Ann Warman answers “Did Jacob really kill the boy? At one...”

Holly asked this question about Defending Jacob:

Did Jacob really kill the boy? At one point the dad mentions that the pedophile is the real killer. Was he just conveying to us what he believed deep down? I empathized with the father's unwavering support and faith in his son, and I walk away from this book hoping Jacob truly was innocent.

Ann Warman I believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. As more information came out about him, it was obvious that the child was likely a psychop…moreI believe that Jacob not only killed Ben, but Hope as well. As more information came out about him, it was obvious that the child was likely a psychopath and his father (unlike the mother) was in denial, refusing to see the signs that there was something amiss because he was afraid he himself might take on the characteristics of his father and grandfather. As a result, two innocent people suffered for it. Supporting your child is one thing but obstructing justice to relieve him of the consequences for his actions is inexcusable. I never thought the pedophile was guilty and when he hanged himself had no doubt that the Jacob's convict grandfather engineered a murder suicide from prison to protect his grandson; not caring about the victims as he himself was a murderer. I didn't expect the ending but was not unhappy about it. The mother did what she thought was right in order to protect potential future victims from her son. (less)

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