Murder For Love

True Crime by DONNA TARTT

Things were getting hot in Idaho. Smiling,

strangled, in his distinctive red-and-silver pickup,

he seethed with the name of actress Elke Sommer.

Full moons seemed to bring out the worst in him.

So did eighteen year old neighbor Debra Earl. Lake Charles,

Louisiana.

Prognosis: poor. Following a late dance at the VFW hall,

Authorities recovered a diary, a favorite rifle, a sales receipt

For antifreeze. "I have a problem. I'm

A cannibal." He spoke of plans

For a G.E.D. degree, a part-time candy business.

Stick figures of his first-grade sweetheart

Were scratched along the barrel of his gun.