Title
Murder of a Journalist: The True Story of the Death of Donald Ring Mellett (True Crime History),Used
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Private detectives, crooked cops, gangsters, and bootleggersThe July 1926 murder of the editor of the Canton, Ohio, Daily News, Don R. Mellett, was one of the most publicized crimes in the 1920s. For less than a year, Mellett was the editor of the Daily News, owned by former Ohio governor and Democrat presidential candidate James Cox. Having promised Cox he would turn the unprofitable News into a success, Mellett combined personal conviction with marketing savvy and in 1925 embarked on an antivice, anticorruption editorial campaign. The following year, the Daily News and Mellett, posthumously, received the Pulitzer Prize for his columns.His editorials were often aimed at the Canton police chief, S. A. Lengel, making the News law and order crusade personal. An unholy alliance of bootleggers and corrupt police, angered at Melletts interference with business as usual, hired an excon from Pennsylvania, Patrick McDermott, to attack and scare the editor. When the intended assault spiraled out of control and Mellett was murdered, the national press became outraged and saw this situation as an attack on the First Amendment, demanding justice in editorials appearing on the front pages of newspapers throughout the country.Author Thomas Crowl, using newspaper and magazine accounts, interviews, and other primary source material (some previously unavailable), follows the investigation into the Mellett murder by a private detective who was hired by the Stark County prosecutor. The arrest of the prime suspect and the sensational trial of the cocky hitman received nationwide media coverage. The murder investigation also netted the two local hoodlums who hired McDermott. Additionally, a former police detective was arrested and convicted as the originator of the plot, and he in turn implicated police chief Lengel in the murder conspiracy. Nearly a year and a half later, however, Lengel was ultimately acquitted of the charges.This compelling and intriguing story is the first indepth study of the Mellett murder. Historians and true crime buffs will welcome this as a valuable addition to the field of true crime history.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main topic of 'Murder of a Journalist'? A: The book focuses on the 1926 murder of Don R. Mellett, the editor of the Canton, Ohio, Daily News, and explores themes of corruption, crime, and the fight for justice.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Murder of a Journalist' is Thomas Crowl, who utilizes various primary sources to narrate the true crime story.
- Q: What are the key features of this book? A: This book is a first edition paperback, consisting of 360 pages, and is categorized under 'Murder & Mayhem'. It is described as a used book in good condition.
- Q: When was 'Murder of a Journalist' published? A: The book was published on December 15, 2008.
- Q: What type of readers would be interested in this book? A: Historians and true crime enthusiasts will find this book valuable, as it offers an in-depth study of a significant historical crime.
- Q: What makes this book unique in the true crime genre? A: The book is notable for its detailed investigation into the Mellett murder, including previously unavailable primary source materials and the sensational trial that followed.
- Q: Does this book contain any illustrations or photographs? A: The product details do not mention any illustrations or photographs, focusing primarily on the text and narrative.
- Q: What condition is the book in, and what does 'Used Book in Good Condition' mean? A: The book is listed as 'Used Book in Good Condition', indicating it may have some signs of wear but is still readable and in acceptable shape for readers.
- Q: Is there any information on the investigation process covered in the book? A: Yes, the book details the investigation led by a private detective, the arrest of the prime suspect, and the trial's media coverage, highlighting the complexities of the case.
- Q: Can I find similar true crime titles in the same category? A: Yes, if you are interested in true crime, there are many other titles in the 'Murder & Mayhem' category that cover various historical crimes and investigations.