolute stunning verdict. Though I know much about this particular crime, I wanted to read Mr Epstein’s book to see how well he would tell the story. I’ve read two outstanding books of his other three true crime books. The fourth is on my TBR list. He does an excellent job in the detailed telling of the robbery along with the coverage and analysis of the trial. The writing isn’t weighed down with technical and legal jargon and moves along at a fairly rapid pace. At the time, three years before the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman, this notorious case was called the crime of the century. It’s a fast and compelling read with a shocking outcome.
REVIEW: I recall this atrocious case being covered thoroughly in my local newspaper, nearly 1,000 miles away from where the crime took place. I also followed the trial on Court TV. I remember the savagery committed, the four unarmed security guards so needlessly murdered, the various suspects, the amount of nearly $200,000 stolen, and the trial with the absolute stunning verdict. Though I know much about this particular crime, I wanted to read Mr Epstein’s book to see how well he would tell the story. I’ve read two outstanding books of his other three true crime books. The fourth is on my TBR list. He does an excellent job in the detailed telling of the robbery along with the coverage and analysis of the trial. The writing isn’t weighed down with technical and legal jargon and moves along at a fairly rapid pace. At the time, three years before the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman, this notorious case was called the crime of the century. It’s a fast and compelling read with a shocking outcome.
April 28, 2025
Compelling true crime with deep details involving the courtroom drama. Having read many true crime novels and non-fiction novels in regard to our jurisprudence system, I early on saw the conclusion coming. Maddening as it is, understanding the difference in circumstantial evidence versus physical evidence continues to defy even those in charge of critical investigations. Tragic crime taking the lives of four innocent people whose families never got peace from the American jurisprudence system.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
"Reasonable doubt is everywhere in this case,” he insisted." (Defense attorney Scott Robinson)
After reading this I am still not sure weather Jim King robbed the bank and murdered the four guards, and as such I agree with the above statement made by the defense. I do not see how the jury could have reached any other verdict and still follow the law.
The book was an interesting read but it dragged on a bit at times, also I was a bit put off by the author's "armchair quarterbacking" of the prosecution team, even providing his own alternate closing argument that he believes might have produced a guilty verdict, in my humble opinion I don't believe that is helpful or even fair. As I think everyone knows by now, there is no telling what a jury will ultimately do, regardless of evidence or closing arguments, the jury in this case got it right weather we like the outcome or not.
As defense attorney Robinson states in his closing argument, "This structure has been pounded by scientific evidence and there are gaping holes in the structure. The gaping holes are reasonable doubt.”
After reading this I am still not sure weather Jim King robbed the bank and murdered the four guards, and as such I agree with the above statement made by the defense. I do not see how the jury could have reached any other verdict and still follow the law.
The book was an interesting read but it dragged on a bit at times, also I was a bit put off by the author's "armchair quarterbacking" of the prosecution team, even providing his own alternate closing argument that he believes might have produced a guilty verdict, in my humble opinion I don't believe that is helpful or even fair. As I think everyone knows by now, there is no telling what a jury will ultimately do, regardless of evidence or closing arguments, the jury in this case got it right weather we like the outcome or not.
As defense attorney Robinson states in his closing argument, "This structure has been pounded by scientific evidence and there are gaping holes in the structure. The gaping holes are reasonable doubt.”
March 2, 2025
I loved this book. The story itself is intriguing and interesting on its own. The real star of this show is the writing. Mr Epstein manages to flesh out the characters, victims and suspects alike with a care that makes them come alive. His attention to crafting the scenes are so well thought out it puts you there without being pedantic or overly dramatic!
I find this to be a triumph in the vein of Joseph Wambaughs The Onion Field and Richard Lloyd Perry’s The People Who Eat Darkness.
Do yourself a favor and read this one if you’re a fan of true crime, mysteries or local history.
I find this to be a triumph in the vein of Joseph Wambaughs The Onion Field and Richard Lloyd Perry’s The People Who Eat Darkness.
Do yourself a favor and read this one if you’re a fan of true crime, mysteries or local history.
June 4, 2025
I was drawn to this book thanks to a review in the Denver Post by Sandra Dallas. I worked for many years in downtown Denver as a court reporter....and had occasions to work with Walter Gerash and Scott Robinson. So of course I had to read it.
