Writing a true crime book is always challenging, since the details are so painful and the questions often intrusive. Steve and Raquel Herr never wanted to become public figures. Nor could they have imagined that the son they cherished would lose his life in such a shocking manner—particularly after he survived the war in Afghanistan. As they struggled to make sense of the tragedy and navigate the justice system, their privacy was invaded on many levels. Yet, their innate goodness allowed them to welcome me into their home and treat me as a friend, even when I was forced to bring up topics that should have been confined to the family. I’m gratified not only by their cooperation, but their camaraderie. Despite everything they suffered, they were still able to be hospitable, generous, and fun. I hope I’ve treated them with kindness and respect, and that we can still enjoy Mexican food and tell stories when I visit California.
I am also grateful to the Costa Mesa Police Department. Even when they were not at liberty to discuss the fine points of the case, investigators never misled me. Ultimately, they painted the picture I needed to appreciate the efforts made to secure justice for both the Herr and Kibuishi families. In particular, I’d like to thank Lieutenant Ed Everett for his insights and assistance.
When I started researching this book, no one had any idea that we would have to wait more than five years for the case of Daniel Wozniak to come to trial. At times, I worried that this project might never be completed. However, my family—Jennifer, Dylan, and Summer—encouraged me, and I hope the dignity I’ve tried to convey to the victims makes them proud.
The long waiting period between the crime and the trial created a good deal of anxiety for the staff at St. Martin’s Press, and I appreciate them remaining committed to the project. Special thanks goes to executive editor Charles Spicer, associate editor April Osborn, managing editor John Rounds, copy editor Barbara Wild, text designer Meghan Day Healey, jacket designer Jeremy Fink, marketing manager Martin Quinn, marketing team leader Paul Hochman and publicist Justin Velella.
After meeting the Hathcock family, owners of the ill-fated Liberty Theater, I came away admiring their dedication to creating a family atmosphere around the dramatic arts, and sympathizing with the way these crimes blackened that dream. And I’m indebted to Chelsea Smith—who I met in New York when she was doing a reading for a play my friend, Mike Sheehan, wrote about his crazy uncles—for reaching into her own past in Orange County and putting me in contact with friends who danced with and loved Juri Kibuishi.