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The Trials of Walter Ogrod: The Shocking Murder, So-Called Confessions, and Notorious Snitch That Sent a Man to Death Row
The horrific 1988 murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn shocked the citizens of Philadelphia. Plucked from her own front yard, Barbara Jean was found dead less than two and a half hours later in a cardboard TV box dragged to a nearby street curb. After months of investigation with no strong leads, the case went cold. Four years later it was reopened, and Walter Ogrod, a young man with autism spectrum disorder who had lived across the street from the family at the time of the murder, was brought in as a suspect.
Ogrod bears no resemblance to the composite police sketch based on eyewitness accounts of the man carrying the box, and there is no physical evidence linking him to the crime. His conviction was based solely on a confession he signed after thirty-six hours without sleep. “They said I could go home if I signed it,” Ogrod told his brother from the jailhouse. The case was so weak that the jury voted unanimously to acquit him, but at the last second—in a dramatic courtroom declaration—one juror changed his mind. As he waited for a retrial, Ogrod’s fate was sealed when a notorious jailhouse snitch was planted in his cell block and supplied the prosecution with a second supposed confession. As a result, Walter Ogrod sits on death row for the murder today.
Informed by police records, court transcripts, interviews, letters, journals, and more, award-winning journalist Thomas Lowenstein leads readers through the facts of the infamous Horn murder case in compelling, compassionate, and riveting fashion. He reveals explosive new evidence that points to a condemned man’s innocence and exposes a larger underlying pattern of prosecutorial misconduct in Philadelphia.
Ogrod bears no resemblance to the composite police sketch based on eyewitness accounts of the man carrying the box, and there is no physical evidence linking him to the crime. His conviction was based solely on a confession he signed after thirty-six hours without sleep. “They said I could go home if I signed it,” Ogrod told his brother from the jailhouse. The case was so weak that the jury voted unanimously to acquit him, but at the last second—in a dramatic courtroom declaration—one juror changed his mind. As he waited for a retrial, Ogrod’s fate was sealed when a notorious jailhouse snitch was planted in his cell block and supplied the prosecution with a second supposed confession. As a result, Walter Ogrod sits on death row for the murder today.
Informed by police records, court transcripts, interviews, letters, journals, and more, award-winning journalist Thomas Lowenstein leads readers through the facts of the infamous Horn murder case in compelling, compassionate, and riveting fashion. He reveals explosive new evidence that points to a condemned man’s innocence and exposes a larger underlying pattern of prosecutorial misconduct in Philadelphia.
360 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 13, 2018
A little girl is murdered in broad daylight on a Philadelphia Street in a working class neighborhood that had seen better days.. The repercussions of that tragedy spiral outward, eventually they effectively end another person's life. Walter Ogrod, a young man with autism and a speech impediment, lived across the street from the victim. He was not a suspect until 4 years after the murder. By that time, all likely physical evidence had been destroyed. Two homicide detectives, well versed in extracting confessions but seemingly lacking in basic integrity, coerced Walter into confessing. Jurors voted to acquit, intuiting that the so-called "confession" was full of holes. At the last minute, as the verdict was being read, one juror dramatically changed his vote, resulting in a mistrial. Fast forward another year or so. Walter was retried. The star witness against him was a known jail house snitch, frequently used by prosecutors eager to gain a conviction and unconcerned with justice. Walter is now on death row with little hope of overturning his conviction. Meanwhile, the actual killer goes free. A case like this makes me wonder cynically if justice exists for those without means.
June 7, 2017
I love to read about true stories and was thrilled when I got the chance to read this one. After reading this, I feel so bad for Walter for the way he was treated: first by the cops then from other people who lied about him telling them certain things. It makes me sick that this man has to spend the rest of his life in jail because no one really believed him. It's sad that there are police officers out there that are corrupt and will do anything to get what they want. My heart goes out to Barbara Jeans parents, I can't imagine the heartache that they both suffer and will suffer for the rest of their lives. My heart also goes out to Walter and everyone that cares for him. I pray that the truth will set Walter free and the real killer will finally be revealed. It really is sad to see how many innocent people are in jail for crimes that they didn't commit.
