Dark Bayou ─ Infamous Louisiana Homicides

Every state in the U.S. has its share of tales of macabre and murder. Despite possessing a unique culture derived from French, Native American, and African influences, Louisiana is no exception to bloody tales of greed and murder. Gauthreaux and Hippensteel, both Louisiana natives, looked into Louisiana’s history to chronicle some of the Bayou State’s more mysterious and bizarre homicides and deaths. Using contemporary records, and interviews with those involved, the authors explore lesser known murders that have avoided serious inquiry, some of which still raise debate today. Among the lurid tales the book relates include the murder of the nation’s first mafia don, racially motivated ritual killings, and the death of a local celebrity who believed he was impervious to harm. Annotation c2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Alan G. Gauthreaux is a crime, ethnic and military historian who teaches at Nunez Community College and Southern University of New Orleans. His previous works may be found in America’s Civil War, Civil War Illustrated and Globe Communications. He lives in Kenner, Louisiana. D.G. Hippensteel is a full-time criminal justice faculty member at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. He is a Louisiana state certified peace officer having served with the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office and the reserve division for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. A decorated Vietnam combat veteran, he lives in Marrero, Louisiana.