A conversation with Margaret
Why did you write this book?
I wanted to document the terrible experience my stepmother had and help her to find closure over her loss.
Was there any problem getting Rusty to write back?
No. He was fairly isolated and had no contact from outside the prison other than family of other inmates. I think he was glad to have someone writing to him.
What do the Roberts think of the book and what you have done?
They were initially disappointed that so much of it dealt with Rusty and how the system treated him. I hope they will realize that they are part of a much bigger story.
Have you gotten any feedback from the characters in the book?
No.
Why did you self-publish?
I wanted this story to get out a.s.a.p. If Rusty is innocent I wanted the WVU School of Law Innocence Project to have the information right away so that they could start working on a review of his case.
How long did it take to write the book?
It was five years doing the research and one year writing the story.
How long did it take to publish via iUniverse?
A little less than a year but the delays were all on my part. I was still working out my own comfort level with my conclusions. I didn't want to push ahead before I was mentally comfortable with the consequences. I was also constrained by costs. Editing is expensive and I chose to do a second edit myself to save money.
When did you start writing about this story?
I started collecting information in 1999 from my stepmother. I was still working then. When I retired in 2002 I began the all-out assault on the information, travelling to the scene, interviews etc.
Who did you interview?
All of the police officials, court officials I could reach, townspeople who would talk to me, family, friends, neighbors.
Do you plan a follow-up book on this case?
If there are significant developments, such that the story requires an update, I will write on it again. Either a second edition or a second book.
What are you working on now?
Publicity. Getting the word out on this story. Trying my best to drum up interest.
Do you think Rusty is guilty?
What I know is that the evidence and trial didn't prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Only he knows if he is guilty or not.
What makes you think Rusty is innocent?
Like I said, I wasn't there so I don't know if he did it or not. Nothing in the evidence placed him at the scene. Nothing proved he did it. There was a lot of information pointing in other directions and information that seemed to be fabricated pointing in his direction. I hope someone who reads the book or hears about the case will come forward and offer something we don't know. Perhaps someone has been burdened with this for twenty-five years and is ready to cleanse their conscience.