Tracy
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
I loved your book. Do you think that Robert Peace's father was wrongly convicted? The way you portrayed him did not sync with a person who would engage in such a violent act, yet it seems improbable that the gun would have been stolen from his apartment and then returned to his apartment. Do you have any opinion on his guilt or innocence?
Jeff Hobbs
Dear Tracy, thank you for asking this. It's really hard to say, so hard that I consciously avoided providing a real theory in the book. I've spent many hours in the NJ State Law Library reading thousands of pages worth of court transcripts, also time in the state prison with guys who served time with Rob's father. What's true is that the evidence as presented in court pointed quite directly toward Skeet Douglas. What's also true is that no one, neither on the prosecution side nor the defense, presented anything resembling a motive, and that Skeet had not a single prior arrest or legal altercation in his life. My gut is probably not a reliable source from which to answer your question, since I never knew the man, but my gut tends to side with Rob in his belief that his father was innocent of murder, though not of other crimes that, in the complex world of inner city hustling, might have led to a set up. Thanks so much for reaching out. Best, Jeff
More Answered Questions
Sandra
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
Dear Mr. Hobbs, I just finished your book and can tell you that it will haunt me for a long time. Your tireless effort to tell Rob’s story is an incredible testament to your friendship. I can’t even begin to imagine the ongoing grief that continues with all of Rob’s family and friends. Can you tell me what house is on the cover of the book? It doesn’t seem to be the house on Chapman or Smith. Thank you.
Carol Reneau
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
Hi Jeff, we discussed the "The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace....." at our discussion group on 2/21/17. Many interesting questions came up in regards to race, class, wealth, privilege, etc. Lingering questions for me are as follows: 1. Is the scholarship still in effect? Truly a way to honor Mr. Peace and assist a young person. 2. Did Rob's mom receive any financial contribution from the book? Thank You!
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