A Thriller Book Based on Real-Life Tragedy: The Murders of Diane Edwards and Marlys Wohlenhaus

Imagine a thrilling narrative that is not just a fictional story, but a reflection of real-life tragedy and horror. A book that delves into the dark history behind the song 'Diane' could be a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. This article explores the chilling true story of the murder of Diane Edwards and Marlys Wohlenhaus, a case that shocked the community and left a lasting impact on the criminal justice system.

Tragic History Behind the Song 'Diane'

The song 'Diane' by Hüsker Dü is based on the real-life murder of Diane Edwards, a 19-year-old waitress who was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1980. The song captures the horrific details of her murder and the emotional impact it had on the community. Joe Ture, a serial killer and rapist, was convicted of the murder, leading to a shocking exposé of his previous crimes and a detailed recounting of his heinous acts.

The Case of Marlys Wohlenhaus

Not long after the Edwards murder, another young woman, Marlys Wohlenhaus, was found dead in her home in Afton, Minnesota. The investigation into her murder led to a series of connected crimes and a complex web of evidence that brought to light the dark past of a previously cleared suspect, Joseph Donald Ture Jr.

Criminal Background and Confessions

Joseph Donald Ture Jr. had a disturbing history of violent crimes. In November and December 1981, he was in jail awaiting trial for the murder of Diane Edwards. During his time in jail, Ture had made a detailed written confession to the Wohlenhaus murder. This confessional statement, along with witness testimonies and physical evidence, played a critical role in the eventual conviction of Ture.

Court Sentence and Judicial Proceedings

The case against Ture was presented in a highly public and dramatic manner. The Minnesota Supreme Court provided a detailed account of the legal proceedings, highlighting specific points of contention such as the admission of Spreigl evidence, the use of notebooks and addresses, and the conduct of the prosecution during closing arguments.

The court admitted Spreigl evidence regarding the murder of Diane Edwards and the manner in which this evidence was presented at trial. Despite Ture's objections, the admission of numerous notebooks and addresses containing women's information was deemed harmless, as the verdict was said to be surely unattributable to the error.

The Significance of the Case

The trial of Joseph Donald Ture Jr. is significant not only because it uncovered a series of heinous crimes committed by a serial killer but also because it set important legal precedents regarding the use of Spreigl evidence in court proceedings.

According to Bob Mould, Hüsker Dü's guitarist, Grant Hart, the drummer, had a vague knowledge of his unfortunate victims, including Mrs. Diane Edwards. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the story, as it hints at the broader network of people connected to Ture's crimes and further emphasizes the dark undercurrents of the case.

Conclusion

A book based on the tragic history behind the song 'Diane' would not only serve as an engrossing and terrifying read but would also shed light on important aspects of criminal justice and the handling of such cases. The murder of Diane Edwards and the subsequent investigation into the case of Marlys Wohlenhaus constitute a chilling narrative that would make for an intriguing thriller, worthy of publication and public interest.

For more information about the case and a detailed account of the trial, refer to the case documents cited below. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the legal proceedings and the significant points of contention that arose during the trial.

Cited Documents

State of Minnesota, In Supreme Court, A03-1457, Washington County (2004)

The case of Joseph Donald Ture Jr. provides a stark reminder of the importance of justice and the enduring impact of violent crimes on communities. A book based on this case would not only entertain but also educate and inspire further discussion on these critical issues.