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Finishing Machine
The true crime thriller of UFC fighter veteran Gerald “The Finishing Machine” Strebendt, who in 2014 shot and killed an unarmed man after a minor traffic accident. Police detectives called it road rage. Gerald’s attorneys called a press-conference, taking a unique step in a high-profile case in changing the narrative. Within days, self-defense became the key media issue and Gerald awaited a charging decision by the Oregon prosecutor.
Charge: Murder with a Firearm, and thus began the next stage of Gerald’s life. He had served the Marine Corps proudly as a Marine sniper. He had done two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a Blackwater (Academi) mercenary. He had fought mixed martial arts professionally and had a successful MMA-training gym. However, the next stage of his life was a fight for justice and a fight for his life. Was it going to be a murder conviction and a life in prison? Many in the community wanted that, claiming that a trained killer like Gerald Strebendt couldn’t possibly need to shoot an unarmed 55-year-old man with an AR-15 military-style assault rifle. But the truth was much more nuanced.
“Finishing Machine” is a book about choices. Gerald made choices in his life to fight and compete. Some of these instincts carried on in his post-military life when he was accused of years of prior road rage incidents that the Oregon prosecutor wanted to introduce as evidence at his trial. His attorneys, Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner, set out to disprove these allegations and get to the truth with science and hard work. Gerald also made a choice that night to use his firearm rather than to run or fight.
Written from the perspective of Gerald’s lead counsel Mike Arnold, the authors’ book takes the reader on a journey of the goings-on in a defense attorney’s mind. Does he doubt his client’s story? How does he deal with surprising evidence? Can he stay the impartial advocate? Does the judge’s gag order turn the case into a secret criminal tribunal at this former UFC fighter's detriment or does it allow him access to the justice the law requires?
Does science say it was a minor traffic accident or a dramatic crash caused by a crazy man? And if so, who was the crazy man, Gerald or his victim?
Live the tension of the lawyers and the accused yourself by stepping into the mind of a criminal defense attorney and into the mind of the Finishing Machine.
Charge: Murder with a Firearm, and thus began the next stage of Gerald’s life. He had served the Marine Corps proudly as a Marine sniper. He had done two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a Blackwater (Academi) mercenary. He had fought mixed martial arts professionally and had a successful MMA-training gym. However, the next stage of his life was a fight for justice and a fight for his life. Was it going to be a murder conviction and a life in prison? Many in the community wanted that, claiming that a trained killer like Gerald Strebendt couldn’t possibly need to shoot an unarmed 55-year-old man with an AR-15 military-style assault rifle. But the truth was much more nuanced.
“Finishing Machine” is a book about choices. Gerald made choices in his life to fight and compete. Some of these instincts carried on in his post-military life when he was accused of years of prior road rage incidents that the Oregon prosecutor wanted to introduce as evidence at his trial. His attorneys, Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner, set out to disprove these allegations and get to the truth with science and hard work. Gerald also made a choice that night to use his firearm rather than to run or fight.
Written from the perspective of Gerald’s lead counsel Mike Arnold, the authors’ book takes the reader on a journey of the goings-on in a defense attorney’s mind. Does he doubt his client’s story? How does he deal with surprising evidence? Can he stay the impartial advocate? Does the judge’s gag order turn the case into a secret criminal tribunal at this former UFC fighter's detriment or does it allow him access to the justice the law requires?
Does science say it was a minor traffic accident or a dramatic crash caused by a crazy man? And if so, who was the crazy man, Gerald or his victim?
Live the tension of the lawyers and the accused yourself by stepping into the mind of a criminal defense attorney and into the mind of the Finishing Machine.
- GenresNonfiction
425 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2016
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December 11, 2016The true story of Gerald ‘The Finishing Machine’ Strebendt
Oregon authors/attorneys Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner team to place in our hands a story – a true story about a case they defended – that is not only an immensely engrossing read but also represents an examination of our legal system, good aspects and flaws. They are committed to their roles and turn on lights about a trial and verdict that sheds light on and raises questions about verdicts and imprisonments. Together the authors have penned five impressive books; Mike has written two addition books.