April 4, 2017
The Trials of Walter Ogrod is a shocking, disturbing tale of misconduct, crime, law, and order. I learned a lot about the American justice system and about the different rules that lawyers and detectives must follow. It was fascinating to read about these details, but also sad in that many times the rules are ignored or passed over.
The Trials of Walter Ogrod tells the story of a terrible crime that happened in 1988 in Philadelphia, and the subsequent manhunt, and the later (much later) arrest and conviction of Walter Ogrod. The book goes to great lengths to show that Walter has been imprisoned unfairly, and the courtroom scenes, especially the first court case, are mesmerizing. The court scene mentioned in the synopsis had me glued to the page, and I can’t recall the last time I literally could not put a book down. And this is a non-fiction read! I was hooked on the story of Walter, and his history, and I kept reading hoping someone would see what was happening.
From the first court case, to the jailing and second court case, there is a bit of a lag in the story, and I’m not sure that some information isn’t missing. For instance, (and I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler), but the second time Walter was tried, the defense was handled very oddly, and the reason for this is never explained in the book. Why the sudden shift in defense? His lawyer’s behavior is so puzzling, and it seems like there might be another story there. But this just further drove my interest in the story, and isn’t a negative, just something I noticed and it’s something I’m curious about. But Walter’s story is not over, so perhaps someday more information will be told.
The author, Thomas Lowenstein, has done a tremendous amount of research here, and it is organized in a thoughtful, interesting way. You will definitely want to read the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, which details his reasoning behind writing the book, and how he discovered Walter’s story.
In terms of what I didn’t like about the book, I must warn readers that it is fairly graphic. The crime is the murder of a four-year-old girl, and the violence is mentioned in detail, along with a lot of language throughout the book. There was also a lot of technical legal and detective information that was fascinating, but also was a bit dry in sections.
I saw this title pop up on NetGalley, and ever since I read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, about a lawyer who focuses on helping those on death row, I’ve been interested and drawn to stories about crime and law, especially those who have been wrongfully convicted. Walter’s story is one that people should know, along with Barbara Jean’s story (she was the little girl who was murdered).
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes to read nonfiction, true crime, books about law and order, and books with powerful human stories. I won’t be forgetting Walter Ogrod and his story anytime soon, and I really recommend this read!
Bottom Line: Powerful and haunting. I couldn’t put this book down!
**I received an eARC copy of The Trials of Walter Ogrod from the publisher via NetGalley. This review first appeared on my blog, luvtoread: https://luvtoread.com/2017/04/03/thet...
The Trials of Walter Ogrod tells the story of a terrible crime that happened in 1988 in Philadelphia, and the subsequent manhunt, and the later (much later) arrest and conviction of Walter Ogrod. The book goes to great lengths to show that Walter has been imprisoned unfairly, and the courtroom scenes, especially the first court case, are mesmerizing. The court scene mentioned in the synopsis had me glued to the page, and I can’t recall the last time I literally could not put a book down. And this is a non-fiction read! I was hooked on the story of Walter, and his history, and I kept reading hoping someone would see what was happening.
From the first court case, to the jailing and second court case, there is a bit of a lag in the story, and I’m not sure that some information isn’t missing. For instance, (and I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler), but the second time Walter was tried, the defense was handled very oddly, and the reason for this is never explained in the book. Why the sudden shift in defense? His lawyer’s behavior is so puzzling, and it seems like there might be another story there. But this just further drove my interest in the story, and isn’t a negative, just something I noticed and it’s something I’m curious about. But Walter’s story is not over, so perhaps someday more information will be told.
The author, Thomas Lowenstein, has done a tremendous amount of research here, and it is organized in a thoughtful, interesting way. You will definitely want to read the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, which details his reasoning behind writing the book, and how he discovered Walter’s story.
In terms of what I didn’t like about the book, I must warn readers that it is fairly graphic. The crime is the murder of a four-year-old girl, and the violence is mentioned in detail, along with a lot of language throughout the book. There was also a lot of technical legal and detective information that was fascinating, but also was a bit dry in sections.
