Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Rhonda's neighbor, Mr. Deece, laid Rhoda down on the front porch swing and called the police and ambulance. The authorities summoned the children's aunt, who came and took the children away.

Willie heard about the crime just before midnight, when his staff photographer called to say he had heard it on the police scanner. Both men had the feeling that this story could be a big break for the newspaper, and they sprung into action.

When they arrived at the jail, Danny Padgitt was being fingerprinted. Willie's photographer, Wiley Meek, recognized Padgitt immediately. Willie, being new in town, didn't know much about the family or its sordid history. Wiley got some photos of Padgitt getting out of the police car, while Willie attempted to interview the Sheriff. The two journalists then drove out to the scene of the crime and interviewed...