Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Criminal.

Karma
I am a digital forensic analyst, no, I should use ‘was’ a digital forensics analyst. Now I am just an ordinary prisoner. Before I was sent to the slammer, I worked as a data forensics analyst with the police. I extracted data evidence from mobile phones, computers, or the internet. Then I would hand it over to the investigators for investigation, very CSI type stuff. Rigorous documentation was an important part of the job. I had to make detailed records of all operations, time, and any interactions I had. Although many of my colleagues used electronic documents for taking notes, I still used to write down my notes in a little black notebook, and then type it later into the computer. I do not know if this was a good habit, but looking back now, I feel a little grateful for my old-school approach. Although this does not change my current situation.
By TAS5 years ago in Criminal
"Coming into Riches"
Henry Albert Jones stood on the porch of his grandmother’s old rental house as he waited for the bus to pull up to take him off to school. He saw his friend, James Hall, come running up the street to his house. James said to Henry, “Did you hear they have a new math teacher this year at Winnfield Senior High School named Mr. Peters. He supposed to be a really hard teacher to make a passing grade in his class.” Henry just sighed and said, “James will things ever get better for kids like us.” James said, “What do you mean by that, Henry.” Henry said, “Kids who are stuck in poverty.” James replied, “With the right education, we can always get ahead.” Henry just looked surprised at his answer and said, “I suppose you’re right. However, everyone I know that graduated last year on our block just ended up staying here in Winnfield, Louisiana.” James replied, “You’re just talking crazy. My older sister said, ‘Mark went off to California and is doing great.’” Henry sighed and replied, “I heard he joined the army and they sent him to California.” James replied, “Why can’t you be positive.” Henry replied, “I can’t be positive with so much lack and no hope of coming out of this dead-end town.” Just then the bus pulled up to the corner and James told Henry, “Come on, Man, we have to catch the bus, so we don’t stay here, too.”
By Apo Frederick Abraham Richardson5 years ago in Criminal
Dark Streets
Eh, what difference does it make. I’m not crazy, VA wants to label me PTSD and for what? Because life is different at home now. You get excited about talk of patriotism and defending your country and talk to a recruiter. Of course being right out of high school you don’t realize they possess the same tactics as Joe down the road trying to convince you that a 1986 K-car is a classic with value
By Rafes Loft5 years ago in Criminal
The Porter Beer Murders
The Porter Beer Murders, By Eleanor Guerrero, CCN Senior Reporter I heard a scream-or was it the wheels of an elevated train nearby screeching? Go home, long day, was my first thought. I was not looking for trouble. But I instinctively stopped, pulled over and parked. There was no one on the street. I promised myself I would only stay seconds. I’m pretty brave usually but I’m not stupid. I walked quickly to the corner by the street where the scream seemed to come from and peered cautiously out.
By eleanor joan guerrero5 years ago in Criminal
BILLY THE KID
A LIKELY SCENARIO... To fully understand this scenario, you must trust that certain things happened for the reasons I am about to give you here. Beforehand, there are a few facts that you need to understand to fully appreciate what happened back in Scottish history that brought about the evolution of surnames. Those events were also the causes of certain other events taking place that dictated an identifiable future.
By Bob Carswell5 years ago in Criminal
I've Fallen in Love with a Violent Offender
“You are not a rehabilitation center for poorly raised men” is probably one of my absolute favorite sayings of all time. Unfortunately, just like how to do your taxes my high school failed to teach me how to spot relationship red flags but have no fear my friends; I have seen all the red flags by now but then again, I am old. I think that this is a saying that should be framed in the visitation rooms of prisons, but even if it were posted; would it even matter?
By The Good Wives Guide to True Crime5 years ago in Criminal
The Cost of Medicine
The Cost of Medicine Constance sat on the green, vinyl covered couch. The waiting room was empty. The lighting from the windows made the room abnormally bright on a dreary day. It seems her mother’s cancer would need even more medication. The hardest part of battling a non-discriminatory illness is when the insurance runs out, but payment is demanded to continue the fight. You don’t bring a knife to a gun fight, and you can’t bring a modest bank account to an oncologist.
By Diana Evans5 years ago in Criminal
Exit 403
She had to pee. Bad. The road signs along the interstate seemed to mock her discomfort: “Gas/Food/Lodging. Exit 403. 10 miles.” Hadn’t she just passed a billboard that said the exit was coming up in 5 miles? What will the next one say: 20 Miles to Exit 403!? She was beginning to sweat. She wondered if anyone had ever died from an exploding bladder.
By Carolyn Manning5 years ago in Criminal
Right on Time
Simeon stared in disbelief at the briefcase on the cramped cubicle desk before him, an unbidden lump forming in his throat. He distinctly remembered starting his morning following his usual routine…
By Rob Franklin5 years ago in Criminal
The unexpected notebook
I have lived a simple life. Simple but flavoured by misery; I was once a successful business owner, and never had to go without, now living in a ridiculously small flat on the second floor with my partner. My partner, Louise and I struggled to make the ends meet after I hit rock bottom. I always wished to make things easier for her, she was always sweet to me. I cried and prayed on my lonely nights, wishing for a miracle that would get us out of this distress. On a gloomy day when the sun tore its misty veil, everything changed like a flick of a switch. Louise was working at the hospital at that time; a mysterious package arrived with no return address. I anxiously chose to open it. There was a hand written letter, a small black notebook, sim cards and an old phone, neatly tucked into the padded envelope. I unfolded the letter, as gently as I could, to feed my curiosity. To my biggest surprise, a check of $20000 fell out. My grin reached ear to ear; I was over the moon, finally I could be useful in something, but I had my suspicions so I decided to read the unknown letter.
By Fanni Hecz5 years ago in Criminal
One Fine Day
I can’t believe this is happening to me! I thought for sure this was my lucky day, but it has gone to become one giant nightmare. It started when I found that suitcase full of money. $20,000 just laying out in the open. Why did I grab it? Such a stupid move. It was just sitting there in the hotel lobby. A nice blue coloured suitcase that had been sitting in a chair, for what I could swear had been my entire shift. Not a soul seemed to notice it. I should have just took it to the lost and found area. As if I know where that is? Do we even have one? Been working there for so many years and yet I barely even know the place.
By Troy S Kenneson5 years ago in Criminal
Kidnapped
Black, pitch black, I know my eyes are open, yet I can’t see. But I can hear shuffling feet and gruff voices conversing in low tones. I can feel the ropes holding my hands and feet to a chair. I can also feel the blindfold covering my eyes, explaining why I can’t see. While exploring what my senses can tell me I remain calm. Suddenly, a hand is on my head and the blindfold is removed. I can see, it’s not much, just a dark, cold basement with no windows. A musty lamp is the only source of light in the room and out of the corner of my eye I see a door, covered in more locks than at a paranoid survivalist’s bunker.
By Maria Lane5 years ago in Criminal