Catherine Crier: Final Analysis

Anonfiction book is always the work of many dedicated individuals; those who research, compile, review, and of course, those who give their time and recollection to help develop a meaningful narrative. Cole Thompson again took the lead in uncovering and gathering critical information, while Lisa Pulitzer spent countless hours organizing and structuring material that covered several generations. Dr. Keith Ablow generously reviewed the relevant histories of the Polk family members and shared his psychiatric insights. Lisa Sweetingham was often my eyes and ears in the courtroom during Susan Polk’s trial and offered her own invaluable reflections on the proceeding. Without the generous time offered by many of the people integrally involved in these events, it would have been impossible to examine the very personal details necessary to fully present this story.

Jan Miller, my friend and agent for many years, shepherded the project. Judith Regan and my editors Cal Morgan and Matt Harper had faith, once again, in the relevance and fascination of a true crime story that seeks to go beyond the “who” and delve into the complex “why” behind family violence. I want to acknowledge my wonderful staff at Court TV for their support. Very special thanks to my assistant, Barbara Stansell for being there twenty-four/seven and D. J. Haverkamp for keeping the trains running on time. Finally, love and gratitude to Scott Carney, who kept me focused and grounded throughout this project.

Andersen, Eloise

Argosy University

Barnard, Linda

Berg, Paul

Bodfish, Margaret

Bolling, David (Susan’s brother)

Bolling, Helen Avanzato (Susan’s mother)

childhood/adolescence

co-owned property with the Polks

in court

at bail hearingat

the trial

as witness

described

Eli’s future, planning for

Felix’s dislike for, and banning from home

life-and-death encounter

marriage/divorce

murder investigation and

reaction to Felix’s murder

and Susan as adolescent

and Susan as adult

Bolling, Rita

Bolling, Theodore (Susan’s father)

Borkenhagen, Bob

Bradley, Edwin

Bradley, Elizabeth

Brady, Larry

Brady, Laurel

indirect connection to incident

jury selection/opening statements of prosecution

mistrial

prosecution’s case

Susan’s testimony

Susan’s witnesses

verdict

Briner, Andy

Briner, Dan

Briner, Marjorie

Burns, Sheila

Byron Boys’ Ranch

Carin, Deputy

Castro-Shelly, Laura

Catherine Crier Live

Chamblee, Melvin

Chertkow, Nancy

Clark, Roger