The Death of Old Man Rice: A True Story of Criminal Justice in America - Hardcover

Friedland, Martin L

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0814726275 ISBN 13: 9780814726273

Publisher: NYU Press, 1994

Synopsis

The Story of One of the Most Remarkable Trials in All History! Sensational trials--the Menendez brothers, the Rodney King case, the Preppie Murder--are not unique to the age of television. The year 1900 saw one of the most dramatic criminal trials in American history, described by one newspaper at the time as America's most remarkable murder case.
When William Marsh Rice, the founder of Rice University, was found dead in the New York City quarters he shared with his only servant, suspicion immediately fell on Albert Patrick, a young lawyer. Rice, whose fortune was pledged to Rice Institute (later Rice University), had, it seemed, been killed by chloroform poisoning and his will forged to give Patrick his vast estate. Patrick was immediately arrested and, in a spectacular trial, tried for first-degree murder, a crime then punishable by execution.
In this combination murder mystery and murder history, Martin Friedland recounts the events leading up to the trial and the case as it played itself out in court. Skillfully guiding the reader through the trial and its outcome, Friedland sheds new light on the events, casting doubt on what, at first glance, seems an ironclad case.
Provocatively illustrated with over 60 photographs that capture the circumstances of the trial and the mood of New York City at the turn of the century, The Death of Old Man Rice is not only a gripping tale of murder and intrigue, but a timely window onto many aspects of criminal justice in America. Touching on issues of great contemporary relevance-- such as the influence of the popular press; the purchase of expert witnesses; the problems of multiple appeals; the inadequacy of penal institutions; and the advantages of wealth--Friedland combines scholarship with suspense in his trademark who done it style.
A murder mystery, a historical study, and a fascinating window into the world of forensic science, The Death of Old Man Rice is that rare book that can engage any reader.

About this title

About the Author

Martin L. Friedland is Professor of Law at the University of Toronto and author of the widely acclaimed The Trials of Martin Lipski: A True Story of a Victorian Murder in the East End of London and The Case of Valentine Shortis: A True Story of Crime and Politics in Canada.

Reviews

In his reinvestigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of Rice University founder William M. Rice in 1900, Friedland (Detention Before Trial) proves himself an indefatigable researcher, breathing life into a case laid to rest decades ago. Rice, a Texas multimillionaire, was found dead one Sunday in his New York City apartment. The following day, his lawyer, Albert Patrick, attempted to cash four checks totaling $250,000 made out to himself and bearing Rice's forged signature. Additionally, a will named Patrick as the recipient of Rice's estate. Murder was suspected, and Rice's valet implicated Patrick. The lawyer was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1902. Pressure from influential people caused his sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment in 1906, and he received a gubernatorial pardon in 1912. Friedland concludes that Patrick was guilty of forgery, but not of murder. But was Rice in fact killed? Or did he die of natural causes? The author leaves that question unanswered. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: NYU Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0814726275
• ISBN 13: 9780814726273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 1