Disturbed Ground (59 page)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Over the years of researching and writing this book, countless people have shared information, and I owe them all a debt of thanks.

First and foremost, my deep appreciation to Judy Moise, whose personal thoughts and feelings about this case, and most especially about Bert Montoya, not only helped shape the manuscript, but compelled me to undertake this story.

Warmest
thanks to Reba Nicklous, to William Clausen and the entire Clausen family, and to Jerry Hobbs for sharing their views, feelings, and sometimes painful memories.

I owe special thanks to the attorneys: the always illuminating prosecutors, George Williamson, and Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney John O'Mara; and the unfailingly gracious defense attorneys, Kevin Clymo, and Supervising Assistant Public Defender Peter Vlautin.

Special thanks also to the Honorable Michael J. Virga and to his able court clerk, Barbara Beddow, for their unmatched kindness and strong coffee.

Recognition is also due many saintly souls in social services, most particularly: Bill Johnson and J. D. Ridgley at the Volunteers of America; Mary Ellen Howard at the Department of Welfare; Lucy
Yokota at the Chest Clinic; and Michael Coonan, whose comprehensive report, "Sins of Omission," was an early compass for this project.

At the Sutter County Sheriff’s Department, many thanks to Lieutenant Wilbur Terry, Lieutenant Steve Sizelove, and Sergeant Loren Felts for their time, honesty, and refreshing openness.

At the Sacramento County Coroner's Office, my thanks to Coroner James A. Moore; to Deputy Coroners Edward Smith and Laura Synhorst; to forensic toxicologist James Beede; and most especially to forensic pathologists Dr. Robert Anthony and Dr. Gary Stuart.

At the California Department of Justice, a nod of thanks to Supervising Toxicologist William Phillips, and to Senior Document Examiner David Moore.

Long-distance thanks to Dr. Janet Warren of the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, and to Roy Hazelwood of the FBI's Behavioral Sciences Unit.

Thanks also to Deputy District Attorney Janice Hayes; to former Deputy District Attorney Bill Wood; to Parole Officer Jim Wilson; to Deputy Pete James at the Sacramento County Main Jail; to court reporter Mary Corbitt; and to bartender Marjorie Harper. And special gratitude to the aptly named Mr. John Sharp.

A bow to my many colleagues in the news media, always a source of inspiration, and most particularly ace reporter Wayne Wilson of
The Sacramento Bee.

Thanks also to the long-suffering, hardworking jurors for understanding that this book differs from the accounts presented at trial, since some things simply didn't make it through the legal filter into the courtroom.

Profound thanks to my family and friends, who stood by me during more than four years of work, and to my photographer, George Fardell.

Lastly, thanks to Liza Dawson, the astute editor who guided me through the writing of this book, as she did with
Perfect Victim.