Damned to Eternity: The Story of the Man Who They Said Caused the Flood

By Adam Pitluk

Book Overview

James Scott was twenty-four years old when he was first convicted in 1994-and then again in 1998-of intentionally causing a catastrophe. His alleged crime was causing a levee to break, which flooded over 14,000 acres of farmland during the Great Midwestern Floods of '93. Though no one died, he was the first and only person in Missouri history convicted under this obscure 1979 law and is now serving a life sentence. He won't be eligible for his first parole hearing until 2023, when he will be fifty-five years old. In Damned to Eternity , Adam Pitluk contends that James Scott was a victim of a federal agency, a town, and law enforcement hell-bent on blaming him for something he maintains he didn't do.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306815273
• ISBN13: 9780306815270
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

A Great Book! You determine if he is guilty or not guilty

I live in Quincy Illinois, which is directly across the river from West Quincy.I was 13 back in 1993. I put many hours into filling sandbags that summer. Even through I wasn't directly affected by the flood, it hit home when the levee broke that night. The great fight to hold back the flood waters was defeated in a matter of moments. This book mainly describes James trouble childhood, and continues into his ever troublesome life. Its a must read if you were affected by the Great Flood of 1993. It also goes into great detail about the ever so infamous Webster School Fire. I'm firefighter and paramedic now. I have heard many stories and tales regarding the Webster School Fire. I've seen pictures from that day. An awesome book that lets the reader decide whether he is guilty or not guilty!

Truly Appalling Tale of True Crime and Presumed Guilt

Before I read this book, I had no idea that the Great Flood of '93 was attributed entirely to the doings of one single man. Having grown up in Missouri, I grew accustomed to hearing about various floods, but it had not occurred to me that there was such an amazing story behind this particular flood. The law against "Causing a Catastrophe" is alive and well in Missouri, and a Class A felony. Missouri Revised Statutes 569.070. 1. A person commits the crime of causing catastrophe if he knowingly causes a catastrophe by explosion, fire, flood, collapse of a building, release of poison, radioactive material, bacteria, virus or other dangerous and difficult to confine force or substance. The problem with Mr. Scott's trial was just how was the prosecution able to know that Jimmy "knowingly" caused a catastrophe? This book gives you the opportunity to be the judge. "Damned to Eternity" could have been written to tell the story from a non-personal viewpoint and still have been a good non-fiction book. What sets this book so much apart from its non-fiction counterparts is the way it brings you to the events that happened. You literally get into the mind of Jimmy Scott and learn about the things that caused law enforcement to go out and practically hang this guy before even being benefited the "luxury" of a trial. Mr. Scott's trial afforded him no "luxuries", however. Had this trial and flood occurred today, no doubt it would have been all over Court T.V. Had the public been more informed about this trial, perhaps the outcome would have been different as well. Pitluk's work certainly brings that question to light. This book reminded me of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" because of the intense relationship you develop with Jimmy Scott as you read. Having a legal background, I am appalled at the events surrounding the trial and the course of events that took place in convicting and sentencing Mr. Scott. The way the prosecution established Mr. Scott's "intent" and motive is unbelievable. Pitluk's research, investigating, and writing are guilty of "Intentionally Causing the Writing of a Good Book". A+++++!

Wonderful Account of a Great Controversy

Adam Pitluk has successfully captured the events and emotions of the great flood of '93 and has relayed them in a gripping and well written manner. His non-fiction style continues to keep the pages turning. The story of James Scott as told by Pitluk is excellent. I recommend this book to everyone.

Top Rate Novel

This is a compelling story that really was written thoughtfully and demonstrates injustices uncorrected. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the story as depicted by the author. Well done and I highly reccommend this book.

Another Hit For Pitluk!

Just when I thought I had read the best this author has to offer I read 'Damned To Eternity' and am once again blown away! A must read, but one caveat: do not start this book unless you have time to spare, once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down.