A novelist's take on the Routier case.

[JimPence]

Looking at the Routier case from the perspective of a novelist, I have difficulty believing in Darlie's innocence

For example, if I were to have written the Routier story as a novel (with an innocent Darlie and an intruder-murderer) and submitted it to a publisher, the story probably would have been rejected. In the world of fiction, your characters must always have reasonable and logical motives for their actions. If that isn't present, a publisher generally will reject or send the story back for a rewrite. The technical term in fiction is "verisimilitude," that is, creating a believable simulation of reality. Most editors would consider a Darlie-innocent plotline to be unbelievable.

I make up stories for a living, and the intruder story sounds made up to me. For one thing, it has gone through too many "rewrites" (16 versions). For another, an intruder attacking two little boys in such a violent manner, while ignoring the healthy adults makes no sense. That kind of stabbing is a very up close and personal act and usually is connected with rage. No burglar, rapist, or even pedophile sexual predator with any sense of self-preservation (or desire to continue his illegal acts) is going to take the risk of doing what the so-called intruder did.

Granted, life is not fiction, and rational people do irrational things all the time. However, I don't find Darlie's story believable. I've read most of the books (except MTJD, which I have, but have not had time to read, although I have reviewed the photos). I'm currently reading the trial transcripts. So far, I haven't seen anything to change my mind.

Just the humble opinion of a fiction writer.

Jim

[WindChime]

Jim welcome to WebSleuths I enjoyed reading your post I agree with you I do not believe the intruder story one bit what type of books do you write fiction or non fiction?

[JimPence]

Hi WindChime,

Both, actually. But my first love is fiction.

I've written 3 books on Web authoring for Osborne/McGraw-Hill, and I'm working on my 3rd novel right now. I write suspense/thriller fiction (with a touch of mystery). My current novel follows the trail of a serial mercy killer and is tentatively titled "Angel of Mercy." It will be released in the Spring of 2006 by Kregel Publications.

Jim

[Nehemiah]

I'm very new here; I haven't read any books yet. What are the books? I don't really think I should be posting (although I already have!) until I've done some reading. Thanks.

[JimPence]

Hi Nehemiah,

The books I've read are:

Precious Angels by Barbara Davis --While the book itself argued in favor of Darlie's guilt, the author later changed her position and now affirms Darlie's innocence.

Hush Little Babies by Donald Davis --I found this one to be more objective than Precious Angels. The author doesn't offer a conclusion on Darlie's guilt, but does offer some strong opinions on the fairness of her trial.

There is also:
Flesh and Blood by Patricia Springer. --I haven't read this one 'cause I haven't found a cheap copy yet. For some reason, this one stays priced pretty high. Unfortunately, I still qualify as a "starving artist," and try to save money wherever I can. ;)

Then there is:
Media Tried, Justice Denied by Christopher Brown --This one is pro Darlie. Not particularly well written, but it includes over 200 pages of crime scene, autopsy, and evidence photos. Not pleasant. It's also difficult to find and can be high priced.

There's also a good online article on (I think) www.crimelibrary.com (http://www.crimelibrary.com/)

Darlie's site has the transcripts: www.fordarlieroutier.org (http://www.fordarlieroutier.org/)

There's another site that I found out about here on WS, but I don't remember the URL. Any other resources that I've left out, fellow sleuthers?

Hope this helps.

Jim

[blueclouds]

Welcome Jim. It's my understanding you do prison ministry so I believe you have great insight on criminals. It would be interesting to hear your experience on that without disclosing priviledge if possible.

I'm on the fence with Darlie, have always been. Some things just didn't make sense to me. I'm more of the belief that Darin planned this and had others carry it out quite possibly. But that comes from not comprehending a rage so violent a mother grabs a knife and starts on one of her children.

Having said that, isn't there a great many errors in the "Media Tried..." book? I haven't read it but I have heard a lot about it which made me question her guilt.

One thing for certain, in this case, where there is ANY doubt whatsoever, even the slightest... I believe she should be taken off death row.

[JimPence]

Hi blueclouds,

Yes, I do prison ministry. I'm a dorm pastor at the Choice Moore Transfer Unit in Bonham, Texas. Each week, I go into a "pod" of 68 inmates to visit, talk, answer questions, and share Christ where I can. I also travel to some of the 100+ prison units in Texas and do gospel chalk artistry and music. I eat with the inmates in the chow hall each week (an interesting experience, to say the least), and mostly I listen to them.

I guess that my most frequent reaction as I go into the units is "there but for the grace of God go I."

As for the Darlie case, and Darin being involved in some way, I have two opinions. One, I don't think that Darin planned it, set it up, as in hiring a hit man or someone to fake a burglary, or personally took part in the killings. If there was any credible evidence to this effect at all, I think Darlie and her family would be screaming their heads off, trying to get the authorities to go after Darin.

Two, I believe that Darin knows more than he's telling, and I believe he may be involved in some kind of cover up. Perhaps he came downstairs after the fact and saw what Darlie had done, decided he didn't want to lose her, and helped her stage the scene (perhaps placing the bloody sock?). The fact that he failed a lie detector test, although inadmissible in court, would indicate to me that something is not completely right somewhere.

As for Media Tried, since I haven't read it yet, I can't address any errors of fact. I do know that the book was rather sloppily done, which certainly tends to undermine it's credibility. But I'll have to read it before I can legitimately compare it to the other material out there.

Regarding the death penalty for Darlie, I agree with you. I lean toward a life sentence without any possibility of parole. However, I'm not sure that Texas law provides for such an option. I'll tell you one thing. After having been in numerous prisons, I can assure you that in most cases a LWP sentence would be worse than the death penalty. Contrary to public opinion, t's not a pleasant or cushy existence.

Just my opinion.

Jim

[Nehemiah]

Jim, thank you for the information. I will try to find some of these books. I hesitate to get involved in another crime, as I have avidly read and followed the JonBenet Ramsey case for five years now--and I'm still on the fence with that one. Nevertheless, I'll refrain from posting much until I am more versed on Darlie's case.

Neat about your prison ministry. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading more of your opinions.

[Jeana (DP)]

Jim, I'm in complete agreement with your opinions. I too believe Darin knows a hell of a lot more than he's saying. Moreover, I believe that while he's had some shady dealings in the past, he didn't plan any murders. I don't think he had it in him. He didn't have the rage that Darlie had. About Media Tried, Justice Denied, you're not missing anything by not reading it. The only thing its good for are the pictures, and they say it all in my opinion!!


We're glad to have you here!!

[JimPence]

Hi Jeana,

Thanks. I'm glad to be here and looking forward to learning some more about the case.

When (if?) I finish reading Media Tried, I'll post a review. I know one thing. Whoever did the actual publishing/printing did a crummy job. The copy that I received (from Mama Darlie on Ebay) has an entire section that was bound upside down! I know that's not the fault of the author, but it seems to reflect the overall quality of the production.

One thing about the whole Darin involvement issue that puzzles me is why they are all remaining so loyal to each other. I remember reading that one of the conditions when they hired Mulder was that he not pursue any line of defense that might implicate Darin. Now, of course they've tried to use that as a point of appeal, saying that it hindered Darlie's defense. But it was their requirement in the first place. (Correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.)

I read an old news piece yesterday that pointed out that Darin failed the lie detector test three times. Sounds like he knows something, doesn't it? Could it be that Darin threatened to tell all he knows if there were any attempt to implicate him?

Jim

[Jeana (DP)]

Jim, I didn't hear about that third test! LOL Not surprised though. A lie is a lie no matter how many times you tell it! Those of us posting about the case back then knew it was just a matter of time before Darlie threw Darin under the bus. We thought they were pretty much just waiting to see how the appeals would go because we believed it would be a last ditch effort. However, the fact that she's hinted at him several times before, but never came right out and actually said anything leaves me to believe that he knows WAY more than I first thought. Perhaps there had been previous threats on Darlie's part against the boys before the night of the actual murders. Perhaps he was in deeper the night of the actual murders and for Darlie to say anything would seal her fate. Just speculation. Since her efforts to get a second trial seem hopeless at this point, she may go for the hail Mary pass still. Maybe receiving her first execution date will jar her into overdrive and she'll spill the beans on him in an effort to have her sentence commuted. Just thinking out loud. . . but I'd love to be a fly on the way if they ever get the chance to sit and talk it all out!!

[Jeana (DP)]

Oh and by the way Jim, I heard that the "author" of MTJD used to own a bar in Texas. I think he printed the books himself in the basement in the dark. What else could explain that drivel and shoddy workmanship???? ;)

[JimPence]

Hi Jeana,

Here's a link to the article I found yesterday about Darin's 3 lie-detector failures.

http://on.starblvd.net/cgi-bin/bbsmsg?savannah:media&tr=1

It was one session, but they apparently gave him the test 3 times, and he failed it all three times. The piece carries an Associated Press dateline, so one would assume it to be accurate. However, it is a reproduction found on a Web site, so without tracing the piece all the way back to the source, you can't be absolutely sure of its authenticity.

Just ask Dan Rather about the importance of checking sources. ;)

Jim

[Jeana (DP)]

Ahhhhh!!!! Savanah's board!! LOL I posted there as "DP." I was simply "DP" here, but the board was redone and they asked or more than three characters in our user names! Interesting comments on that site! I had forgotten about the results all being from one "sitting." We've got some posters here who think its possible for a false "guilty" of the person being examined is under stress or sitting there in one place for too long. Do you know anything about this?

Have you checked out the "Guilty as Charged" forum? Extremely smart posters on that forum too!

Here's a link:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/guiltyascharged/start

[JimPence]

I believe that a false guilty result is possible. I think that's one of the reasons that lie detector tests are not admissible in court. Since a lie detector test relies on things like blood pressure, pulse, respirations, etc., someone who tends to be a nervous person, or who reacts emotionally to just being asked certain questions, could fail a test when they are perfectly innocent. Part of the reason I believe this is that I am very much that kind of person.

If I were to take a lie detector test, they could probably find me guilty of everything from the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa to the assassination of JFK. :behindbar

However, knowing the way I tend to react to stress, I believe that after I got past the initial nervousness I would be able to take the test and pass. In other words, if they gave me three tests, I might fail the first one out of pure nervousness, but I would likely pass--or at least do better--on the subsequent tests.

The fact that Darin failed three tests in one session would indicate to me that the test results are probably reliable in this case.

Jim
P.S. Thanks for the links. I'll check them out.

[Jeana (DP)]

Interesting Jim! I was posting with Timex and Social Butterfly in the "Riley Fox" forum here and we were wondering whether the subject could mess up the test by telling the truth and then automatically think to themselves "I'm lying" or "that wasn't true" or something to that effect. I think we need to all get together and get strapped up and see what happens!! (Wait! I don't think that sounded exactly how I meant it!) :confused: :confused: ;)

[JimPence]

There you go. Great idea! Now we just have to find a lie-detector test administrator who would be willing to travel and give us all free tests. :)

There are ways to beat it. That's certain.

I heard of one person who beat the test by putting a tack inside his shoe. When questions were asked, he would press his toe down on the tack and induce enough pain to cause the physical reactions. This, of course, skewed the results so that they couldn't determine anything.

I've also heard that accomplished liars can beat the test because they have so deadened theirs conscience that a lie doesn't cause the normal guilt reaction.

Jim

[Texana]

Hi Jim! from a fellow Texan.

I've enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this case.

There isn't a "life without parole" option in Texas. It's either death penalty or stacked life sentences--but even those can carry with them the option of parole. So only the D/P carries a certain outcome.

As for Darin, it does seem obvious he knows something more than he's telling, doesn't it? Whether it's his actual involvement OR his knowledge/belief that Darlie is guilty--something more than just stress is behind those three failed L/D tests.

I think some very, very good professional liars could fool the test, but I truly don't think Darin qualifies as one.

[JimPence]

Hi Texana,

Thanks for the welcome, and for the clarification on Texas laws concerning the so-called "life" sentence. I didn't think that we had an LWP option, but wasn't sure. I know that I've never heard or read about one being given.

I wish the Legislature would put through an amendment allowing for such a sentencing option. A few years ago, I was in Florida doing several chalk-art/music programs in one of their prisons. One of the programs I did was for a group of men who were "lifers" (LWP). I can promise you, I wouldn't want to be locked up in such a place for the rest of my life.

I agree with you on the lie detector thing. I don't think that Darin has the savvy to beat one. I just hope the whole story comes out one of these days.

Have a happy New year.

Jim

[Texana]

And a happy New Year to you as well--

The LWOP legislature comes up frequently but never passes. I think Harris County is one of the places that lobbies pretty heavily against passing it.

Kenneth McDuff pretty much killed the hopes of that, I think, along with the women he killed--He was first sentenced to death row, then taken off supposedly for life when the Supreme Court overruled the D/P. Somehow, it's never been proven exactly how he did it--but there's a corrupt smell about it--he was given parole. He went on to kill at least three more women and was executed about four years ago--give or take a year--he got the fast track after that to the lethal injection.

It might not be fair, but I think that's the way the prosecutors view it, the D/P is a certain way to put away to the really bad guys, and I think they are the ones who lobby heavily against the LWOP penalty.

Most of the ones who get the D/P in the courts in Harris County seem to be pretty egregious killers. It's not given often in our neighboring Fort Bend. Can't remember when it was last given--even the guy who strangled his pregnant girlfriend and then set it up to look like a suicide, was convicted only because he confessed after seeing the Passion movie--he was given a life sentence. Harris County is a tough venue, but then again, they have had some pretty notable and horrific killers.

[Goody]

I'm very new here; I haven't read any books yet. What are the books? I don't really think I should be posting (although I already have!) until I've done some reading. Thanks.
Off topic here for a second......Nehemiah is an American Indian name, isn't it? Is it the same name that the girl on Big Brother had last season? Sorry. Couldn't resist the urge to ask.

[Goody]

I believe that a false guilty result is possible. I think that's one of the reasons that lie detector tests are not admissible in court. .
I heard a LE discussion on this the other day and they said there were too many variances in the polygraph to be admissable in court. One, is the opinion of the tester. Another tester cannot read the test results and offer an opinion because the tester kind of sets up the basis which may vary from one tester to another, from one test to another. It is not like a fingerprint where you can count lines and swirls and the actual print stays the same. Or a DNA test where the bars stay the same, where one tester can look at another tester's results and offer an opinion because the results are consistent. I hope I explained that clearly enough.

[IrishMist]

Looking at the Routier case from the perspective of a novelist, I have difficulty believing in Darlie's innocence

For example, if I were to have written the Routier story as a novel (with an innocent Darlie and an intruder-murderer) and submitted it to a publisher, the story probably would have been rejected. In the world of fiction, your characters must always have reasonable and logical motives for their actions. If that isn't present, a publisher generally will reject or send the story back for a rewrite. The technical term in fiction is "verisimilitude," that is, creating a believable simulation of reality. Most editors would consider a Darlie-innocent plotline to be unbelievable.

I make up stories for a living, and the intruder story sounds made up to me. For one thing, it has gone through too many "rewrites" (16 versions). For another, an intruder attacking two little boys in such a violent manner, while ignoring the healthy adults makes no sense. That kind of stabbing is a very up close and personal act and usually is connected with rage. No burglar, rapist, or even pedophile sexual predator with any sense of self-preservation (or desire to continue his illegal acts) is going to take the risk of doing what the so-called intruder did.

Granted, life is not fiction, and rational people do irrational things all the time. However, I don't find Darlie's story believable. I've read most of the books (except MTJD, which I have, but have not had time to read, although I have reviewed the photos). I'm currently reading the trial transcripts. So far, I haven't seen anything to change my mind.

Just the humble opinion of a fiction writer.

Jim
Hi Jim,
I'm not a professional writer, but sometimes I write out these stories to help me get things straight in my mind.
Now, here's the funny part-- I could write one that made sense based on an intruder, but couldn't write one that made sense based on Darlie doing it, and I really lean toward her guilt!!
Where I got stuck was her reason. I couldn't get the beginning down.
The middle, the end, yeah, that all flowed. But the start? I couldn't come up with a believable beginning...

Also- a general comment about lie detector tests...
I think that another reason they are inadmissable is the fact that if you believe what you are saying, you will pass.
So if you really believed you were Santa Clause, you would pass a lie detector test asking if you were Santa Clause.

[cami]

Off topic here for a second......Nehemiah is an American Indian name, isn't it? Is it the same name that the girl on Big Brother had last season? Sorry. Couldn't resist the urge to ask.


NO, she was Nikomis, not Nehemiah.

[JimPence]

Hi Jim,
I'm not a professional writer, but sometimes I write out these stories to help me get things straight in my mind.
Now, here's the funny part-- I could write one that made sense based on an intruder, but couldn't write one that made sense based on Darlie doing it, and I really lean toward her guilt!!
Where I got stuck was her reason. I couldn't get the beginning down.
The middle, the end, yeah, that all flowed. But the start? I couldn't come up with a believable beginning...
Well, IrishMist, I have to give you that one. To tell the truth, nothing about this case makes sense to me, especially the beginning. Being a parent, I have a terribly hard time seeing how Darlie could kill those boys. And for that reason, I would really, really like to believe her story. But her story just has too many holes and contradictions, and it's changed too many times for me to buy it.

Also- a general comment about lie detector tests...
I think that another reason they are inadmissable is the fact that if you believe what you are saying, you will pass.
So if you really believed you were Santa Clause, you would pass a lie detector test asking if you were Santa Clause.
Good point. A really good liar can pass a lie detector test. :liar:

Jim

[Goody]

Hi Jim,
I'm not a professional writer, but sometimes I write out these stories to help me get things straight in my mind.
Now, here's the funny part-- I could write one that made sense based on an intruder, but couldn't write one that made sense based on Darlie doing it, and I really lean toward her guilt!!
Where I got stuck was her reason. I couldn't get the beginning down.
The middle, the end, yeah, that all flowed. But the start? I couldn't come up with a believable beginning...
I understand your dilema, Irish, but how did you make the intruder fit? I could never do that. The problem I had with this case is I couldn't make the majority of the pieces fit in ANY scenario.

Remember that old Sherlock Holmes quote? If you rule out the imporssible, what you have left, no matter how improbable, is probably what happened. Not word-for-word here, but I think that is the essence of it.

[IrishMist]

I understand your dilema, Irish, but how did you make the intruder fit? I could never do that. The problem I had with this case is I couldn't make the majority of the pieces fit in ANY scenario.

Remember that old Sherlock Holmes quote? If you rule out the imporssible, what you have left, no matter how improbable, is probably what happened. Not word-for-word here, but I think that is the essence of it.
Hi Goody,
Yeah, I know that quote... and no, the words aren't exactly right, but yes, that is the essence of it. :D

I had the intruder hyped up on coke, and using a baggie of propane to disable her. Originally, he was the one set up to rob the house, but he decided to sexually assault Darlie while he was at it...
Kind of a "take Darin down a peg or two" type of thing.
Figuring they couldn't bust him without busting themselves.

Kinda like robbing a dealer... what are they gonna do? Call the cops??
In a case like that, you have to deal with the dealer sending someone after you, but in the Routier's case, the intruder was more protected and street savy than them. Is this making sense to you? Darin had to ask around for someone to rob his house. (which is stupid) He obviously didn't have contacts in that "world."

One time, someone put GHB in my drink at a bar.
What I remember sounds alot like how Darlie remembered stuff... kind of a feeling of being underwater-- aware, and not aware all at once... with a period of no memory whatsoever.
When it wore off, it was gradual, but fairly fast, and I was fine!!

I used propane because it's an easy to get ahold of inhalent, no way to test for it in someone's system, and it's disabling for short periods of time.

When you are hyped up on coke, you are edgy to the extreme, yet able to focus. Intense would be a good way to put it. But it also makes you think you can do anything, like maybe assault a woman with her children laying nearby... in my story, he had her disabled, and took off her panties, very focused on that, when one of the children appeared next to him, freaking him out, and the killings began.

It was done, he was grabbing his baggie, she started coming to, and to her, she thought she was fighting him... but it's like trying to punch someone under water... he quickly sliced her throat to kill her and got out.

Now, that's going with Darlie's earliest stories...

Like I said, I can write one where she's the killer, too, but have a hard time starting it. After reading testimony, and considering her state of mind, it's starting to gel for me.

I have witnessed RAGE, and RAGE that came out of (to me) nowhere... so I know that it's possible.

So, there ya go. Long answer to a short question! :D

[Nehemiah]

Off topic here for a second......Nehemiah is an American Indian name, isn't it? Is it the same name that the girl on Big Brother had last season? Sorry. Couldn't resist the urge to ask.

I really don't know about that! Interesting, though. I chose it because Nehemiah is my favorite Old Testament Bible character.

[Goody]

I really don't know about that! Interesting, though. I chose it because Nehemiah is my favorite Old Testament Bible character.
Well, that definitely does not sound very American Indian, does it?
hhahahahahhaahhah!

[Goody]

Hi Goody,
Yeah, I know that quote... and no, the words aren't exactly right, but yes, that is the essence of it. :D

I had the intruder hyped up on coke, and using a baggie of propane to disable her. Originally, he was the one set up to rob the house, but he decided to sexually assault Darlie while he was at it...
Kind of a "take Darin down a peg or two" type of thing.
Figuring they couldn't bust him without busting themselves.

Kinda like robbing a dealer... what are they gonna do? Call the cops??
In a case like that, you have to deal with the dealer sending someone after you, but in the Routier's case, the intruder was more protected and street savy than them. Is this making sense to you? Darin had to ask around for someone to rob his house. (which is stupid) He obviously didn't have contacts in that "world."

One time, someone put GHB in my drink at a bar.
What I remember sounds alot like how Darlie remembered stuff... kind of a feeling of being underwater-- aware, and not aware all at once... with a period of no memory whatsoever.
When it wore off, it was gradual, but fairly fast, and I was fine!!

I used propane because it's an easy to get ahold of inhalent, no way to test for it in someone's system, and it's disabling for short periods of time.

When you are hyped up on coke, you are edgy to the extreme, yet able to focus. Intense would be a good way to put it. But it also makes you think you can do anything, like maybe assault a woman with her children laying nearby... in my story, he had her disabled, and took off her panties, very focused on that, when one of the children appeared next to him, freaking him out, and the killings began.

It was done, he was grabbing his baggie, she started coming to, and to her, she thought she was fighting him... but it's like trying to punch someone under water... he quickly sliced her throat to kill her and got out.

Now, that's going with Darlie's earliest stories...

Like I said, I can write one where she's the killer, too, but have a hard time starting it. After reading testimony, and considering her state of mind, it's starting to gel for me.

I have witnessed RAGE, and RAGE that came out of (to me) nowhere... so I know that it's possible.

So, there ya go. Long answer to a short question! :D
Well, just for fun, let me counter your intruder theory just a little. For starters, how does a guy hopped up on coke get thru a cluttered garage in the dark without tripping over stuff and waking Darin, maybe Darlie, too?

If he came in with the baggie of propane, he must have come prepared to rape because a burglar sure wouldn't use a baggie of propane gas as his weapon of choice under normal circumstances, would he? And if Darin was paying this guy to rob his house, why would the guy want to take him down a peg or two? That leans a little toward grudge, I think. So why would the guy have a grudge against Darin, esp the kind that make a rapist out of a burglar? I am assuming this guy would not be going around raping women as a general rule. So what motive could be strong enough to turn someone into a rapist who would not normally rape?

Also, this burglar turned rapist walks right past Darlie's jewelry, her wallet with cash and credit cards, and takes nothing at all. Did he forget what he was after?

Interesting information about propane. I did not know that. Thanks.

Good observation about Darin not having contacts in the criminal world. You are absolutely right. If he did, he would not have to put word out that he needed someone to rob his house. He would just go to someone he believed would do it and ask them directly. I hadn't thought of that, but it is an excellent point.

In your theory on the rape, I guess the guy didn't make it to completion because they found no evidence of rape at the hospital. Also, if he stops to kill the boys, then comes back to her, wouldn't some of their blood be on the couch as he and Darlie struggled. He was bound to have some on his hands. Not likely he escaped having any of their blood on him at all.

Another thing that doesn't support the struggle on the couch theory is that there are no stab wounds, no knicks in the vinyl upholstery, so we have to believe that he never swung the knife at her and missed, or that she never successfully diverted the knife, pushing it away from her and into the couch upholstery. Even if her attempts are weak, she'd likely make some contact with him and the knife, likely succeed in some of those efforts.

How does he make a clean sweep of the knife from under her ear down across her neck and across her (upper)chest and into her shoulder if Darlie is floundering around. Even if she was unsuccessful in defending herself (which I doubt even if she were fuzzy from a gas wearing off), she'd have to be perfectly still for him to make such a clean, uninterrupted cut on her neck.

I agree, when thinking of a scenario with Darlie as the killer, it is difficult to find a starting point, esp if you are trying to make it a spur of the moment act of passion. It is that part of the night that we have no information on, or certainly not enough to build a solid theory on. Too many holes.

[IrishMist]

Well, just for fun, let me counter your intruder theory just a little. For starters, how does a guy hopped up on coke get thru a cluttered garage in the dark without tripping over stuff and waking Darin, maybe Darlie, too?
And why didn't that yappy dog bark it's head off, waking Darin up?? Darin could have given him a key, or agreed to leave the front door unlocked, and the slicing of the screen was just for looks...
BUT! Darling Darlie saw him exit through the utility room... which throws a wrench in my story AND hers.
If you're hyped up, panicked, freaked out, seems natural to go out not only the way you came in, but the most direct route out-- the front door.

If he came in with the baggie of propane, he must have come prepared to rape because a burglar sure wouldn't use a baggie of propane gas as his weapon of choice under normal circumstances, would he?
Darin may have warned him that she's been sleeping on the couch alot, and that he should leave and come a different night if that's the case.

And if Darin was paying this guy to rob his house, why would the guy want to take him down a peg or two? That leans a little toward grudge, I think. So why would the guy have a grudge against Darin, esp the kind that make a rapist out of a burglar? I am assuming this guy would not be going around raping women as a general rule. So what motive could be strong enough to turn someone into a rapist who would not normally rape?
It depends on Darin's attitude with the guy. In my story, Darin acted like he was "Mr. Mobster." Doing his wife, right under his nose, in his own house... is kinda like a "I'M running this show!" or "Screw you Mr. Bigshot!"
If Darin talked DOWN to him, wasn't respectful of who he is, it would piss the guy off. I'm having a real hard time putting this into words, here.

As far as burglar into rapist...
Some people aren't depraved in only one way. And Darin obviously didn't know this guy.
You could find someone who would break into your house for money. More than one person, actually... but if you don't know them, you don't know how far they'd go if the opportunity arose. Darin may have gotten in over his head. Just because Darin hired him to rob the house, doesn't mean he wasn't getting more than he bargained for...

Also, this burglar turned rapist walks right past Darlie's jewelry, her wallet with cash and credit cards, and takes nothing at all. Did he forget what he was after?
Yes.

Interesting information about propane. I did not know that. Thanks.
It amazes me sometimes what people will do to themselves and others...

Good observation about Darin not having contacts in the criminal world. You are absolutely right. If he did, he would not have to put word out that he needed someone to rob his house. He would just go to someone he believed would do it and ask them directly. I hadn't thought of that, but it is an excellent point.
I think I answered that above.

In your theory on the rape, I guess the guy didn't make it to completion because they found no evidence of rape at the hospital. Also, if he stops to kill the boys, then comes back to her, wouldn't some of their blood be on the couch as he and Darlie struggled. He was bound to have some on his hands. Not likely he escaped having any of their blood on him at all.
In my story, no, he didn't make it to completion.
And that is a problem, seems like there would be SOME kind of blood trail.
Plus, if you went through that screen-- even if you managed to get through without leaving blood or a fingerprint, wouldn't the edges of the cut area catch your clothing? You know what I mean? Snag your clothing, that's what I'm saying. A hair, something??

Another thing that doesn't support the struggle on the couch theory is that there are no stab wounds, no knicks in the vinyl upholstery, so we have to believe that he never swung the knife at her and missed, or that she never successfully diverted the knife, pushing it away from her and into the couch upholstery. Even if her attempts are weak, she'd likely make some contact with him and the knife, likely succeed in some of those efforts.
This I don't agree with. If she was still groggy, she'd be pretty easy to fend off. I think he could EASILY just reach over and slice her throat. Especially when he was so much bigger than her.

How does he make a clean sweep of the knife from under her ear down across her neck and across her (upper)chest and into her shoulder if Darlie is floundering around. Even if she was unsuccessful in defending herself (which I doubt even if she were fuzzy from a gas wearing off), she'd have to be perfectly still for him to make such a clean, uninterrupted cut on her neck.
But it wasn't a clean cut. It showed signs of hesitation. Which actually disproves my story, cuz there wouldn't be hesitation, would there? Not if, according to my story, he reached over and SLICE, sliced her neck? I don't know enough about stab wounds. Think about the way she said she was laying on the couch. If he was kneeling next to her, and just reached over and did it, which direction would the slice go? Seems like it would go bottom left to upper right, doesn't it? I get confused when I ponder that one.

I agree, when thinking of a scenario with Darlie as the killer, it is difficult to find a starting point, esp if you are trying to make it a spur of the moment act of passion. It is that part of the night that we have no information on, or certainly not enough to build a solid theory on. Too many holes.
Too many holes, either way. I'd say, overall, if you skip the story, and just go by the evidence, it looks like Darlie did it. I'd like to come up with a story that fills the holes. Why? I don't know. Just do.
I read on here somewhere that logic won't necessarily apply in trying to figure this case out. (or something along those lines, I apologize to whomever I'm misquoting!!)
And that's obviously the case. The wounds on the boys indicate high emotion. So in trying to figure this out, we need to look at it from that point of view.
Either an intruder that's totally hyped up, or a parent that's gone off the edge.

[JimPence]

Hey, y'all are pretty good writing up these stories. I could use your help on my next novel! ;)

Jim

[IrishMist]

Hey, y'all are pretty good writing up these stories. I could use your help on my next novel! ;)

Jim
Ok. Let's talk percentages...

:D