I saw this title pop up on NetGalley, and ever since I read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, about a lawyer who focuses on helping those on death row, I’ve been interested and drawn to stories about crime and law, especially those who have been wrongfully convicted. Walter’s story is one that people should know, along with Barbara Jean’s story (she was the little girl who was murdered).
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes to read nonfiction, true crime, books about law and order, and books with powerful human stories. I won’t be forgetting Walter Ogrod and his story anytime soon, and I really recommend this read!
Bottom Line: Powerful and haunting. I couldn’t put this book down!
**I received an eARC copy of The Trials of Walter Ogrod from the publisher via NetGalley. This review first appeared on my blog, luvtoread: https://luvtoread.com/2017/04/03/thet...
April 5, 2017
I am a huge true crime fan, but sadly this one didn't do it for me. The time line jumped around a lot and was hard to follow. I didn't really sympathize with anyone victims or perpetrators. There was so much court room jargon that I got very bored. If I had to guess I would say Walter didn't commit this crime. There are many stories like this and they grabbed my sympathy*
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read an uncorrected proof of this story, in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read an uncorrected proof of this story, in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2022
The title says it all. Which I suppose is a positive for knowing what you're getting? 🤔 It is actually a very sad read - you have been warned...
December 19, 2023
"The Trials of Walter Ogrod" by Thomas Lowenstein is a riveting exploration of a shocking murder case, shedding light on the intricacies of the legal system. Lowenstein meticulously unravels the events leading to Walter Ogrod's conviction, exposing flaws and highlighting the questionable use of confessions and informant testimony. The narrative is compelling, offering a thought-provoking examination of justice gone awry. The author's thorough research and attention to detail contribute to a captivating read, making the complexities of the case accessible to a wide audience. While the book leans toward advocacy, it succeeds in prompting critical reflection on the flaws within the criminal justice system. "The Trials of Walter Ogrod" earns a commendable 4 out of 5 stars for its compelling storytelling and the important questions it raises about the fairness of legal proceedings.
May 24, 2017
It saddens me that our justice system can put an innocent person on death row. I am stunned that even though he did not resemble the man that some of the witnesses described that he was questioned at great length about this heinous crime. They had no physical evidence linking him to the crime and took the word of a known snitch that they planted in his jail cell. Walter's conviction was based merely on a confession that he signed after 36 hours without any sleep and with his understanding that he could go home if he signed it. I would recommend this book it is great from start to finish.
July 23, 2017
Truly an unbelievable story, I kept expecting a "happy" ending where the guy on death row is exonerated. That hasn't happened. This is another dramatic example of our justice system gone wrong and the events are incredible. It is hard to fathom how police, prosecutors, and judges do some of the things they do and are still able to sleep at night.
April 28, 2018
So cops try to pin murder of a four-year-old child onto a guy who is a little "off." They coerce him into signing a "confession." I groaned at the underhanded deceit, the needless dependency on an in-prison snitch who produced yet another false confession. Though the recounted court dramas were at times a bit wearying to read, overall I found this true-story mystery a riveting saga. Who actually did it? Will injustices be corrected? Will overeager cops be fired? Will collusion between judge and prosecutor be discovered? Indeed Ogrod was like Charlie Brown trying to kick a football and the justice system like Lucy jerking it away from him at the last moment [p55]. Ogrod knew that he was socially awkward but apparently not that he could be easily manipulated. It was the "win at all costs" mind of the justice system that did him in.
May 18, 2022
I've finished listening to the Audiobook of The Trials of Walter Ogrod and I rate it 5 stars 🌟
The horrific 1988 murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn shocked the citizens of Philadelphia. Taken from her own front yard, and Walter Ogrod an innocent man who spent two decades on death Row for a crime he didn't commit, this was a shocking miscarriage of Justice.
I've seen a few documentaries about this case before but this audiobook goes into alot more detail, I found this case absolutely shocking the fact that the police was interviewing him knowing he was sleep deprived they was putting pressure on him they told him he can go home if he said he did it, what comes next is a jail snitch who's made a career out of telling lies to refuse his time.
