Trail of Blood. Wanda Evans
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Trail of Blood
Trail of Blood
A Father, a Son and
a Tell-tale Crime Scene Investigation
Wanda Webb Evans
in collaboration with James Dunn
New Horizon Press
Far Hills, New Jersey
Copyright © 2005 Wanda Evans and James Dunn
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever, including electronic, mechanical or any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher.
Requests for permission should be addressed to:
New Horizon Press
P.O. Box 669
Far Hills, NJ 07931
Evans, Wanda and James Dunn
Trail of Blood:
A Father, a Son and a Tell-tale Crime Scene Investigation
Cover Design: Wendy Bass
Interior Design: Susan M. Sanderson
Library of Congress Control Number: 2004108086
ISBN-13 (eBook): 978-0-88282-473-4
New Horizon Press
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 / 5 4 3 2 1
For Scott—
The son he was and the man he would have become.
Authors’ Note
This book is based on the experiences of James Dunn and reflects his perceptions of the past, present and future. The personalities, events, actions and conversations portrayed within the story have been taken from his memories, court documents, interviews, testimony, research, letters, personal papers, press accounts and the memories of some participants.
In an effort to safeguard the privacy of certain people, names and a few identifying characteristics have, in some cases, been changed. Events involving the characters happened as described. Only minor details have been altered.
Table of Contents
Chapter 5: A Father’s Misgivings
Chapter 6: The Unspeakable Is Said
Chapter 7: Web of Lies
Chapter 8: Desperate Measures
Chapter 9: Crime Fighter, Last Resort
Chapter 10: Profiler on Scene
Chapter 11: Return to Lubbock
Chapter 12: A Step toward Justice
Chapter 13: Another Grand Jury
Chapter 14: On Trial
Chapter 15: A Father’s Vow
Chapter 16: The Trial Moves On
Chapter 17: The Temptress and Circumstance
Chapter 18: The Profiler
Chapter 19: Blood Tells
Chapter 20: Wherein Lies the Truth
Chapter 21: Leisha’s Verdict
Chapter 22: In Search of Justice
Afterword
The journey I began the day I learned that my son Scott was missing would have been unbearable and fruitless if I’d had to travel alone. I am grateful for those who walked with me; sometimes leading the way, sometimes following; sometimes by my side; always supporting me, comforting me, and urging me to keep going.
My thanks go to all the men and women who participated, first in the search for Scott, then in the investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of his murderers, and finally, in the ongoing search for his body. Of that group of dedicated experts, I pay special tribute to several, beginning with Detective Tal English of the Lubbock Police Department. Tal threw himself unstintingly into the investigation. For six years, he refused to give up, and his dedication and determination kept my hopes alive and strengthened my own determination. Former LPD Detective George White partnered with Tal, bringing to the investigation unlimited energy, vast experience and expertise.
My everlasting thanks also go to Richard Walter, the forensic psychologist who is one of the founders of the Vidocq Society. Richard provided impetus and direction at critical times when the search investigation appeared to have stalled; he became my good friend as well as my ally.
My thanks, also, to Bill Fleisher, my first contact at Vidocq, who brought Richard and me together.
Thanks to Rusty Ladd of the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s Office (now Judge Ladd), whose diligent efforts resulted in exacting justice for Scott.
Pam Alexander, the Director of the Lubbock Victim Assistance Services, Inc., was a lifesaver for me and for my wife, Barbara. Without her presence, her optimism, her knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, we would have been lost in that complex organization.
My longtime friend W. R. Collier provided unswerving support throughout the long ordeal. He and our mutual friend Derry Harding, who paved the way for me to assist in the investigation, have my enduring gratitude.
Without Wanda Evans, who wanted to tell our story, and did so with skill, compassion, and reverence for our family relationships, this book would not have been possible.
James Dunn
Some events in life are too excruciating to be reduced to the printed page, and for a long time, I thought this was one of those. It haunted me, though, until I knew I had to try, at least, to write the story of Jim Dunn’s long, agonizing ordeal. I was both pleased and challenged when Jim agreed with me, and we set our feet on the path that would lead to this book. I can only say, thank you, Jim, for sharing the story of your pain-and your courage-with me.
I echo Jim’s appreciation for all those who had any part in bringing his search for justice to its bittersweet conclusion. We haven’t yet found Scott, but we continue to believe it will happen.
In addition, thanks to Connie Teer and my sister, Nan Honeycutt, for proofreading the manuscript at every stage of preparation, and their expert advice whenever I took a wrong turn.
Wanda Webb Evans
Sunday night. Jim Dunn pushed away from the desk, stretching, smoothing out the small knot