Chapter Forty-one - Crazy Eyes

"Although I owe no one this except for Donnie, of course, I’ll do it.”

“My memory isn’t quite what it once was, and to be honest, I write—I don’t speak near as clearly. My Last name is unmistakably attached to this community in many ways, and I can’t help but feel like it will undoubtedly add many flames to this fire you’ve lit. I spent much time alone in a cell with Donnie, and my grandmother even washed his soiled underwear every week as he had no one else. He was undoubtedly a savage but not a murderer. I used to sit on the stack of mechanical weights while he worked out in the Fulton County Jail, as they were nowhere near heavy enough for a guy with his strength. He was a f**king animal! I’ll need to drink a minimum of a 12-pack of Donnie’s favorite Beer and smoke a pack of his brand of cigarettes, as current circumstances in my life have left me motionless and speechless. I haven’t left the house or had a solid meal for days, nor has my dog “Beans.” But I do have a bit of a built-in audience, you might say, given my ties to people here, good and bad, but you have my full consent. I promise my words will not soon be forgotten, as yours will not be either, Cory. I also want to say thank you for having brought this story to the forefront as it should have been years ago. I appreciate you, as does anyone else whose story has gotten lost or was unheard throughout the years—we’re talking about murder here—who’s to say I won’t be the next? What would that do for this incredible never-ending story of yours? Much love and God Bless."

***

Jeff Grigsby.

During Jeff’s time in jail, he shared a cell with Donnie Bull. Through Jeff's experience, we gain invaluable insights that shed light on the complexity of Donnie’s character and potential flaws in the justice system.

Jeff was born in Canton, Illinois, and possesses a personal connection to the story. Having spent those long hours and days in jail with Donnie, his perspective offers a unique lens through which we can view the man behind the headlines. Jeff and Donnie’s backgrounds and upbringings in Canton laid the foundation for their interactions with one another and their understanding of the community's dynamics. Jeff’s initial encounter with the criminal justice system occurred at the tender age of 17. And this early experience paved the way for that serendipitous meeting with Donnie Bull behind bars. He vividly describes his first impressions of Donnie: a man of imposing stature who carried an air of aloofness. Despite his apparent detachment from others, Bull nonetheless displayed an unexpected warmth towards Jeff—a sentiment not extended to most.

Though Donnie faced accusations of murder, Jeff provided a thought-provoking perspective on his guilt or innocence. With a level of certainty from personal observations, he expressed doubt that Bull could commit the heinous crimes he was accused of. Jeff’s portrayal of Donnie's personality clashed with the profile of a murderer, suggesting that the man who appeared before them did not align with the media's portrayal of Donnie as “slayer and arson.” Moreover, he thinks Donnie’s history with the law creates the potential for Donnie to serve as an obvious scapegoat for the crime. Also, Donnie's lack of social support and credibility made him vulnerable to being targeted by law enforcement. And this perspective highlights the unfortunate reality of how systemic issues, prejudices, and the court of public opinion can significantly impact the outcomes of criminal cases.

Far from the image of a hardened criminal, in Jeff’s words, Donnie offered Jeff guidance, insight, and a form of camaraderie that defied conventional expectations. Their interactions provided Jeff with a perspective that transcended the confines of prison walls, offering life lessons that extended beyond their circumstances—revealing a depth to their relationship and nuances to Bull's thoughts and emotions hidden from public view. This unexplored facet of Donnie Bull challenges our preconceived notions.

Underlined is the complexity of human nature, illustrating that even in the darkest of places, unexpected connections and positive influences can emerge.