This really is a shocking miscarriage of Justice its unbelievable that this happens.
The horrific 1988 murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn shocked the citizens of Philadelphia. Taken from her own front yard, and Walter Ogrod an innocent man who spent two decades on death Row for a crime he didn't commit, this was a shocking miscarriage of Justice.
I've seen a few documentaries about this case before but this audiobook goes into alot more detail, I found this case absolutely shocking the fact that the police was interviewing him knowing he was sleep deprived they was putting pressure on him they told him he can go home if he said he did it, what comes next is a jail snitch who's made a career out of telling lies to refuse his time.
This really is a shocking miscarriage of Justice its unbelievable that this happens.
January 13, 2026
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I listened to it instead of physically reading it. The plot of the book is fascinating… in the most disturbing and frustrating way possible. It’s eye opening. It’s hard to believe that this (wrongful convictions, poor police work to this degree, etc.) happens OFTEN. The world would be a better place if guys like Devlin and Worrell didn’t exist in law enforcement.
The author’s writing style, for me, is very high school student. I found myself more focused on how many, commas, he uses, in one sentence, than actually, focusing on the content of the, book: and he loves a complex sentence; that make no sense whatsoever; and seem to go on for, forever, and, ever. Who published this?!?!
The author’s writing style, for me, is very high school student. I found myself more focused on how many, commas, he uses, in one sentence, than actually, focusing on the content of the, book: and he loves a complex sentence; that make no sense whatsoever; and seem to go on for, forever, and, ever. Who published this?!?!
May 24, 2019
Overall a really good insight to the problems that could arise in the justice system and catching a murderer with very little evidence. I thought that although the book was biased, it was a great detailed account of everything that happened from the murder to the end of the retrial. It actually angered me how bad the system could be played and that an innocent man could be considered guilty based on how a trial went. Recommend reading for insight to the justice system and it’s imperfections. There were parts of the book where the author rambled and thus made it hard to understand, but overall easy read although it looks long.
September 13, 2021
Inspired by the murder of his own father, Congressman Allard Lowenstein, Thomas Lowenstein has taken on the case of an autistic man railroaded into confessing to a murder he did not commit.
“The Trials of Walter Ogrod” is an exhaustive account of the Philadelphia murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn in 1988. Barbara Jean’s neighbor, Walter Ogrod, was arrested four years later, despite no evidence linking him to the crime and the fact he bore no resemblance to a sketch of the perpetrator. Walter was tried twice, narrowly escaping conviction in his first trial.
Riveting reading that made my blood boil at the often unfair treatment of vulnerable people by our judicial system.
“The Trials of Walter Ogrod” is an exhaustive account of the Philadelphia murder of four-year-old Barbara Jean Horn in 1988. Barbara Jean’s neighbor, Walter Ogrod, was arrested four years later, despite no evidence linking him to the crime and the fact he bore no resemblance to a sketch of the perpetrator. Walter was tried twice, narrowly escaping conviction in his first trial.
Riveting reading that made my blood boil at the often unfair treatment of vulnerable people by our judicial system.
January 8, 2022
Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? I struggled with this one. On the spectrum, interrogated by police for hours, lied to by cops, told he would get his attorney call if he'd just sign this form...which he got tricked into signing, and a confession eventually. No solid evidence. What makes so many people falsely confess, and is there a way out of it once they do? It's legal for cops to wear suspects down so much and lie to them in order to get a confession to close a case. What do you think about that?
People have very mixed feelings about his guilt. Read this true crime to see which side you believe in the end.
People have very mixed feelings about his guilt. Read this true crime to see which side you believe in the end.
August 28, 2017
Is it about convictions or justice?
Lowenstein asks this chilling question as he takes readers deep into the flimsy case against Walter Ogrod. The book is a well-researched, thoughtful piece of investigative journalism. The book is also a reminder of how the courtroom is a workplace for attorneys and judges. Their professional norms, ambitions, and relationships have the potential to influence a trial.
