My Father's Story by Eric Johnson
What's It About?
Discover the captivating story of the life and tragic death of Bill Johnson, who was brutally murdered by his ex-girlfriend in his own home, as his son breaks down every detail of the trial.“I killed Bill, he’s gone, he’s dust.”
She was in a hospital ward speaking matter-of-factly to a state trooper about her actions, showing no remorse. Earlier, she had been in a car accident and was found in her vehicle naked and caked in dry blood from head to toe.
Believe what you may, but My Father’s Story: The Murder of the Best Man I’ve Ever Known by Eric Johnson is not a murder mystery. There’s really no mystery at all. In this true account, Angelee Ross killed her on-again, off-again lover Bill Johnson, father of the author. But the circumstances of that crime, what led up to it, how it unfolded, and the killer’s frame of mind at the time are scrutinized in great detail in this book, which the author has written as a tribute to his “best friend” — and perhaps as a therapeutic means to help put the matter to bed in his own mind, if such a thing is possible.
“When we are in love, we often overlook the flaws and imperfections of our partners and sometimes even ignore red flags that should have been warning signs,” writes Eric Johnson. “We become so consumed by our emotions that we lose sight of reality.”
The reality, in this case, is that the woman Eric’s dad fell in love with was the reason for his death.
An Unusual Killer
Bill Johnson met Angelee when she started working at the auto shop where he was a mechanic. Their affection seemed to develop like it would in any relationship. Eventually, she and her two sons moved in with Bill. Over the course of a few years, the pair broke up and got back together. Ultimately, it was not to be.
But that hardly explains why or how this situation would lead to Bill’s murder, along with the deaths of two dogs at his house.
Angelee comes across as a most unusual killer. She speaks candidly about the murder as if she is describing a day at the office, smiling and forthcoming. She is not so quick to talk about her relationship. Her actions and attitudes raise the question of whether this is a crime for which she is guilty by reason of insanity.
At one point in the trial, a detective says, “I’m not a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but I have a pretty good read on people, being that I’ve interviewed thousands of people, and this would probably be someone who is most out of touch with reality that I’ve ever spoken with.”
Unique and Revealing
Author Eric Johnson devotes the bulk of the book to a very detailed breakdown of the trial, taking us through every witness — from detectives to medical examiners to state troopers — and along the way uncovers specifics about exactly what happened — guns, knives, lamps, hard objects and all. It’s a unique and revealing format.
In the end, while the narrative ties up loose ends, where does it leave the author’s frame of mind, and what can he offer up to readers?
“Honestly speaking, I don’t have anything against love,” he writes. “It’s just that my perspective on things has shifted since my dad’s murder. The woman who brought him so much joy and love ended up being the reason for his death. Ironic, isn’t it?”
About Eric Johnson:
Eric Johnson is a security professional from Michigan. Eric graduated with high honors from Madonna University and holds over 20 professional certifications. He has worked in several security command centers and as an emergency manager for a large mortgage company. Outside of his career, he is a devoted family man and friend. With a zest for life, he enjoys working on cars, going on road trips, writing and playing music, concerts, watching movies and podcasts, and is an avid foodie.
