AUTHOR’S NOTE
For this project I reviewed thousands of pages of trial testimony, police reports, court records/filings, motions, trial evidence, divorce decrees, letters, cards, e-mails and various other documents, in addition to conducting over seventy-five hours of interviews. To protect some of my sources, I have changed several names. They are clearly marked in the text. I also changed the names of Jessica McCord’s children, although I never spoke to them. Jeff and Jessica McCord, in addition to all the key players involved in this true-crime saga, had his or her chance to speak with me. Some chose not to. I commend all those who told their stories and added that additional layer of truth I seek when writing these books.
—M. William Phelps
October 2009