Death of Innocence

Death of Innocence examines the 1962 murder case of Carol DaRonch in Salt Lake City and the investigation that followed. The book provides a detailed account of the crime and the subsequent police work that led investigators through multiple states. Author Peter Meyer reconstructs the investigation through police records, court documents, and interviews with key figures involved in the case. The narrative follows both the law enforcement perspective and includes testimonies from witnesses and family members who were impacted. Meyer uses this true crime story to explore broader themes about justice, human nature, and the loss of security in American communities during the 1960s. The examination of how this case changed public consciousness around safety and trust remains relevant for modern readers.

Readers found this true crime account of the Robin Hood Hills murders to be thorough but emotionally difficult to read. Readers appreciated Meyer's detailed research, documentation of police mistakes, and balanced examination of evidence from both prosecution and defense. Many noted it avoids sensationalism while covering brutal details. Several praised the inclusion of court transcripts and crime scene photos. Common criticisms focused on dense procedural details that slowed the pacing. Some readers felt Meyer repeated information and could have condensed certain sections. A few reviewers noted inconsistencies in dates and details between different accounts. Goodreads: 3.9/5 (446 ratings) "Meticulous research but gets bogged down in minutiae" - Goodreads reviewer "Clear timeline of events but emotionally draining" - Amazon reviewer Amazon: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) "Important documentation of a flawed investigation" - Amazon reviewer "Too much redundant information" - Amazon reviewer

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📚 Author Peter Meyer spent over two years conducting extensive interviews and reviewing court documents to piece together the detailed account of this tragic murder case. 🏛️ The book explores the 1965 murder of teenager Sylvia Likens in Indianapolis, which became known as "the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana." ⚖️ The case led to significant changes in Indiana's child protection laws and helped establish new protocols for reporting and investigating suspected child abuse. 👥 Gertrude Baniszewski, the main perpetrator, received life imprisonment but was controversially paroled in 1985 after serving just 20 years of her sentence. 🎬 The events documented in "Death of Innocence" have inspired several films, including "An American Crime" (2007) starring Catherine Keener and Ellen Page, and "The Girl Next Door" (2007).