Reading this book is an experience we all should have – the book about a true case is so well documented, accompanied by multiple color photographs and diagrams of the crime scene, and polished propulsive prose that it will change the reader.
The Prologue sets the stage well: ‘The evening was cool and a haze hung low over a dark, rural road where only a truck’s headlights provided illumination. It was January in Springfield, Oregon, so a low fog was not unexpected. But as the evening deepened, the clouds suddenly gave way to a brief, un-forecasted downpour. One man, trained as a Marine sniper, found himself standing alone. Moments before, he and another man – a stranger – had been in a confrontation. Then came the rain. And now there was only a lingering mist, backlit by the headlights. He had been trained by the military for exactly this: a coolly evaluated threat, followed by a split-second decision to take action. But he wasn’t on the gun range, not tonight. He hadn’t calculated his move through the lens of a scope, and he hadn’t picked off his target from a safe and detached distance. There were no instructions from afar. This was different. It was up close and personal. The cloudburst had not been rain, and the mist was not made up of water. It was bits of blood, brain, skin and skull.
The shooter lowered his gun, and raised his cell phone to his ear. He needed an ambulance. A man lay shattered on the pavement, his life ebbing away as cars continued to flow past the scene. All around, an audience of dark homes, fences and trees stood as silent witnesses to what had occurred. A woman, having left the safety of her vehicle to investigate the sounds she had heard, screamed at the sight of the long black gun and the violence it had wrought. Was there any doubt who was the predator, and who was the prey?’
The words from Mike Arnold about the case and this book add significantly. ‘More often than not, a defense attorney's clients are guilty. Gerald Strebendt certainly looked guilty of the January 2014 road-rage murder. Marine sniper. Blackwater operative. MMA fighter with a 9-7 win-loss record, including an appearance in UFC 44. Strebendt was a trained killer, in other words, & one who just happened to be known for his hothead tendencies. It didn't help that his truck was a rolling armory that dark night on a rural road in Springfield, Ore., or that the weapon he used to shoot the other unarmed driver wasn't anybody's idea of "the right gun" to be carrying around town. It was an AR-15-type rifle, a long, black semiautomatic that the world loves to label a "military assault rifle." Yes, he sure looked guilty to many. But he told me he was innocent. He told mean unbelievable story about what happened. And I believed him. In the end, a single shot rang out & only Strebendt was left standing. So, was it road rage? Self-defense? Or, some combination of the two? I'm Mike Arnold, attorney for the defense, & this book isn't just the story of this shooting, or of Gerald Strebendt's guilt or innocence. It's also my story. Because, for the first time, I saw myself in one of my clients. And I realized that, in this case, neither one of us was likely to get a fair shake from the judicial system.’
Couple the splendid writing of this harrowing investigation and trial as a book with these thoughts form the author and FINISHING MACHINE becomes a must read book. Highly Recommended.
Oregon authors/attorneys Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner team to place in our hands a story – a true story about a case they defended – that is not only an immensely engrossing read but also represents an examination of our legal system, good aspects and flaws. They are committed to their roles and turn on lights about a trial and verdict that sheds light on and raises questions about verdicts and imprisonments. Together the authors have penned five impressive books; Mike has written two addition books.
Reading this book is an experience we all should have – the book about a true case is so well documented, accompanied by multiple color photographs and diagrams of the crime scene, and polished propulsive prose that it will change the reader.
The Prologue sets the stage well: ‘The evening was cool and a haze hung low over a dark, rural road where only a truck’s headlights provided illumination. It was January in Springfield, Oregon, so a low fog was not unexpected. But as the evening deepened, the clouds suddenly gave way to a brief, un-forecasted downpour. One man, trained as a Marine sniper, found himself standing alone. Moments before, he and another man – a stranger – had been in a confrontation. Then came the rain. And now there was only a lingering mist, backlit by the headlights. He had been trained by the military for exactly this: a coolly evaluated threat, followed by a split-second decision to take action. But he wasn’t on the gun range, not tonight. He hadn’t calculated his move through the lens of a scope, and he hadn’t picked off his target from a safe and detached distance. There were no instructions from afar. This was different. It was up close and personal. The cloudburst had not been rain, and the mist was not made up of water. It was bits of blood, brain, skin and skull.
