Authors: Fred Rosen

Gang Mom (24 page)

A mug shot of convicted murderer Mary Louise Thompson.

Joe Brown, the point man, who re-enacted Aaron’s murder for Michaud and the police.

Preppy-looking Jim Elstad, the man who pulled the trigger and killed Aaron Iturra.

Police recorded Jim Elstad’s pristine appearance so that he would not be able to claim later that the police abused him during questioning.

An unidentified man stands at the spot in the river where Joe Brown threw the murder weapon and bullets.

Beau Flynn, Mary Thompson’s son, who led police on a wild chase across the city of Eugene until he was finally captured.

Jim Michaud, the detective who broke the case and brought Mary Thompson to the bar of justice.

Carrie, Aaron’s girlfriend, was next to him in the bed when he was shot.

Janyce Iturra

Janyce always felt that Aaron was the family’s protector, as reflected by the epitaph on his gravestone.

Janyce Iturra

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people helped in the writing of this book. In particular, I’d like to express my appreciation to my editor Charles Spicer who allowed me to develop my voice; Gary Sledge, my editor at
Reader’s Digest
who first saw the potential in this story; Jim Michaud, who gave everything and expected nothing; Janyce Iturra who allowed me a privileged glimpse into the lives of her and her family; and Sara, who helped me with structure many mornings during 2 a.m. feedings.

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

Gang Mom was previously published under the title
The Evil Mother

Cover design by Gabriela Sahagun

ISBN: 978-1-4976-9722-5

Distributed in 2015 by Open Road Distribution

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New York, NY 10014

www.openroadmedia.com