DigeeBooks

Witness the hypocrisy of the criminal justice system as told by the prosecutor who sought justice for murdered and tortured prison inmates.The Attica Turkey Shoot tells a story that New York State did not want you to know. In 1971, following a prison riot at the Attica Correctional Facility, state police and prison guards slaughtered thirty-nine hostages and inmates and tortured more than one thousand men after they had surrendered. State officials pretended that they could not successfully prosecute the law officers who perpetrated this carnage, and then those same officials scurried for shelter when a prosecutor named Malcolm Bell exposed the cover-up. Bell traveled a rocky road to a justice of sorts as he sought to prosecute without fear or favor—in spite of a deck that the officials had stacked to keep the police from facing the same justice that had filled the Attica prison in the first place. His insiders account illuminates the all-too-common contrast between the justice of the privileged and the justice of the rest. Newly revised and available for the first time in paperback, the book also includes evidence from recently uncovered tapes that Governor Nelson Rockefeller knew his order for troopers to attack could cost the lives of hundreds of inmates and all those hostages. In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the scrutiny it has brought to America's police forces and the criminal justice system, The Attica Turkey Shoot highlights the hypocrisy of a system that decides who goes to prison and who enjoys impunity in a nation where no one is said to be above the law.

The Attica Turkey Shoot: Carnage, Cover-Up, and the Pursuit of Justice

In the annals of American history, few events are as tragic and haunting as the Attica Prison uprising of 1971. This 4-day standoff between inmates and law enforcement resulted in the deaths of 39 people, including 10 guards and 29 inmates. The aftermath of the uprising was marked by a cover-up and a relentless pursuit of justice by the families of the victims.

Malcolm Bell's book, "The Attica Turkey Shoot: Carnage, Cover-Up, and the Pursuit of Justice," provides a comprehensive and gripping account of this pivotal event. Through meticulous research and interviews with key figures involved in the uprising, Bell sheds light on the events leading up to the rebellion, the conditions inside the prison, and the tragic events that unfolded.

Bell delves into the deplorable living conditions, overcrowding, and lack of basic necessities that fueled the inmates' grievances. He exposes the systemic failures and negligence of prison officials that contributed to the escalation of tensions. The book also delves into the botched negotiations and the questionable tactics employed by law enforcement during the retaking of the prison, leading to the tragic loss of life.

The cover-up that followed the uprising is meticulously documented by Bell. He reveals the attempts by prison officials and state authorities to suppress information, destroy evidence, and silence witnesses. The book exposes the political maneuvering and the efforts to shift blame away from those responsible.

Furthermore, Bell chronicles the tireless efforts of the families of the victims in their quest for justice. He highlights the legal battles, the testimonies, and the unwavering determination of those seeking accountability and closure. The book pays tribute to the resilience and strength of these families as they navigated the complex legal system and fought for the truth.

Malcolm Bell's "The Attica Turkey Shoot" is a powerful and thought-provoking account of a dark chapter in American history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need for humane and just treatment of those incarcerated. The book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Attica uprising and its lasting impact on the American criminal justice system.