Chapter Thirty-seven - A Strange Feeling

Donnie and child, during his first attempt at marriage to Lila Bull.

The accounts of Marie and Iona.

We confront Donald Bull's deeply troubling past—a history that includes prior convictions, including rape, which raises concerns about his capacity for violence and wrongdoing. Marie, who lived across the street from Donnie, did not know his previous conviction when he moved in nearby. Understandably, such information might have altered her perception of him, but what's fascinating is how personal experiences and public knowledge can coexist in shaping one's judgment. Marie's sister dated Donnie Bull briefly, and it wasn't a smooth sailing relationship, either. We learn that anger and aggression were present, with a concerning incident where he grabbed her and broke her necklace. Despite these red flags, Marie is surprised upon hearing of his murder conviction. This clash between personal experiences and public knowledge raises intriguing questions about the complexity of human behavior and how individuals can possess seemingly contradictory qualities.

Iona Price, a friend, and coworker of Donna Tompkins, had reservations about Donald Bull and never wanted to be alone with him. She warned Donna about his nature, echoing the concerns expressed by Marie. While acknowledging Donald's capacity for such heinous acts, Iona still doubts whether he was the perpetrator. Her skepticism stems from the sense that the state focused on Donnie due to his past, perhaps closing the case too hastily. The interview with Iona brings forth questions about the justice system's approach and the potential ramifications of tunnel vision during investigations.

As we analyze the collective sentiments of those who knew Donnie Bull, a puzzling dilemma emerges. The community seems to share the belief that jail is a rightful place for him, considering the unsettling experiences many women had with him. Yet, doubts linger about whether he was indeed responsible for the murders of Donna and Justine Tompkins.

This raises a profound and unsettling question: If not Donald Bull, then who?

The chilling thought of a potential murderer roaming free heightens the sense of urgency to find the truth and achieve justice for the victims' families. The case of Donald Bull is far from straightforward. The accounts of those who knew him paint a haunting portrait of a man with a troubling past and questionable behavior toward women. While Donald Bull may have ended up in jail for his previous actions, the uncertainty surrounding the murders of Donna and Justine Tompkins continues to haunt the community. The need to uncover the truth has become more pressing than ever. Justice demands a thorough and unbiased investigation, even if it means revisiting old leads or exploring new ones.

Only then can the victims' families and friends find closure, and the community find solace in knowing that the right person is held accountable for the heinous crimes committed against those innocent lives.