1) “The Dark Side of a Small Town: Bernie Tiede, Murderer”
The Dark Side of a Small Town: Bernie Tiede, Murderer is a true crime book by journalist and author Skip Hollandsworth. The book chronicles the life of Bernie Tiede, a man who was convicted of murdering his elderly friend and neighbor, Marjorie Nugent, in 1996.The book offers a detailed look at Tiede’s life, both before and after the murder, as well as the investigation and trial that led to his conviction. Hollandsworth paints a picture of a small town man who was beloved by his community, but who also had a dark side that eventually led to tragedy.The Dark Side of a Small Town is a fascinating and disturbing look at a real-life murder case. It is sure to appeal to fans of true crime and those who enjoy a good mystery.
- The Dark Side of a Small Town: Bernie Tiede Murderer
Bernie Tiede was a man with a dark side. On the surface, he was a kind and caring man who worked as a mortician in the small town of Carthage, Texas. He was known for his generosity, and he was always willing to help those in need. However, beneath this façade was a man who was capable of murder.
In 1996, Tiede killed his elderly friend and benefactor, Marjorie Nugent. He then hid her body in a freezer in her home. For nine months, he kept up the pretense that she was still alive, even going so far as to attend her funeral. When her body was finally discovered, Tiede admitted to the crime.
At his trial, Tiede claimed that he had killed Nugent in a fit of rage after she had mistreated him. He was sentenced to life in prison.
The story of Bernie Tiede is a cautionary tale about the dark side of small-town life. It is a reminder that even the most upstanding citizens can be hiding a dark secret.
- The victim: Marjorie Nugent
Marjorie Nugent was a wealthy widow who lived in the small town of Carthage, Texas. She was a recluse who rarely left her home and had few friends. In 1996, she hired Bernie Tiede, a local mortician, to be her companion.
Tiede quickly became indispensable to Nugent, running errands for her and managing her finances. He also became the only person she allowed into her home. Over time, their relationship became closer and Nugent began to depend on Tiede completely.
In November of 1996, Tiede killed Nugent, shooting her in the back with a rifle. He then stuffed her body into a freezer in her garage and went about his life, telling people she had gone on a trip.
For nearly nine months, Tiede kept Nugent’s body hidden. Finally, in August of 1997, he confessed to the murder and led authorities to her body.
Tiede was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
The case garnered national attention, in part because of the unusual nature of the crime and the fact that Tiede was a well-liked member of the community. It was also notable for the lengths Tiede went to in order to keep Nugent’s body hidden and the fact that he continued to live her life even after her death.
- The accused: Bernie Tiede
The trial of Bernie Tiede captured the attention of the nation. Tiede, a funeral director in the small town of Carthage, Texas, was convicted of murdering his elderly companion, Marjorie Nugent. The case gained notoriety due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the crime, as well as Tiede’s close relationship with the Nugent family.
The trial began in May of 1996, and lasted for two weeks. Tiede took the stand in his own defense, and admitted to shooting Nugent, but claimed that he did so in a moment of rage after she had mistreated him. The jury ultimately found Tiede guilty of first-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
The case gained renewed attention in 2014, when a documentary about the murder, “Bernie”, was released. The film, which was directed by Richard Linklater, casts a sympathetic light on Tiede, and raises questions about whether he received a fair trial. In 2016, Tiede was released from prison on bond, pending a new trial.
The case of Bernie Tiede is a tragic one, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of small-town life. Tiede was a good man who made a mistake, and he paid for it with his freedom. Hopefully, with a new trial, he will finally get the justice he deserves.
- The investigation: what happened?
On October 12, 1996, Bernie Tiede shot and killed his elderly neighbor, Marjorie Nugent. He then hid her body in a freezer in her garage for nine months, until it was discovered by authorities.
Tiede was a respected member of the community who was well-liked by everyone, including Nugent. He was her financial advisor and helped her with her finances and day-to-day tasks. However, Tiede began to feel trapped by Nugent and her demands, and he snapped.
After the murder, Tiede continued to live his life as usual. He even attended Nugent’s funeral and eulogized her. It wasn’t until nine months later, when Nugent’s family became concerned about her whereabouts, that the truth came out.
Tiede confessed to the murder and was sentenced to life in prison. In 2016, he was released on parole after serving 20 years.
The case of Bernie Tiede is a tragic one. A man who was once considered a pillar of the community ended up committing a heinous crime. It’s a reminder that even the most upstanding citizens can be capable of unthinkable acts.
- The trial: Bernie Tiede found guilty
On March 14, 1999, Bernie Tiede, a mortician in the small town of Carthage, Texas, was arrested for the murder of Marjorie Nugent, an 81-year-old woman he had been caring for. Tiede confessed to shooting Nugent nine times with a .22 caliber rifle and then stuffing her body into a freezer in her garage, where it remained for nearly nine months.
At Tiede’s trial, his defense team argued that he had been emotionally and sexually abused by Nugent and that he snapped after years of being her “slave.” The jury found Tiede guilty of first-degree murder and he was sentenced to life in prison.
In February 2016, Tiede was released from prison after serving 17 years of his sentence. A judge ruled that Tiede had been wrongfully convicted and ordered a new trial.
Tiede’s case garnered national attention after it was featured in a 2011 documentary, “Bernie,” which painted a sympathetic portrait of the defendant.
On November 28, 2018, Tiede was found guilty of murder at his retrial. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison.
- The aftermath: Bernie Tiede in prison
The aftermath of the Bernie Tiede murder case has been a difficult one for many people. Tiede is currently serving a life sentence in prison for the murder of Marjorie Nugent, and many people have had difficulty coming to terms with what he did.
For some, Tiede is a monster who killed an innocent woman for no reason. They find it hard to believe that he could have been capable of such a thing and feel that he should have been given a harsher sentence.
Others believe that Tiede was driven to kill by the abusive relationship he was in with Nugent. They believe that he should have been given a lighter sentence, or even been acquitted altogether.
Some people have even started a petition to have Tiede released from prison. They believe that he has served enough time and that he poses no threat to society.
Whatever your opinion on the matter, it is clear that the aftermath of the Bernie Tiede murder case has been a difficult one for many people.
