Is murder on my mind a true story?

Is Murder on My Mind a True Story?

The 2012 television series "Murder in the First" revolves around a detective named Terry English, who is convinced that a murder he investigates is not an isolated incident. As he delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly convinced that a serial killer is at work. The show is often referred to as a dramatization of real events, but is the basis of the story factual? In this article, we will explore the origins of the show and uncover whether "Murder on My Mind" is based on a true story.

Origins of the Show

"Murder in the First" premiered on TNT in June 2014 and ran for three seasons until its cancellation in 2016. The show was created by Steve Bochco and Eric Lodal, with a concept inspired by Stephen Singular’s book of the same name, which examines the case of Dan Rooney, a Kansas man convicted of murdering his father. The book, published in 1982, explores the psychological profiling and investigative techniques used during the case.

Dan Rooney’s Murder Trial

Dan Rooney was found guilty of murdering his 60-year-old father, Howard Rooney, in August 1977. Dan’s defense team argued that the murder was committed as a result of a rare psychiatric condition called Piquer’s syndrome, also known as autodirected violence, which drives individuals to commit violent acts as a result of societal and family pressures. Dan Rooney was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison.

Fictionalizing the Truth

While Dan Rooney’s case did indeed inspire the concept for the show, creators Steve Bochco and Eric Lodal admitted that they took creative liberties to develop the fictional narrative. The show’s storylines and characters, including the protagonist detective, Terry English, were not directly based on actual events or people involved in the Rooney case. Bochco stated, "We took the emotional heart of the book, but we didn’t steal specific stories or characters from Singular’s book."

Key Differences between the Show and Reality

Several aspects of the show depart significantly from the real events surrounding Dan Rooney’s trial. Some notable differences include:

• The accused and the victim: In the show, the detective focuses on a series of seemingly unrelated murders, but in reality, there were no other murders associated with Dan Rooney. He was solely accused of killing his father.
• The investigation: Actual investigators used more conventional means to gather evidence; the show exaggerates and dramatizes investigative techniques, including psychological profiling and forensic analysis.
• The defense strategy: In the show, Terry English’s partner, Hilton Bach, uses unconventional means to gather evidence, such as reconstructing a crime scene to reveal new clues. This technique was not used during the actual trial.

Conclusion

While "Murder in the First" did draw inspiration from Stephen Singular’s book and Dan Rooney’s case, it should not be considered a straightforward retelling of actual events. The creators acknowledged taking creative liberties to develop the narrative, and significant differences exist between the show’s storylines and real events. Murder in the First remains an entertaining and thought-provoking drama, but not a factual representation of Dan Rooney’s trial or the events surrounding it.

Summary

While "Murder on My Mind" is an interesting and engaging story, it is not based solely on true events. The creators of the show took creative liberties to craft a compelling narrative, distinct from the real story surrounding Dan Rooney’s murder trial.