Fourteen: The Murder of David Stukel

Like many other reviewers, I was born and raised in Joliet, Ill., where this murder took place. At the time, I was 11 years old -- three years younger than David Stukel. I remember hearing a few whispered comments among my parents, aunts and uncles, but no one really talked about it.This book attempts to tell all sides of the story, from the victim's family to the families of his killers. Overall, it's a fair, balanced and complete story. It's well-researched, extremely well-written, and will stay with you long after the last page.RIP, David Stukel.

Mr. O'Connell's coverage of the David Stukel murder is one we should all read. What causes someone to take the life of a 14 year old, and the consequences for not only the victims family but that of the perpetrators as well, is something we can all learn from. It is rare for a true crime book to cover the before, the event, and the aftermath. Mr. O'Connell does a superb job of this in his writing. My heart goes out to the Stukel family and to everyone affected by this terrible crime.

This is a study on the impact of neglecting our children, as well as informative on legal procedures and the prison culture. Perhaps it was a page-turner for me because I was raised in Illinois and knew one of the offender's family, plus the author worked for the Chicago Tribune. I do think the book is location-agnostic, though. Bless all the families involved in this tragedy!

It was a well written book. I am from Joliet and was familiar with areas talked about in the book. Did not know anyone personally, but was familiar with some of the names. Such a sad senseless murder of an innocent young man. And it was eye opening as to why and how people are paroled. I can not image the toll it took on David's family. I will him them in my prayers.

I had heard bits of this story, when I was young. I was 10, when this happened. I attended Joliet East High School, and for a while, my sister hung out with the younger sister. That is until my Dad found out about it. I was shocked, about what was done to David Stukel, and even more shocked, how the justice system works. I like so many others thought, that when you get life in prison, that you truly got life. Shame on so many people that had a hand in helping the two that did this horrible crime. There was no excuse for it, or how The Stukel Family was treated.

This book was an absolute page turner!!! I am from Joliet so the story gave me behind the scenes detail and insights into the people in the story. I opened it about four years ago and because of the heinous-ness of the act, I put the book down. In a book club discussion of the book, "The Shadow of the Wind", I felt one of the characters had the appropriate rage of a character similar to one in the book "Fourteen:...Stukel" Unknown to me before I spoke, a person in our book club is mentioned in that book! It sparked an emotionally charged 'sub-discussion' of the events of September 16, 1968. Caveat: My mom taught Sprinkle in eight grade which brought back vague recollections of her stories. This prompted me to purchase again (had given the first one away) and read thoroughly. Never knew, but found out after talking about the book to many people, that I know the author's brother and niece rather well.I could go on...and on...about the synchronicity of this book since re-reading it this summer. Aside from that, I have recommended it to many people who became as submersed as myself due to how well written the book is. Bill O'Connell's style does not allow you to put the book down nor leave you alone for a long time.

Well-written but sad story of a horrific crime. Also a peak into the craziness of the Illinois legal and correctional dysfunction.

I remember when this tragedy happened. I lived just a few miles away and have never forgotten this horrific event. I was very interested in reading the book to find out what had happened to the two despicable people that committed the crime. This book was very enlightening.

The author of this book shared some of his childhood with David Stukel, the victim of a heinous crime that I never even knew about. Two 14 year olds boys raping, demeaning, & ultimately killing another 14 year old boy. I learnt a lot about how the criminal justice system works in the USA in cases where children commit very adult crimes - this is all very, very interesting! More importantly I learnt about the life & death of a boy otherwise forgotten - but he should not be forgotten. We need to ask ourselves how & why children commit such horrific acts. This book contributes to an answer for that question. Highly Reccommend!