Ron Franscell’s The Darkest Night is a harrowing true crime tale that delves into the horrific events of a night that forever changed the small town of Casper, Wyoming, and the lives of those involved. This book not only recounts the tragic kidnapping, rape, and murder of two young girls but also examines the long-lasting impact on the survivors and the community. With meticulous research and a gripping narrative style, Franscell brings to life a story that is both disturbing and heartbreaking.
Summary
The Darkest Night centers around the tragic events of September 24, 1973, when 11-year-old Amy Burridge and her 18-year-old sister, Becky Thomson, were abducted by two men, Jerry Jenkins and Ronald Kennedy. The two men, intent on committing a robbery, encountered the girls as they were heading home after a day out. Under the guise of needing help, they lured the sisters into their car. What followed was a nightmarish ordeal that would end in death for one sister and leave the other with lifelong trauma.
The men drove the girls to a remote bridge overlooking Fremont Canyon, where they brutally raped Becky. The assailants, seemingly without remorse, then bound the girls and threw them off the bridge into the dark, frigid waters below. Becky miraculously survived the fall, despite being seriously injured, and managed to climb out of the canyon to find help. Tragically, Amy was not so fortunate; she drowned in the waters below.
Becky’s survival, however, did not lead to a happy ending. Traumatized and haunted by guilt for not being able to save her sister, she struggled to reclaim her life. The mental anguish and the burden of her memories became unbearable, ultimately leading to her death by suicide 19 years later. Becky’s tragic demise serves as a poignant reminder of how some scars run so deep that they never fully heal.
Franscell does not merely recount the events; he delves into the psychological and emotional aftermath for everyone involved. He explores the lives of the perpetrators, the victims, and their families, providing a nuanced and empathetic view of the long-term effects of such a devastating crime. Through interviews, court documents, and his own memories of growing up in Casper, Franscell weaves a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The Psychological Impact
One of the most compelling aspects of The Darkest Night is its exploration of trauma and survival. Becky Thomson’s journey is at the heart of this story, revealing the complexity of living with the memories of that horrific night. Her survival was not just a physical battle but an emotional and psychological one. The book portrays her struggle to find normalcy while grappling with profound guilt, grief, and fear. Her eventual suicide underscores the long-term consequences of trauma and the heavy burden carried by survivors.
Franscell also examines how the community of Casper responded to the crime. The town was rocked to its core, and the collective sense of safety was shattered. The book captures the fear and suspicion that permeated the town in the aftermath, as well as the ways in which the community tried to make sense of an act of violence that seemed incomprehensible. For many, the events of that night marked the end of an era of innocence.
The Killers: Jenkins and Kennedy
The Darkest Night also delves into the minds and backgrounds of Jerry Jenkins and Ronald Kennedy. The book offers a chilling portrayal of the killers, exploring their troubled upbringings and criminal histories. Franscell paints a picture of two men who were deeply damaged and dangerous long before they committed their horrific crime. However, he stops short of excusing their actions, instead showing how their choices on that fateful night were the culmination of years of escalating violence and cruelty.
Franscell’s portrayal of Jenkins and Kennedy is both unsettling and insightful. He humanizes them without absolving them, offering a glimpse into the factors that can lead individuals to commit unspeakable acts. This nuanced approach makes the story even more disturbing, as it forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that monsters can sometimes be created by circumstances, but their actions are still undeniably evil.
Writing Style and Narrative Approach
Ron Franscell’s writing is both vivid and poignant, capturing the horror of the crime without sensationalizing it. His narrative style is engaging, drawing readers in with a mixture of journalistic precision and novelistic storytelling. Franscell’s background as a journalist is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the thorough research that underpins the book. However, what sets The Darkest Night apart from other true crime books is the deeply personal connection Franscell has to the story. Having grown up in Casper and known Becky and Amy personally, Franscell brings a unique perspective that adds emotional depth to the narrative.
The book is structured in a way that builds suspense while also providing necessary context. Franscell interweaves the past and present, moving between the night of the crime and the years that followed. This approach allows readers to see the full scope of the impact the crime had on everyone involved. The use of flashbacks and interviews with those who knew the victims and the perpetrators adds layers of complexity to the story, making it not just a recounting of a crime, but an exploration of its far-reaching consequences.
Review
The Darkest Night is a masterfully written true crime book that goes beyond the sensational aspects of the crime to explore the profound and lasting impact on the victims, their families, and the community. Franscell’s ability to tell a deeply personal story while maintaining journalistic integrity makes this book stand out in the genre. The book is haunting, not just because of the crime itself, but because of the way it forces readers to confront the reality of trauma and the long shadow it casts.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the detailed exploration of the killers’ backgrounds to be unsettling, as it offers a glimpse into the making of monsters that might feel too close for comfort. Additionally, the non-linear narrative structure, while effective in building suspense, may be confusing for some readers. Despite these minor issues, The Darkest Night remains a powerful and compelling read that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Read the Full Novel Here
The Darkest Night: The Murder of Innocence in a Small Town by Ron Franscell | Goodreads
About the Author
Ron Franscell is an accomplished author and journalist known for his works in both fiction and non-fiction. Raised in Wyoming, he has a deep understanding of small-town America, which is evident in his writing. His background in journalism has honed his ability to tell stories with accuracy and depth, while his personal experiences bring an emotional resonance to his work. Franscell’s books often explore the darker aspects of human nature, making him a prominent voice in the true crime genre. His connection to the events in The Darkest Night adds a layer of authenticity and poignancy to the narrative, making it one of his most memorable works.
