There were two more murders, 15 miles away.

When police arrived, they found the telephones and electricity lines.

We have a weird homicide.

A scene described by one investigator as reminiscent of a weird...

A cup of murder...

What happens when years of frustration finally boils over?

On December 23rd, 2008, a man was born who, after nearly a

decade of fighting a losing battle with his local government, made a final decision that would

end up costing six individuals their lives. So if you like your coffee hot, but your bones

chilled, sit back and start your day with a

morning cup of murder. Charles Lee Thornton, born December 23rd, 1955 and called cookie by those who

knew him, was a lifelong resident of Meacham Park in St. Louis County, Missouri. He graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1974,

was very into sports and played both basketball, and was considered a track star, succeeding

incredibly in both. And in 1979, he got his bachelor's degree in business administration

from what is now the Truman State University.

After impressing many throughout his schooling, in September of 1987, Cookie registered a company called

Cook Co-construction with the state, and throughout the next decade or so, he was an active member

of a number of civic and charitable

organizations in the area.

Now, something you need to understand before we go further is the dynamics surrounding the area

where Cookie grew up and still lived.

Meacham Park was an unincorporated, largely black community situated between Big Bend and I-44.

...