The shooter lowered his gun, and raised his cell phone to his ear. He needed an ambulance. A man lay shattered on the pavement, his life ebbing away as cars continued to flow past the scene. All around, an audience of dark homes, fences and trees stood as silent witnesses to what had occurred. A woman, having left the safety of her vehicle to investigate the sounds she had heard, screamed at the sight of the long black gun and the violence it had wrought. Was there any doubt who was the predator, and who was the prey?’
The words from Mike Arnold about the case and this book add significantly. ‘More often than not, a defense attorney's clients are guilty. Gerald Strebendt certainly looked guilty of the January 2014 road-rage murder. Marine sniper. Blackwater operative. MMA fighter with a 9-7 win-loss record, including an appearance in UFC 44. Strebendt was a trained killer, in other words, & one who just happened to be known for his hothead tendencies. It didn't help that his truck was a rolling armory that dark night on a rural road in Springfield, Ore., or that the weapon he used to shoot the other unarmed driver wasn't anybody's idea of "the right gun" to be carrying around town. It was an AR-15-type rifle, a long, black semiautomatic that the world loves to label a "military assault rifle." Yes, he sure looked guilty to many. But he told me he was innocent. He told mean unbelievable story about what happened. And I believed him. In the end, a single shot rang out & only Strebendt was left standing. So, was it road rage? Self-defense? Or, some combination of the two? I'm Mike Arnold, attorney for the defense, & this book isn't just the story of this shooting, or of Gerald Strebendt's guilt or innocence. It's also my story. Because, for the first time, I saw myself in one of my clients. And I realized that, in this case, neither one of us was likely to get a fair shake from the judicial system.’
Couple the splendid writing of this harrowing investigation and trial as a book with these thoughts form the author and FINISHING MACHINE becomes a must read book. Highly Recommended.
December 9, 2016
Who knew that hampered justice for an innocent person begins as early as the convening of a Grand Jury in Oregon? Who knew that a judge has the power to put a stranglehold on an attorney trying to save an innocent person? We all know the media can help hang an accused, but who knew that it can be stopped from helping an innocent by a judge’s order? I learned much in this riveting book; my eyes are open. If you are ever accused of a crime you did not commit, you had best know how to get a truly great lawyer full of energy and passion—not just a good lawyer. I LOVED this book!
September 8, 2016
A raw and riveting account of a death investigation from the eyes of the accused's lawyers. A unique look into the anatomy of building a criminal defense to a murder charge and the life of the shooter.
December 2, 2016
A very intriguing story about a trial from start to finish. This was the first true crime book that I have read but I found it to be well written and it flowed very quickly but thoroughly through the entire process but covered a lot of detail and information. The book grabbed my attention from the start and I found myself not wanting to put it down/...I know, a cliche but really,it was great.
The story is about a Non-Active Marine (there's no such thing as an Ex-Marine) and MMA fighter that looks to be put into a bad spot after a traffic accident and ends up fatally shooting the other driver. The case revolves around "was it self defense", courtroom biases ans politics and the issue of people's general perceptions about someone based on a quick google search of their past.
Overall I recommend reading it, even if you don't usually read the genre.
The story is about a Non-Active Marine (there's no such thing as an Ex-Marine) and MMA fighter that looks to be put into a bad spot after a traffic accident and ends up fatally shooting the other driver. The case revolves around "was it self defense", courtroom biases ans politics and the issue of people's general perceptions about someone based on a quick google search of their past.
Overall I recommend reading it, even if you don't usually read the genre.
December 15, 2016
A Must Read, a genre all of its own.
I am a fan of suspense,mystery, biographies. I knew this was a true story. The author however presented the whole book in such a way you felt like you might as well been inside his head. A bonus is you learn the law or lack thereof, and how our justice system works. I hope to read more if he writes. I also have a more open mind to defense attorneys.
