UPDATE: A new book titled “Something Big: The True Story of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed” by author Patrick Wohl dives deep into one of America’s most chilling true crime stories. Releasing today, this meticulous exploration revisits the horrific events of January 8, 1993, when seven people were brutally murdered at the Brown’s Chicken restaurant in Palatine, Illinois.
This tragic event shocked the nation and left lasting scars on the community. Wohl, who grew up in the area and was born just a year after the killings, spent over two years interviewing victims’ families, law enforcement, and experts to capture the human elements behind this tragedy. The book focuses on the stories of the victims—Richard Ehlenfeldt, Lynn Ehlenfeldt, Guadalupe Maldonado, Michael Castro, Thomas Mennes, Rico Solis, and Marcus Nellsen—bringing their memories to the forefront.
In his writing, Wohl reflects on the impact of true crime narratives. “For those who were actually there,” he states, “the depiction of a tale involving the murder of a loved one can also be an exercise in re-traumatization.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as survivors and families continue to grapple with the aftermath of that fateful night.
The book is published by Post Hill Press and retails for $24.99. Wohl’s previous work, “Down Ballot,” examined a pivotal Illinois political campaign, but he shifts focus in this latest effort to highlight the emotional toll of violence on families and communities.
Wohl meticulously crafted this narrative, drawing insights from various sources, including Maurice Possley, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who authored an earlier account of the massacre. Possley noted the urgency of his own project, stating, “The arrests in the Brown’s case came in May 2002, and I signed a book contract in July.” His reference to the rapid timeline underscores the complexities of documenting such a traumatic event.
The Brown’s Chicken massacre remains a significant chapter in the annals of American crime, captivating media attention for decades. Wohl’s book not only recounts the chilling details of the murders but also explores the decade-long manhunt for the perpetrators, who are now serving life sentences in an Illinois prison.
Readers are encouraged to delve into this poignant narrative to understand not just the crime itself, but its continuing impact on those left behind. As Wohl eloquently states, “People trusted me with incredibly intimate stories. Many of them still live with this tragedy day in and day out. To them, it’s not just a story.”
As the book releases, conversations about violence, trauma, and community resilience are more relevant than ever. The emotional weight of these stories compels readers to reflect on the broader implications of crime in society. This is not merely a historical recount; it is a poignant reminder of the lives forever changed by an act of unimaginable violence.
The ripple effects of the Brown’s Chicken massacre will continue to echo, and Wohl’s work is a crucial step toward honoring the memories of those lost. For anyone interested in true crime or the human experience behind violent events, “Something Big” promises to be an essential read.
