Since the launch of The Seventh Shot , I have heard from many of my readers, as well as persons I had interviewed for the book, often with updates and sometimes just checking in. I never anticipated that the book would create its own culture.
I am often contacted by readers with fascinating stories of their own. I am interested in hearing about old cases, solved or otherwise. You can reach me by using the Comments on the website or messaging me on Facebook.
I am also asked if there will be a sequel to The Seventh Shot and certainly would never rule that out, as it does involve at least one open case but I definitely have plans for a second book underway.
And a word to all you Armchair Detectives out there………The arrest of California’s evasive Golden State Killer occurred shortly after completion of my book on Canada’s .22 Calibre Killer, Ronald Glen West.
Having developed a profile of Ron West, I was blown away by the parallels that existed between both he and Joseph D’Angelo.
The similarities extended far beyond the fact that both men were police officers, with their clearly defined comfort zones and choice of random victims. Both had a history of theft, not always related to the homicides attributed to them.
They were each known to have toxic, if not abusive relationships with their wives. They were both described as loners who exhibited outbursts of anger at times and their families described each of them as abused in some form by their mothers.
Often noted in profiles of sexual serial killers, both experienced the loss of their fathers in some manner, at a young age. D’Angelo purportedly witnessed the rape of his 7 year old sister, whereas, West, as a young boy was described as “totally obsessed” when viewing the body of a hunter who had been accidentally shot near his parent’s farm. It has been suggested that a particular incident in the youth of such offenders can have long term impact.
I think it is important to note that much of West and D’Angelo’s youth is shrouded in mystery still.
Both men let children survive during the commission of their crimes. D’Angelo was known to use children to gain compliance and it is suspected that West did the same.
West used a gun and D’Angelo graduated to one. Each typically shared a delight in souvenirs of their crimes, in one form or another. They both appeared to have abruptly ended their reign of terror, but may in fact have shared the ability to conceal the balance of their crimes.
Ultimately, both monsters were finally brought to justice through the science of DNA and some pretty damn good police work. (You can find more about the comparisons I have drawn under No Cookie Cutter KIllers) on my website annburkeauthor.com
I would suggest that as more information emerges, many of the armchair detectives out there will add to the growing list of similarities between Canada’s .22 Calibre Killer and California’s Golden State Killer who are now, thank God, behind bars.
Regards,
Ann
Anonymous
says:I Ann. I am getting your book tomorrow. I was living next door to the Ferguson’s when this happened and I was six years old and friends with Scott. It was my mother who had passed away and I was living with my grandparents. I hope this book will help bring closure for me.
Diana Lewis
Ann Burke
says:Hello Diana, Thanks so much for getting in touch. I would love to hear from you after you read the book. Perhaps we could have a chat. You can message me on my Facebook page if you like.
Ann
Anonymous
says:Hi Ann
My husband and I have both read the book. It was quite captivating but I still feel a lack of resolution as Ron West never did say why he committed the murders. I know there was some speculation in the book but I guess the real reason will probably go to the grave with Ron.
Turns out it is a very small world. It only didI live next door to Ferguson’s but my sister is married to John Plester. His brother Ken Plester is in the class picture and apparently he was good freinds with Ron. Larry Matkowski and my husband know each other and we currently reside close to what use to be the Matkowski farm.
Sorry to send this via email but I do not use Facebook or Twitter.
Thanks for writing the book. It certainly brought back some memories and some conversations I remember my grandparents having.
Diana
Anonymous
says:Hi Ann,
My husband and I both have read your book. It was quite captivating but I still feel as if there is not complete resolution asRon West never did give his reasons for committing these crimes. I know there is some speculation in the book as to why the murders were committed but I guess the real truth will go to the grave with Ron West.
Turns out the world is very small. It only did I live next door to the Ferguson’s but my sister’s husband’s brother Ken Plester is in the class photo and apparently was best freinds with Ron in high school.
My husband and Larry Matkowski know each other as well. In fact we currently reside in close proximity to what use to be the Matkowski farm.
Thank you for writing this book. It certainly has provided some answers but has also brought back some memories.
I do not use Facebook so I’m sorry to contact you this way.
Diana
Ann Burke
says:Hello Diana, So glad you got back in touch. Yes, I do remember Ken and I did not know he was friends with Ron. Does he have any insight into Ron’s motives do you think? I really don’t think any of us will quite understand what causes a killer to act out in the way Ron did: we can only speculate. He is most unlikely to share much in this lifetime I would suggest.
Again, thank you so much for contacting me. I am doing a virtual chat with the O’ville/Shelburne/Grand Valley Libraries on April 21st. If you are interested, check in, please. It might prove intereting.
Marilyn Hill
says:Our family lived in Whitfield, a rural community near Shelburne. When these 2 women were killed that’s when my dad put locks on our doors (we lived in an old farmhouse, no locks on the doors) and he put his shotgun under the bed. It was a frightening time. I was acquainted with Ron West’s younger brother, Carl, from going to high school together.
Ann Burke
says:Hi Marilyn, Thanks for sharing. I was saddened to hear that Carl passed away a couple of years ago now. Yes, you are right, we really did not feel the need for locks then did we? I am surprised to hear the stories of so many young women who grew up during that era. Thank you for your very vivid recollections. Not sure if you have read the book but if so, I hope you enjoyed it, and if not, it is in most libraries now. Ann