I am a fan of suspense,mystery, biographies. I knew this was a true story. The author however presented the whole book in such a way you felt like you might as well been inside his head. A bonus is you learn the law or lack thereof, and how our justice system works. I hope to read more if he writes. I also have a more open mind to defense attorneys.
February 3, 2017
I started this book with high expectations, as usual, but was soon let down. From the first few chapters it seems to me that the intended thrust of the book is two-fold. Mr Arnold intendes it to 1) describe a brutal, lethal encounter between two men, and to lay out the facts behind the incident in order to prove his client (the shooter) innocent. 2) The book is supposed to give the reader insights into how a (good) lawyer does his homework: discovers the real facts, parse those facts, uses experts to explain how things happened and why, handle his client and witnesses, etc, in short to build a case that will get his client acquitted. Good intentions. And the parts of the book that address those intentions are fairly compelling, well written, valuable.
Unfortunately, the book details not only the process of constructing a winning case, the facts of the case, and how the actual case proceeded, but loads of extraneous personal stuff about Mr Arnold's life and history and that of his associates, detailed sections on the life and background of his client (inserted here and there into the narrative rather in one concise chapter), pictures that are irrelevant; simply too much writing that is not germane to the case.
Over all I feel this is a valuable book for those associated with criminal law: the grammar and syntax are better than most found in other books written by lawyers, the legal parts feel authentic to me as a lay-person, and the writing is entertaining for the reader during the relevant parts.
I hope to read more by this author. And I thank Mr. Arnold for the opportunity to read and review it.
Unfortunately, the book details not only the process of constructing a winning case, the facts of the case, and how the actual case proceeded, but loads of extraneous personal stuff about Mr Arnold's life and history and that of his associates, detailed sections on the life and background of his client (inserted here and there into the narrative rather in one concise chapter), pictures that are irrelevant; simply too much writing that is not germane to the case.
Over all I feel this is a valuable book for those associated with criminal law: the grammar and syntax are better than most found in other books written by lawyers, the legal parts feel authentic to me as a lay-person, and the writing is entertaining for the reader during the relevant parts.
I hope to read more by this author. And I thank Mr. Arnold for the opportunity to read and review it.
December 16, 2016
Mike Arnold & Emilia Gardner have written a beautifully scripted book based on a true case from their files...they have accurately and vividly captured the thoughts, doubts, and frustrations of an attorney; as well as the role that not only the jurors and the media have to play but also the judge. A very thought provoking book,written from the point of view of the attorney. The real beauty of this book is that in it's conclusion you realize that it is the begining of another phase in Gerald's life. Gerald's reaction at the time of shooting is as much a part of who he is, and at the end Mike comes to the realization that Gerald will be a changed man when his term is over, and again he would be a by-product of what he has faced inside. A definite must read!
I have voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
I have voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
December 19, 2016
"An Excellent Account Of A Defense Attorney's Fight"
This compelling story is a true story by defense attorneys Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner. They take the case to defend Gerald Strebendt in January 2014. Strebendt appears guilty with his back ground as a Marine sniper, Blackwater operative, mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor, and is owner and operator of the Northwest Training Center. He's definitely a trained killer. The incident of road rage by another aggressive driver who approached him with assault in mind caused Strebendt to defend himself. He kills the man with an AR-15 type rifle. This is a very interesting, well written account by Mike Arnold reflecting his strength to take on this case and defend Strebendt. He also includes some crime scene photos. It's very informative and I highly recommend to others.
This compelling story is a true story by defense attorneys Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner. They take the case to defend Gerald Strebendt in January 2014. Strebendt appears guilty with his back ground as a Marine sniper, Blackwater operative, mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor, and is owner and operator of the Northwest Training Center. He's definitely a trained killer. The incident of road rage by another aggressive driver who approached him with assault in mind caused Strebendt to defend himself. He kills the man with an AR-15 type rifle. This is a very interesting, well written account by Mike Arnold reflecting his strength to take on this case and defend Strebendt. He also includes some crime scene photos. It's very informative and I highly recommend to others.
