[Black & White Edition] The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice is published on the 25th anniversary of, arguably, Dayton, Ohio's most shocking murder spree. The crimes were so horrifying that they captured the attention of the national and international press. Known as "The Christmas Killings," this series of events became a worldwide news story in the print media and early days of cable news. This true-life crime drama opens Christmas week 1992 in a Dayton, Ohio, a declining major industrial U.S. city. This was written from the vantage point of the four detectives who investigated the murders.
The account is delivered as if by screen narration and is filled with the visual imagery that one would expect in a documentary thanks to the author's access to the investigative case file, a local television station's file footage and more. The transcribed, verbatim police audio transmissions between a uniform sergeant and dispatch sergeant add a truly riveting dimension to the book. The most compelling element of the story is the four detectives' recollection and insight to the crimes and the killers. If only a book could be heard! The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice, is designed for visual and audio presentation and is the framework for a film production. Moving forward to produce a documentary exactly as presented in the book is the endgame. It has not happened to date.
Nevertheless,
The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice has been a source for national network presentations six times (from most recent): 1) Spotify for the podcast series
"Serial Killers" under the title
"The Dayton Christmas Killings" (broadcasted December 21, 2022); 2) TV ONE for a television series "
Sins in the City" (aired November 14, 2022); 3) OXY TV "
Homicide for the Holidays" (aired December 18, 2021); 4) the podcast "
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" (broadcasted December 15, 2020); 5) OXY TV "
Killer Couples" (filmed-not yet aired); and 6) TV ONE "
For My Man: Bound by Blood" (aired February 11, 2019). These programs have been aired on other dates and a few may have also been reproduced under different titles for other settings (i.e. Youtube).
"The Christmas Killings: 40 Hours to Justice" is co-authored by Dayton, Ohio natives, Dr. Judith Monseur, Detective Dennis Murphy and Sergeant Stephen Grismer (ret.). Dr. Judith Monseur, PhD is a long-time educator whose career expands across higher education institutions, public schools, and state government. Her professional research includes the history of education, the socio-political context of education, and the expansion of equitable educational opportunities for underserved students. Judith serves as Assistant Director at the Systems Development & Improvement Center at the University of Cincinnati. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, a Masters of Humanities from Wright State University, and a B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University. Det. Dennis Murphy is a 17-year veteran of the Dayton Police Department. He entered the police academy in 2000 and worked both patrol and investigative assignments. In 2005, he was assigned to the Narcotics Bureau where he worked drug enforcement, vice and dignitary protection details. In 2009, Dennis was reassigned to the Homicide Squad and remained in that position throughout the writing of this book and is currently assigned to internal affairs. Dennis is one of the three founding members of Dayton Police History Foundation, Inc. and has the distinction of serving as its first chairman. Sgt. Stephen Grismer (ret.) is a 25-year veteran of the Dayton Police Department, entering the police academy in 1976. Promoted in 1986, he experienced a broad career in patrol, investigations, staff, internal affairs, drug enforcement, intelligence, hostage negotiations, and training. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of Dayton with a degree concentration in journalism and a minor in criminal justice. In 2013, Steve authored the book, Drenched Uniforms and Battered Badges - How Dayton Police Emerged from the 1913 Flood, to commemorate the 100th anniversary one of the worst natural disasters in U.S history and pay tribute to the role of law enforcement in the rescue and relief efforts.