I found the book to be accessible, well-structured and easy to read. I read 100 pages on a flight! Lowenstein's style has the power to completely absorb a reader into the story.
Lowenstein asks this chilling question as he takes readers deep into the flimsy case against Walter Ogrod. The book is a well-researched, thoughtful piece of investigative journalism. The book is also a reminder of how the courtroom is a workplace for attorneys and judges. Their professional norms, ambitions, and relationships have the potential to influence a trial.
I found the book to be accessible, well-structured and easy to read. I read 100 pages on a flight! Lowenstein's style has the power to completely absorb a reader into the story.
October 17, 2018
A compelling, heartbreaking, stranger than fiction account of a meek, intellectually impaired defendant, an overzealous (and very possibly corrupt) DA’s office, and one of the most colossal miscarriages of justice in history. The author takes you along as though you’re right there with Walter, every step of the way. Further proof that justice is only blind for some. A must read, especially if you’re of the ilk that believes no once confesses to crimes they don’t commit, snitches don’t lie, and only guilty people are in prison.
July 25, 2022
I know everyone has an opinion on these things, but it was very clear to me that Walter was innocent and was pleased to read that after this book was published that they gave him a retrial and he was released.
Another prime example of how our justice system is corrupt at times and frightening how many innocent people can be falsely accused. Walter had 24 years of his life stolen, because he couldn’t fight back.
I feel for the families who have to go through this and who it happens too, but don’t steal another life!
Another prime example of how our justice system is corrupt at times and frightening how many innocent people can be falsely accused. Walter had 24 years of his life stolen, because he couldn’t fight back.
I feel for the families who have to go through this and who it happens too, but don’t steal another life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2020
Miscarriage of Justice on so many levels
If you like investigative journalist tales, then this is the story for you. The author takes a objective view of all of the evidence associated with Walter Ogrod’s case, and come back with one major conclusion- the state of Pennsylvania failed in and the victims family. Very sad story of wrongful conviction and how justice can truly be blind.
If you like investigative journalist tales, then this is the story for you. The author takes a objective view of all of the evidence associated with Walter Ogrod’s case, and come back with one major conclusion- the state of Pennsylvania failed in and the victims family. Very sad story of wrongful conviction and how justice can truly be blind.
May 21, 2019
Our March (2019) book club pick.
We loved this book. One of our members saw the author on CNN and suggested it for her pick.
What we loved about this book is how the author makes a clear case that Ogrod is innocent. But when he pieces together the prosecution's case, he lets the reader go along for their ridiculous reasoning.
We loved this book. One of our members saw the author on CNN and suggested it for her pick.
What we loved about this book is how the author makes a clear case that Ogrod is innocent. But when he pieces together the prosecution's case, he lets the reader go along for their ridiculous reasoning.
December 14, 2020
A friend recommended this to me. I liked it but was not particularly spell-bound; however, the journalism on display is excellent. It's for sure on the reading list for anyone who believes "false confessions" aren't a thing. Overall, a tragic story that answers the question: how is it possible to confess to something you didn't do?
June 3, 2018
I’ve been opposed to the death penalty for as long as I can remember. Walter Ogrod’s story only solidifies that belief. It’s horrifying to think such a fragile soul could be so manipulated. We are woefully failing to care for those with mental illness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2017
Listened to audiobook.
May 24, 2018
Omg!! The author is one Heck of a fact finding writer. His detailed accounts & history coming from each person is riveting.
February 8, 2020
Sad story
April 6, 2021
What a heartbreaking insight to our very broken judicial system. I pray that one day his truth will come to light.
June 10, 2021
This book is so eye opening!!
October 27, 2022
★★★½☆ - 3.5 stars (🎧)
April 25, 2023
WTFFF!! ACAB !!
June 17, 2023
I can't deal with false accusation. This was a tough book for me. So much deceit on the part of the detectives, prosecutors, snitches, judges. Well-researched, well-written, but hard to take.
August 5, 2023
A very sad story and a worrying outcome. Well worth a listen or read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews