Immunity for Murder: The Veronica Taft Story gives readers the account of a 23-year-old single mother of four who was wrongly convicted of manslaughter in her two-year-old son’s murder. What inspired you to tell her story?

Shortly after I became involved in Veronica’s defense, I recognized the unfolding travesty of injustice almost immediately. The evidence that clearly pointed to the real killer was overwhelming but brushed aside in the pursuit of Veronica. The case against Veronica was a total train wreck from the get-go. As a former NY state police investigator, I was appalled by what was happening. Often saying to myself, “This should not be happening.” But it did. And despite our best effort, Veronica was still wrongfully convicted. With the added tragedy of the real killer walking away free. Never to be held accountable. So, I was inspired to write her story, by knowing that a factually innocent woman was wrongfully convicted of a murder she didn’t commit. You really need to read the whole story.

Your book is not just a chronicle of a crime but an exploration of systemic failures affecting the marginalized and vulnerable in society. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The systematic failures in this case involved a concentrated and united team effort to arrest and prosecute Veronia Taft. Which included police investigators, supervisors, prosecutors, child protective services, a forensic pathologist and even extended to include civilian witnesses and a jailhouse snitch. What was important for me was to share, not only the various system failures but also how easily anyone like Veronica can be vulnerable and fall victim to these failures. In other words, it can happen to anyone.

What was one of the hardest parts of Immunity for Murder for you to write?

The hardest part for me was having to describe the graphic details of Lyric’s death. It’s certainly a hard read. Many of my readers have told me that it made them cry, including my wife. Yes, that was the hard part. Even though Veronica was anxious to have me write the book, I later asked her if she had read the book she said, “No, it’s too painful.” Indeed.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I think the takeaway here should be straightforward. Police and prosecutors are necessary for our criminal justice system to work the way it was intended. However, that does not mean they are deserving of our blind trust and allegiance. Hopefully, this story helps to explain why. Take nothing at face value. Ask questions. Because things are not always what they appear to be.

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