December 21, 2016
Great book if you want to understand how our legal system works
This is a really interesting book showing how our legal system works and also works against the defendant. It will really open your eyes as to how a judge can manipulate an attorney's opportunity to defend the client. This judge did many things to tie the attorney's hands.
I would have given it a five star rating, but there was just way too much information in many areas of the book. I never skip pages, but this time I had to. Just too much detail! But still a good read.
This is a really interesting book showing how our legal system works and also works against the defendant. It will really open your eyes as to how a judge can manipulate an attorney's opportunity to defend the client. This judge did many things to tie the attorney's hands.
I would have given it a five star rating, but there was just way too much information in many areas of the book. I never skip pages, but this time I had to. Just too much detail! But still a good read.
December 13, 2016
This is an absolutely amazing book. It's very thought provoking and gives an inside view of how true justice is just a fantasy. It exposes how politically driven our justice system is and how people are guilty until proven innocent...or not even given the chance to prove their innocence.
This book also serves as a reminder of how everyday decisions have a cumulative effect on our lives.
A must read for anyone exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms and the legal ramifications or using deadly force to protect themselves, whether truly justified or not.
Hats off to Mike Arnold, Emilia Gardner and everyone at Arnold Law. I'd never really expected an attorney to be so fully vested in a client.
This book also serves as a reminder of how everyday decisions have a cumulative effect on our lives.
A must read for anyone exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms and the legal ramifications or using deadly force to protect themselves, whether truly justified or not.
Hats off to Mike Arnold, Emilia Gardner and everyone at Arnold Law. I'd never really expected an attorney to be so fully vested in a client.
July 20, 2024
Great read!
January 8, 2017
Ahh, you guys don't know what you're missing! This is a great book. The author has such a natural ability to write that it makes it even more likable. All lawyer jokes aside, if there were any lawyers to trust I think this author would be one. He seems really genuine. Actually, I should say both authors. I know Emelia Gardner worked on this book also. I don't mean to sound like all the credit is going to Mr Arnold. His stories are just so funny. Maybe he will write another book with stories of Emelia. Lol. His stories to help you relate to the case will have you lol. I was rolling about some of it. And as far as the suspect, Mr Arnold doesn't hold back. He tells the reader all the facts, good and bad. By now I feel like I know both the author and Gerald. I find myself rooting for Gerald every day. This is a high intense read that makes you see and feel what Mr Arnold went through during all this. And the man-power and cost of it, it blows my mind! I never knew how much and how many experts played a part in a defense case. I hate that I'm writing such a long review. But this is the hardest review I've ever written. Just from the sentence on the cover of the book, I knew right away I wanted to read it, but I didn't know exactly what the pages would contain. There's so much controversy on the subject of guns. I feel that Gerald was justified in shooting Mr. Crofut. I'm sad the family lost him and I'm sorry he had to die, but he also shouldn't have chosen to pursue Gerald. Who's to say his drinking and driving wouldn't have killed some innocent children if he would've lived on? I know that's bad to say and even if he wasn't drinking, he shouldn't have went after Gerald. I feel like in the 911 recording that Gerald was very distressed. It was an orderly distress like someone who has been trained to function in such situations. Working in the medical profession and having a husband that is a former policeman and magistrate judge, you can tell the difference in people who lead a life with a job that is in the life and death moment. It's part of your lifestyle. There's no turning that training off. Gerald knew what needed to be done before he even had a chance to really think about it. I can't imagine the trauma he feels from this. Especially after all the other stuff he's been through in the military. No one knows or has a right to even judge unless they've ever been through it. I'm sorry he had to spend any time at all in prison. I don't feel like he is a danger to society at all. If there were anybody I would want around in a situation like this, it would be him. I don't understand why the justice system is like it is. The president keeps pardoning all these felons who have committed really bad crimes with guns, the ones that are the worst of the worst. If I were going to pardon someone, it would be Gerald. I don't think he was looking for someone to shoot that night. It is wild that he had all those guns to people who don't shoot, but being raised with three older brothers, it's a normal day in the life. If someone like that target practices a lot, this could be law enforcement, ex military or someone who owns a shooting range, it's nothing to have that many guns with you. They were probably all over the place because he hadn't had the chance to clean them and organize them better. As far as ammo being Willy nilly, my brother used to do his own reloading of ammo and it's nothing to find 5 gallon buckets of it in his bathroom and truck at any given time. And he's a professor of chemistry and physics so that's even scarier because he knows how to blow things up. I feel like if it had been anybody else in Gerald's shoes that night that wasn't trained with a gun like him, they would've fired sooner or been dead one. I would've fired sooner. Well, I guess I've given my opinion even though I had set out to try and remain neutral. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you don't like true crime. There is so much knowledge in this book on all kinds of stuff. It blows my mind. It took me forever to read because it's not a fast read where you don't have to think. I would read something then wind up googling something and thinking how did I wind up on this subject? Mr Arnold does that to you without you even knowing it.