I went through so many emotions during my read. My heart went out to the families of the victims, to the King family, and I can't even imagine being on that jury.
It was well written, and I would highly recommend it to all who lived in Denver at the time of this massacre.
I went through so many emotions during my read. My heart went out to the families of the victims, to the King family, and I can't even imagine being on that jury.
It was well written, and I would highly recommend it to all who lived in Denver at the time of this massacre.
June 17, 2025
Interesting read but it dragged a bit in the middle. To think the jury had to listen to all that & more and not be allowed to take notes is mind boggling. I lived in Denver metro during this crime & trial and remember it being so tragic. Reading the book helped to understand more why the jury came to the conclusion that they did. At the time we were all so surprised that Jim King was acquitted. But after all this time with the money not showing up & no family member coming forward with anything, it does make you wonder what the truth really was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Another success for Steven Epstein
Steven Epstein hits the mark again with his well documented account of the Father’s Day bank massacre in Denver. It is not just his thorough research and his ability to grab the reader’s attention. It is his masterful use of language that makes this account flow smoothly from one scene to another. He is by far the best true crime author
Steven Epstein hits the mark again with his well documented account of the Father’s Day bank massacre in Denver. It is not just his thorough research and his ability to grab the reader’s attention. It is his masterful use of language that makes this account flow smoothly from one scene to another. He is by far the best true crime author
March 19, 2025
Very interesting read!
Great book and great story to tell. Personally knowing, knowing of, or having worked with several people in this book made it all the more so.
Time to head to the foothills and start digging!
Great book and great story to tell. Personally knowing, knowing of, or having worked with several people in this book made it all the more so.
Time to head to the foothills and start digging!
March 6, 2025
Another great book by Steven Epstein . Can’t wait for the next one. Thanks Steven 📖😊
June 17, 2025
Most Coloradans of a certain age remember the so-called “Father’s Day Bank Massacre” of 1991.
To give an absurdly truncated description: A) An unknown assailant brazenly robbed a bank in downtown Denver, killing four guards. B) Days later, Denver Police arrested one of their own (by then retired), who had also worked as a guard at the bank. C) A surprisingly high-profile trial followed, which resulted in… the guy walking.
Those three events contain such multitudes of compelling, intriguing, and even ironic facts, they’re almost too many to enumerate.
Little wonder, then, that the more true-crime author Steven B. Epstein looked into the forgotten case, the more he sensed a book. The result? “Deadly Heist: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre.”
Epstein’s book is worthwhile in every respect, and has put the 34-year-old 'unsolved' crime on lips and minds again. As a read? Epstein may indulge his lawyerly thinking a bit much at some points, but the raw story behind “Deadly Heist” is just too good to care about all that.
And of course, the biggest takeaway from reading DH will be deciding for yourself: did he or didn’t he?... (I say yes, but some/many disagree).
To give an absurdly truncated description: A) An unknown assailant brazenly robbed a bank in downtown Denver, killing four guards. B) Days later, Denver Police arrested one of their own (by then retired), who had also worked as a guard at the bank. C) A surprisingly high-profile trial followed, which resulted in… the guy walking.
Those three events contain such multitudes of compelling, intriguing, and even ironic facts, they’re almost too many to enumerate.
Little wonder, then, that the more true-crime author Steven B. Epstein looked into the forgotten case, the more he sensed a book. The result? “Deadly Heist: The True Story of the Mile High Bank Massacre.”
Epstein’s book is worthwhile in every respect, and has put the 34-year-old 'unsolved' crime on lips and minds again. As a read? Epstein may indulge his lawyerly thinking a bit much at some points, but the raw story behind “Deadly Heist” is just too good to care about all that.
And of course, the biggest takeaway from reading DH will be deciding for yourself: did he or didn’t he?... (I say yes, but some/many disagree).
April 3, 2025
A horrible crime followed by an inadequate investigation. To this day no one has been convicted of the killings. Well written, but a bit slow in parts.
June 28, 2025
An interesting true crime story, but the bulk of it is essentially the reading of the court trial transcript.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews