Category Archives: True Crime

Own Goal Murder: Andrés Escobar and the Dark Side of Soccer

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On a cold night in Pasadena, California, in June 1994, Colombia’s dream died with a single mistimed touch. Ten days later, one of its heroes was dead. The murder of Colombian defender Andrés Escobar remains one of the most shocking tragedies in sports history—not simply because a World Cup player was assassinated, but because his death exposed the deadly intersection of soccer, organized crime, gambling, politics, and national identity. Nearly three decades later, one question still lingers: Was Andrés Escobar killed over an own goal, or was he caught in a much larger war?

Colombia’s Golden Generation

By 1994, Colombia wasn’t simply participating in the World Cup—it was expected to challenge for the championship. Led by the eccentric coaching genius Francisco Maturana, Colombia had dazzled the world. The team had humiliated Argentina 5–0 in Buenos Aires during qualifying. Their attacking flair and technical precision prompted even Pelé to predict Colombia could win the tournament. The squad featured stars like Carlos Valderrama, Freddy Rincón, Faustino Asprilla and, anchoring the defense, Andrés Escobar. Nicknamed “The Gentleman,” Escobar was respected as much for his character as for his calm defending. Unlike many football celebrities, he avoided nightlife and scandal. Teammates described him as thoughtful, educated, and humble. He represented the Colombia many hoped their country could become.

A Nation Under Pressure

To understand Escobar’s death, it’s necessary to understand Colombia in the early 1990s. The country was emerging from one of its bloodiest periods. Drug cartels had accumulated enormous wealth and influence. While Pablo Escobar had been killed in December 1993, organized crime remained deeply intertwined with business—including professional soccer. Several Colombian clubs had long been suspected of receiving cartel money. For criminal organizations, soccer offered prestige, money laundering opportunities, and perhaps most importantly, enormous gambling stakes. The 1994 World Cup wasn’t just sport. Millions of dollars rode on every result.

Ninety Minutes That Changed Everything

On June 22, 1994, Colombia faced the United States in Pasadena. A victory was essential after an opening loss to Romania. In the 35th minute came the play that would define history. American midfielder John Harkes drove a dangerous ball across the penalty area. Escobar slid to intercept. Instead of clearing the pass, the ball deflected into his own net. The Americans won 2–1 and Colombia was effectively eliminated from the World Cup tournament. After the game, television cameras were fixed on Escobar’s devastated expression. After returning home, he wrote a newspaper column urging Colombians not to despair. His closing words would become haunting: “Life does not end here.”

The Final Night

Despite warnings to remain home, Escobar decided to go out with friends in Medellín on July 2, 1994. Near 3 a.m., an argument erupted in a parking lot outside a nightclub. Witnesses later testified several men confronted Escobar, mocking the own goal. According to multiple accounts, the words “Goal!” were shouted after each shot. Six bullets struck him and died shortly afterward at age 27. The murder stunned Colombia—and the sporting world. More than 120,000 mourners reportedly attended his funeral.

The Official Investigation

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Authorities arrested Humberto Muñoz Castro, a bodyguard employed by brothers Pedro David Gallón Henao and Santiago Gallón Henao, wealthy businessmen alleged to have connections with organized crime. Prosecutors argued the killing followed a drunken confrontation. Muñoz Castro was convicted of murder in 1995. Originally sentenced to more than 40 years, the sentence was later reduced. He served approximately eleven years before being released for good behavior. For many Colombians, justice felt incomplete.

The Questions That Never Went Away

Officially, the case was solved. Unofficially, doubts remain. Investigators and journalists have long debated whether the shooting was merely a drunken altercation or something far more calculated. Among the enduring questions:

Was gambling involved? The enormous betting activity surrounding Colombia’s World Cup campaign fueled speculation that wealthy gamblers suffered catastrophic losses after the U.S. defeat. No court ever proved gambling directly motivated the murder.

Who truly ordered the killing? Although Muñoz Castro admitted shooting Escobar, theories persist that more powerful figures encouraged—or expected—violent retaliation. No definitive evidence has emerged.

Why was Escobar targeted? Those who knew him insist he was among the least controversial players on the national team. His clean reputation makes his death even more difficult to comprehend.

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A Symbol Beyond Soccer

Escobar’s murder transformed him into more than an athlete. He became a symbol of a nation trying to escape violence and his death prompted soul-searching throughout Colombian football. Security increased. Players became more cautious. The relationship between criminal money and professional clubs came under greater scrutiny. In time, Colombian soccer rebuilt its international reputation. Future generations—including stars like James Rodríguez—would compete on the world stage without carrying quite the same shadow.

Final Whistle

The murder of Andrés Escobar is often summarized with a deceptively simple sentence:

A soccer player was killed because he scored an own goal.

The truth is both more complicated and more unsettling. His own goal may have triggered the confrontation, but the forces surrounding Colombian soccer—organized crime, enormous gambling losses, toxic machismo, and a culture accustomed to violence—created the conditions in which a tragic mistake on the field could become a death sentence off it. In that sense, Andrés Escobar was never simply the victim of one misplaced kick – he was the victim of an entire system.

And while Colombia has changed dramatically since 1994, his death remains one of the most chilling reminders that, in rare moments, the world’s most beloved game can reflect its darkest realities. Because can sport ever be fully separated from the society around it?

Today, murals bearing Andrés Escobar’s likeness appear throughout Medellín. His famous quote “Life does not end here” has become an emblem of resilience. Ironically, the own goal that came to define his life represents only a single moment in a distinguished career.

The I-5 Killer: Green Bay Packers Reject Turns Murderer

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In the pantheon of American true crime, few cases are as unsettling—or as paradoxical—as that of Randall Woodfield. A man who once chased professional football dreams would instead become one of the most feared serial predators on the West Coast, terrorizing communities along Interstate 5 and leaving behind a trail of violence that investigators are still unraveling decades later.

From NFL Prospect to Criminal Suspect: Before the headlines and manhunt, Woodfield looked like a success story in the making. A standout wide receiver at Portland State University, he had the size, speed, and charisma scouts coveted. In 1974, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers—a moment that should have marked the beginning of a professional career.

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But the dream unraveled quickly. Woodfield never played a regular-season game, cut during training camp amid concerns about both performance and troubling behavior, including prior arrests for indecent exposure.

That early pattern—charm masking something darker—would define the next phase of his life.

The Descent: Early Crimes and Escalation: By the mid-1970s, Woodfield’s criminal behavior had escalated from exposure incidents to armed robbery and sexual assault. In 1975, he was arrested after a series of knife-point attacks in Portland and served time in prison before being paroled in 1979.

What followed his release was not rehabilitation—but acceleration.

Between 1980 and early 1981, Woodfield embarked on a spree of violence that stretched along the Interstate 5 corridor through Oregon, Washington, and California. His crimes—robberies, rapes, kidnappings, and murders—often took place near highway exits, rest stops, and small businesses, giving rise to the chilling nickname: “The I-5 Killer.”

Victims were frequently young women, targeted in moments of vulnerability. His methods were calculated: disguises like fake beards, sudden attacks, and the use of firearms or knives. The crimes escalated rapidly, with little cooling-off period—an intensity that alarmed investigators.

Though only one murder would ultimately lead to conviction, authorities believe his true victim count may be far higher—possibly dozens.

The Hunt Along Interstate 5: By late 1980, law enforcement agencies across multiple states realized they were dealing with a single, mobile predator. The geographic spread—over 500 miles of highway—complicated the investigation.

Patterns began to emerge:

  • Crimes clustered near I-5 exits
  • Similar descriptions of a suspect
  • Repeated use of weapons and disguises

Police circulated composite sketches and coordinated across jurisdictions—no small feat in an era before modern digital databases. The case drew increasing media attention, heightening public fear. The breakthrough would come not from forensic science alone, but from survival.

The Break That Cracked the Case: On January 18, 1981, Woodfield attacked two women at a workplace in Salem, Oregon. One victim, Shari Hull, was killed. The other, Beth Wilmot, survived—and her testimony proved pivotal.

Wilmot’s identification of Woodfield gave investigators what they desperately needed: a living witness who could tie the suspect directly to the crimes.

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Capture and Conviction: On March 7, 1981, authorities arrested Woodfield, bringing an end to the immediate wave of violence.

He was soon convicted of murder, attempted murder, and multiple sexual offenses. The sentence: life imprisonment plus decades more—effectively ensuring he would never walk free again.

Despite the conviction, Woodfield never confessed. His lack of remorse and refusal to accept responsibility frustrated investigators and victims’ families alike.

A Dark Legacy Still Unfolding: In true crime history, few narratives are as chilling as the I-5 Killer’s—not just because of the crimes themselves, but because of the life that preceded them… and how quickly it all unraveled.

What makes the Woodfield case particularly haunting is its incompleteness. Advances in DNA technology decades later have linked him to additional crimes, suggesting his full toll may never be known.

The story of Randall Woodfield is a study in contradiction. A man who once stood on the cusp of the NFL became instead a symbol of predation and violence. His athletic past—his time with the Green Bay Packers—only deepens the unease, a reminder that outward success can obscure inner darkness.

He remains incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary, a former athlete whose name is now synonymous not with touchdowns—but terror.

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The True Crime Murder Story of Lorenzen Wright in 9 Short Chapters

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Chapter 1: Introduction

The murder of former professional basketball star Lorenzen Wright remains one of the most disturbing true crime stories in sports history. Once a beloved basketball star in Memphis and across the National Basketball Association (NBA), Wright’s life ended in a brutal killing that shocked the sports world and launched a years-long investigation filled with mystery, betrayal, and unexpected suspects. This FreeSportsMag exclusive investigative story explores what happened to Lorenzen Wright, how police solved the case, and why the tragedy continues to draw attention in true crime, sports crime, and unsolved mystery discussions online.

Chapter 2: A Rising NBA Star

Before his name appeared in crime headlines and murder investigations, Lorenzen Wright was known as a talented professional basketball player.

Wright starred at the University of Memphis and became a local legend of sorts before entering the National Basketball Association. In the 1996 NBA Draft, he was officially selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. During a 13-year NBA career, Wright also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

At 6’11”, Wright was known for his defense, rebounding, and physical style of play. But more importantly, he was deeply connected to Memphis, where he grew up, played for the Grizzlies, and later returned to live after his NBA career. His reputation in the community was that of a generous and approachable figure who regularly gave back to local charities.

That reputation made what happened in 2010 even more shocking.

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Chapter 3: The Disappearance

On July 18, 2010, Lorenzen Wright left his home in Memphis. It was the last time anyone saw him alive. His family reported him missing several days later, triggering a missing persons investigation by the Memphis Police Department. Concern quickly spread throughout Memphis and the NBA community as media outlets began covering the mysterious disappearance of Lorenzen Wright.

Then a strange piece of evidence surfaced.

Nine days after Wright vanished, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from Wright’s phone. The recording captured gunshots and Wright apparently shouting in distress before the line went dead. Investigators immediately suspected foul play, but the call offered little information about the location or identity of the attacker. For weeks, the case remained a haunting mystery.

Chapter 4: A Grim Discovery

On July 28, 2010, authorities discovered Lorenzen Wright’s body in a wooded field near Callis Cutoff Road outside Memphis. He had been shot multiple times.

The discovery confirmed what many feared: this was not just a missing person case but a high-profile murder investigation involving a former NBA star. Investigators began examining Wright’s finances, personal relationships, and recent activities. Early speculation in the true crime community ranged from robbery to gambling debts to organized crime, but no clear suspect emerged for years.

The case gradually went cold.

Chapter 5: The Investigation Reopens

For nearly seven years, the Lorenzen Wright murder case remained one of Memphis’s most notorious unsolved crimes.

Then, in 2017, investigators received a breakthrough.

Authorities recovered the murder weapon—a handgun found in a Mississippi lake. Ballistics confirmed it was the gun used in Wright’s killing. The discovery reignited the investigation and led detectives to revisit earlier suspects.

The case began to point in a shocking direction.

Chapter 6: The Role of Ex-Wife

Investigators ultimately determined that Wright’s ex-wife, Sherra Wright, had played a central role in the crime. According to prosecutors, Sherra Wright conspired with a man named Billy Ray Turner to murder the former NBA player.

The motive, as old as time, allegedly involved financial problems she was having and a multimillion-dollar life insurance policy she was set to inherit.

In 2019, Sherra Wright pleaded guilty to facilitation of murder and received a 30-year prison sentence. Billy Ray Turner was later convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, bringing long-awaited closure to a case that had haunted Memphis for nearly a decade.

Chapter 7: The Chilling 911 Call

One of the most unsettling aspects of the Lorenzen Wright case remains the 911 recording. The call, made moments before his death, captured Wright shouting and gunshots firing in the background. Investigators believe he was attempting to call for help while being attacked. The recording circulated widely online and became a focal point for true crime documentaries, podcasts, and investigative journalism, adding to the case’s notoriety.

Chapter 8: Legacy and Impact

The murder of Lorenzen Wright left a lasting mark on Memphis and the NBA community. His family created the Lorenzen Wright Foundation, which provides support for single mothers and families in need. The organization seeks to preserve Wright’s legacy as a compassionate community figure rather than allowing his story to be defined solely by tragedy.

Today, the case remains one of the most widely discussed true crime sports cases, often appearing in documentaries, podcasts, and investigative reports examining celebrity murders and sports-related crimes.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

What began as a missing NBA player case evolved into a complex murder investigation that took nearly a decade to solve. While the convictions of those responsible brought legal closure, the story of Lorenzen Wright remains a powerful and tragic chapter in both NBA history and American true crime investigations. It serves as a haunting example of how violence can intersect with fame, money, and personal relationships and raises lingering questions about warning signs, financial pressures, and the hidden struggles athletes may face after their playing careers end.

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Hakuna Matata: The True Crime Story of Bison Dele in Four Short Chapters

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The story of Bison Dele’s death reads like the final chapter of a noir thriller—sun-soaked paradise masking dark secrets, a charismatic ex-athlete yearning for peace, and someone whose jealousy would turn deadly. It’s a story of fame, escape, and the ultimate betrayal, set not in the cold alleys of a city but on the endless blue of the South Pacific.

Chapter 1: The Disappearing Star

Bison Dele wasn’t just another basketball player. Born Brian Carson Williams in 1969, he was a gifted, soulful giant who seemed both drawn to and haunted by fame. After stints with the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago Bulls—where he won an NBA championship in 1997—Dele walked away at just 30 years old. He turned down millions, choosing freedom over fortune. He traveled the world, learned to play saxophone, and sailed from port to port, often unreachable, as if trying to erase the celebrity that had once defined him.

By 2002, Dele had settled into a quiet life aboard his beloved catamaran, the Hakuna Matata, named for the Swahili phrase meaning “no worries.” He sailed with his girlfriend, Serena Karlan, and occasionally with his older brother, Miles Dabord. Where Bison was introspective and gentle, his brother Miles could be restless, jealous, and increasingly unstable at times.

Chapter 2: Setting Sail

In early July 2002, Dele, Karlan, and Miles departed from Tahiti with their captain, Bertrand Saldo. It was supposed to be a short voyage—just a few days of island hopping. But when the Hakuna Matata failed to return, family and friends began to worry. No distress signals were sent. No sightings were reported. The ocean had seemingly swallowed four people whole.

Then, days later, the Hakuna Matata reappeared—mysteriously docked in Tahiti, piloted by a single man. He called himself “Arlando”—but fingerprints told a darker truth. It was Miles Dabord, alone.

Chapter 3: The Impostor

Dabord told conflicting stories to anyone who would listen. He said the others were “in Tahiti,” and that there had been an “accident.” But his behavior told another story. He forged his brother’s signature to withdraw money from Dele’s accounts. He bought gold. He changed his identity. And when investigators pressed him, his tangled web began to unravel.

Authorities pieced together a chilling narrative: somewhere in the remote waters between Tahiti and Honolulu, Miles had snapped. An argument escalated—possibly over money or control of the boat. In a fit of rage, he struck Serena. When the captain intervened, he was killed too. Finally, Bison—who had always tried to protect those around him—was murdered as well.

Miles, left alone with the aftermath, allegedly weighted their bodies and cast them into the sea, letting the Pacific become their grave.

Chapter 4: The Final Act

By September 2002, the truth was closing in. U.S. authorities tracked Dabord to a hotel in Tijuana, Mexico. He was found unconscious after an apparent insulin overdose—an act of apparent suicide. He never regained consciousness. When he died, so too did any chance of recovering the full truth.

The bodies of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo were never found.

Epilogue: The Dream That Sank

In life, Bison Dele sought peace—a life far from the noise of arenas and headlines. He chased freedom across continents, only to be betrayed by a person he trusted to share the journey.

His death remains one of sport’s most haunting mysteries—a story of blood and brotherhood on the high seas, where jealousy drowned love, and paradise turned to nightmare.

The Pacific still rolls on, indifferent and endless. Somewhere beneath it, the echoes of Bison Dele’s final voyage drift with the tides—a reminder that even in paradise, darkness can find its way aboard.

Murder, Suicide, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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Jim Tyrer was an American professional football offensive tackle, widely regarded as one of the most dominant players of his era. Born on February 25, 1939, in Newark, Ohio, he attended Newark High School, excelling in track, basketball, and football. He played college football at Ohio State University under head coach Woody Hayes, earning All-America honors.

In 1961, Tyrer signed with the American Football League’s Dallas Texans, who later became the Kansas City Chiefs. Over 13 seasons with the franchise, he played in 180 consecutive games, starting every game of his 11 seasons in Kansas City. Tyrer was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a six-time first-team All-Pro. He was instrumental in the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl IV, where he and guard Ed Budde opened holes for Chiefs running backs against the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive line.

Following his retirement from football, Tyrer faced financial difficulties. He ran his own company, Pro Forma, representing professional athletes in commercial ventures, which eventually failed. He then worked as a manufacturer’s representative, operated flea market booths, and managed Crown Tire and Alignment, a gas station/tire store, which also failed. In the last months of his life, Tyrer and his wife, Martha, deeply in debt, sold Amway products.

Tragically, in the early morning hours of September 15, 1980, Tyrer shot and killed his wife, Martha, before taking his own life. Three of their four children were in the home at the time. In 2024, research suggested that Tyrer likely suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death, a condition linked to repeated head injuries.

The revelation of a likely CTE diagnosis led to Tyrer’s consideration as a Seniors finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The nomination alone brings him one step closer to induction, pending approval from at least 80% of the Hall’s Selection Committee during their annual meeting, which will take place in advance of the class unveiling during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans.

Advocates for induction, including many former teammates, historians, and fans, argue that Tyrer’s tragic actions at the end of his life were likely influenced by CTE. They contend that understanding CTE provides context for his behavior and should not overshadow his professional accomplishments, which were many. Additionally, many supporters emphasize the importance of recognizing players from the American Football League (AFL) era, during which Tyrer was a main standout.

The skeptics, including some Hall of Fame voters, remain hesitant, citing the lasting impact of his final actions. The circumstances of Tyrer’s death—killing his wife and then himself—make some uncomfortable with honoring him, as it raises questions about the morality of celebrating his legacy. Critics argue that the Hall of Fame should consider a player’s entire legacy, both on and off the field, and that Tyrer’s actions could overshadow his football achievements. Many also worry about setting a precedent for inducting individuals with controversial or criminal histories.

The debate is ongoing, and the decision rests with the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee next month. The outcome will likely reflect broader discussions about balancing professional achievements with personal conduct in honoring athletes. How would you vote?

Was the 1988 Death of Bruiser Brody Murder or Self-Defense?

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Bruiser Brody, whose real name was Frank Goodish, was a legendary professional wrestler known for his brawling style and wild persona. He was one of the most influential figures in the wrestling industry, especially in Japan and the United States. However, his life was tragically cut short under mysterious and controversial circumstances, leaving pro wrestling fans outraged up to this day.

On July 16, 1988, Bruiser Brody was scheduled to wrestle in a show for the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Before the show, a confrontation occurred between Brody and fellow wrestler José González, who wrestled masked under the name Invader I, in the locker room shower. The details of what transpired during this confrontation are still disputed by all parties, but what is not in dispute is that it ended with González stabbing Brody in the stomach with a knife. Brody was severely injured and was taken to a local hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries and the delay in getting him medical attention, he died in the early hours of July 17, 1988. He was 42 years old.

According to various accounts from witnesses present in the locker room, González asked Brody to come into the shower area to discuss something privately. Shortly afterward, wrestlers heard screams, and when they rushed to the area, they found Brody clutching his stomach, having been stabbed. González was holding the knife, and Brody was in critical condition.

The content of the conversation between Brody and González, and what led González to stab Brody, remains a matter of speculation, as no clear or consistent explanation has ever been provided.

The exact reasons behind why José González, also known as Invader I, killed Bruiser Brody (Frank Goodish) also remain unclear, as the true motivations have never been definitively established. However, there are several theories and pieces of speculation within the wrestling community that attempt to explain the incident.

Some believe that the stabbing was premeditated, while others think it may have been a spur-of-the-moment act driven by anger or fear. The trial and acquittal of González only added to the controversy, as many within the wrestling community felt that justice was not served, partly due to key witnesses not being called to testify.