December 26, 2016
More often than not, a defense attorney's clients are guilty. Gerald Strebendt certainly looked guilty of the January 2014 road rage murder. Marine sniper. Blackwater operative. MMA fighter with a 9-7 win-loss record, including an appearance in UFC 44. Strebendt was a trained killer, in other words, & one who just happened to be known for his hothead tendencies. It didn't help that his truck was a rolling armory that dark night on a rural road in Springfield, Ore., or that the weapon he used to shoot the other unarmed driver wasn't anybody's idea of "the right gun" to be carrying around town. It was an AR-15-type rifle, a long, black semiautomatic that the world loves to label a "military assault rifle."
Yes, Gerald Strebendt sure looked guilty to me. But he told me he was innocent. He said the other guy rammed Gerald’s truck, got out of the car, & began yelling menacingly. That's when Strebendt grabbed his rifle & began retreating with it, repeatedly telling the other driver to stay back. But the guy kept coming. And that's when a single shot rang out & only Strebendt was left standing. So, was it road rage? Self-defense? Some combination of the two?
I'm Mike Arnold, attorney for the defense, & this book isn't just the story of this shooting, or of Gerald Strebendt's guilt or innocence. It's also my story. Because, for the first time, I saw myself in one of my clients. And I realized that, in this case, neither one of us was likely to get a fair shake from the judicial system.
Yes, Gerald Strebendt sure looked guilty to me. But he told me he was innocent. He said the other guy rammed Gerald’s truck, got out of the car, & began yelling menacingly. That's when Strebendt grabbed his rifle & began retreating with it, repeatedly telling the other driver to stay back. But the guy kept coming. And that's when a single shot rang out & only Strebendt was left standing. So, was it road rage? Self-defense? Some combination of the two?
I'm Mike Arnold, attorney for the defense, & this book isn't just the story of this shooting, or of Gerald Strebendt's guilt or innocence. It's also my story. Because, for the first time, I saw myself in one of my clients. And I realized that, in this case, neither one of us was likely to get a fair shake from the judicial system.
April 19, 2017
What I found so fascinating about this book is the perspective from which it's written. I am in Australia and it's not that often you get to read books from the experience of the lawyers. In this case the book is written by the defence lawyers for a man - a former marine sniper and MMA fighter - called Gerald Strebendt who shot a man dead during a road rage incident. It's not in dispute that Strebendt shot his victim. This book details the processes that went into what eventually happened for Strebendt. You'll go on a in-depth, first person journey into how Mike Arnold and Emilia Gardner defended their client. There's questions of PTSD, what constitutes "fear" in a situation and the choices we make in life that lead to varying consequences. A thorough look into a very interesting case.
December 28, 2016
Intriguing case
I was turned off by all the self promotion of the author, it was way beyond needed, and took away free actual case
I was turned off by all the self promotion of the author, it was way beyond needed, and took away free actual case
January 2, 2017
It was fascinating to see the building of a criminal defense unfold from the POV of the atty. I found the author to be very objective and insightful. You feel his pain.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews