I was told by a detective that if I had a name, they'd listen. I had a name, and I gave them every bit of information I had while detailing why I felt the person might be someone they should look at. That's the last I heard, and I understand why. Even after sixty years, the murder of Frances Lacey remains unsolved. It's a cold case, and while it's inactive, it's still considered an open case. After thirty years in law enforcement, I never had … [Read more...]
GRIM PARADISE: The Cold Case Search for the Mackinac Island Killer by Rod Sadler
When widow Frances Lacey was murdered in July 1960 on Mackinac Island, only a few meager clues were found by police, and the case soon turned cold. But more than sixty years later, will those same clues finally solve the mystery? On July 24, 1960, the quaint charm and serenity of Mackinac, nestled between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was shattered by Lacey's brutal death. Despite a massive manhunt and thousands of pages of police … [Read more...]
Author Rod Sadler’s Journey to Mackinac Island Began With a Visit to the Father of a Serial Killer
It was an interesting trip. I traveled to Mackinac Island in the spring of 2021 to investigate the Island's only murder in modern times. It's a murder that remains unsolved to this day. I planned to stay at the same hotel where the victim, Frances Lacey, had stayed. I planned to walk the same route she walked and visit the murder scene. It would be a short trip but worthwhile. There was one thing I had to do first. I'd be passing Indian River, a … [Read more...]
Author Rod Sadler Discusses His Visit to Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, lying in the shadow of the world's largest suspension bridge, with its Victorian charm, no automobiles, horse drawn carriages, fudge, souvenir shops, bicycles, Fort Mackinac, and ore freighters passing on the Great Lakes, is often referred to as Michigan's crown jewel. Accessible only by boat or plane, it's a wonderful place where thousands of people flock to each summer. I dare say that every visitor has heard of the Grand … [Read more...]