Butterfly in the Rain: The 1927 Marion Parker Abduction and Murder
About the book
The book tells the story of the kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Marion Parker in December 1927, a case that shook Los Angeles and the entire nation. Author James Neibaur delves into this historic crime, in which the young girl was abducted from her school by William Edward Hickman.
Hickman, a 19-year-old former employee of Marion's father, kidnapped the girl under false pretenses and demanded ransom. Although the father paid, Marion was found murdered under horrifying circumstances. The case became internationally known and triggered a massive manhunt for the perpetrator.
Neibaur offers a detailed account of the investigation, the public outrage, and the trial that followed. The book also sheds light on how the media of the time handled the case and the impact it had on society. The title "Butterfly in the Rain" refers to the fragility and brevity of Marion's life.
Through extensive research and archival material, the author paints a portrait of both victim and perpetrator, as well as the Los Angeles in which the tragedy unfolded. The book also offers perspective on how the case influenced kidnapping legislation in the United States.
