Body Parts: A Serial Killer's Deadly Compulsions

By Caitlin Rother

Book Overview

Now updated with shocking details about the identity of Wayne Adam Ford's first victim - revealed 25 years after her death - the brand new edition of a true crime classic from New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother delves into the disturbing mind and brutal crimes of the Humboldt County serial killer now on Death Row.

"I hurt some people."

With these words, a tearful man hinted at a deadly crime, leading investigators to uncover a horrifying saga of abuse, tragedy, and serial murder . . .

When Wayne Adam Ford walked into the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office in November 1998 with a woman's body part in his jacket pocket, the 36-year-old truck driver wasn't a suspect in any crime. After a lengthy investigation spanning four California counties and a sensational trial, he was convicted of the torture and murder of four women. His first victim, whom he dismembered, would remain unidentified for 25 years.

While serving honorably in the Marine Corps, Ford had learned life-saving techniques that gave him structure and purpose. But a severe head injury worsened pre-existing emotional problems, rendering him unable to suppress his dark sexual impulses. Knowing he would kill again, he enlisted his brother's help to turn himself in.

Award-winning investigative journalist Caitlin Rother drew on previously sealed testimony and interviewed key players in the case, including Ford's brother and father, to write this intimate and psychologically resonant narrative. Extensively updated with the inside details of how Ford's first victim was recently identified through DNA testing and forensic genealogy, this classic true crime story continues to haunt us.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806543914
• ISBN13: 9780806543918
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

gruesome yet fascinating

This was a great true crime read. You almost feel sorry for the killer, all the torment and regret he feels for his victims but in the end you just know he used the women he killed for his own psycho sexual gratification.

A Book that You will not want to put down

I had a rare opportunity to attend a talk and signing about this book by the Lovely Author. I was very interested in her research into the life of Wayne Adam Ford. The information covered in this book is outstanding, and quite well written. Though unfortunate for the loss these families have had to endure by this person, Caitlin Rother is a remarkably detailed author who doesn't draw out the information, but presents you with the facts. Truly a phenomenal book!

A MUST READ!

This was the first time I have ever read a true crime book. Rother successfully streamlined the story and case, giving me a ride filled with psychological twists and turns. It was an excellent read!

Page turner. Couldn't put it down.

I read about this book long before it was published and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It was well worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book was written. I can quickly become bored with a book that has long, drawn out chapters and fortunately this isn't one of them. Caitlin Rother writes short, to the point, paragraphs and chapters. This book was meticulously and thoroughly researched and when I was finished reading it, I didn't feel like I was missing any critical information. The one gripe I have about the book or should I say photos contained in the book with descriptions beside them. One of Wayne's victims was Tina Gibbs and beside her photo it reads: "Tina Gibbs was working as a prostitute when Wayne picked her up in Las Vegas. He dumped her body in the California Aqueduct near Buttonwillow in Kern County, where *IT* was found June 2, 1998." Maybe I'm more sensitive than others, but I found the fact that she referred to her body as an "IT" very insensitive and disrespectful. Over all, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime books. It definietly has a place on my book shelf.