In the years since the incident, various wrestlers and insiders have given their perspectives, but the true reasons behind why González killed Bruiser Brody remain a mystery, shrouded in the complex and often murky world of professional wrestling politics.

González claimed that he acted in self-defense, and during the trial, he was acquitted of the charges. The trial was seen by many as flawed, with key witnesses, including wrestlers Tony Atlas and Dutch Mantel, who were present during the incident, not being called to testify. Over the years, many possible motives have emerged and continue to be discussed by the wrestling community. The main ones are presented below:

Personal Grudges and Tensions: There were longstanding rumors of personal animosity between Brody and González. Some accounts suggest that Brody and González had a strained relationship due to past professional disagreements or personal issues when Gonzalez tried out for the WWF. In the wrestling business, it’s not uncommon for tensions to arise due to conflicts over booking decisions, pay, or the way matches were conducted.

Brody’s Reputation: Bruiser Brody was known for being a difficult personality in the wrestling business. He was fiercely independent and protective of his character and brand, often clashing with promoters and other wrestlers over how he was booked or how matches were conducted. It’s possible that González, who was also involved in booking for the World Wrestling Council (WWC), felt threatened or disrespected by Brody’s behavior.

Money and Business Disputes: Some have speculated that financial disagreements might have played a role. Brody was a top draw in the territories where he worked, and there could have been disputes over pay or the distribution of earnings, leading to heightened tensions. Some rumors even have him owing up to 5% of the Puerto Rican wrestling promotion.

Fear and Self-Defense: During the trial, González claimed that he acted in self-defense, stating that Brody had become aggressive and that he feared for his life. Given Brody’s size and reputation as a tough and intimidating figure, González’s defense was that he felt physically threatened. That still does not explain why he brought the knife into the shower (wrapped in a towel) before asking Brody to enter the shower and chat.

Professional wrestling fans were deeply affected by Brody’s death. Many wrestlers expressed their belief that justice was not served, and the incident cast a long shadow over the wrestling industry, particularly in Puerto Rico. Brody’s death is still a topic of discussion and debate among wrestling fans and professionals.

Despite the tragic end to his life, Bruiser Brody’s legacy in professional wrestling remains strong. He is remembered as one of the toughest and most influential wrestlers of his era, with a style that has inspired many wrestlers who came after him. His death also served as a reminder of the darker side of the wrestling business and the need for greater protection and rights for wrestlers.

Brody was posthumously inducted into several wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. His influence is still felt in the wrestling world, and his story continues to be told as a cautionary tale of the dangers that can lurk behind the scenes in professional wrestling.

FSM Scouting Report: All-American Murder

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Book/Movie Title: All-American Murder: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez

Total Pages/Duration: 375 (paperback version)

Author/Director: James Patterson w/ Alex Abramoivch & Mike Harvkey

Pace of Play: Short chapters and lack of descriptive, flowery language make for a quick read. Some will finish this in one sitting while most will take 2-3 days.

Strengths: The authors stick to the facts and provide many direct quotes from individuals involved in the case. Information is easy to follow as it’s presented in a straight line. There are some flashbacks when necessary but you’ll never get confused. The authors bring the reader up to speed rather quickly in regard to Hernandez’s home life and his days in high school and college.  

Weaknesses: The book relies on direct quotes a little too much at times (sometimes quotes go on for an entire page). It just comes off as lazy. Also, some of the rumors of Hernandez being gay or bisexual are briefly mentioned. I’m assuming there weren’t enough facts to back any of it up, but the authors could have at least tried to disprove some of the rumors by showing what evidence exists. After all, true or not, the rumors were a big part of the story. Again, it comes off a little lazy.

Unique Attributes: The authors maintain a matter-of-fact tone and avoid the use of SAT vocabulary words. Except for the description of Hernandez’s jail cell, don’t expect some of that descriptive writing James Patterson is known for.

All-American Murder contains some interesting side stories involving Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and the Pouncey twins. You’ll also read about the lesser-known double-murder that Hernandez allegedly committed.  

Scout’s Recommendations: At this point, the story of Aaron Hernandez has been told across many mediums and probably doesn’t deserve any more of our time. But how often does James Patterson write about sports stuff? That being said, I’m skeptical Patterson did anything more than supervise on this project. All-American-Murder is worthy of a pickup if you’re about to go on a long flight or plan on lounging by the pool on a cruise ship. Other than that, it should be used as a “first stop” for people getting into the Aaron Hernandez saga for the first time.