Temple Stuart

Some Called It Murder: a True Story by Temple Stuart

      Some Called it Murder is Temple Stuart's deeply personal story about sibling rivalry turned vicious. It is a riveting, true account of one woman's emotional struggles after a sensationalized murder accusation led to her conviction in the death of her suicidal mother. A high-achieving, socially well-connected woman, Temple is an adventurous soul who has traveled the world as a flight attendant for Hughes Air West Airlines and navigated over 24,000 miles on the seas as a captain, licensed for 100 ton ships.

    Temple's story details her shock at being arrested, the public humiliation of her apprehension, her one-year preparation for trial, and the looming threat of a prison sentence of at least twenty-five years - or, perhaps, life. Temple fought futilely to defend herself against a barrage of lies and a legal system inclined to believe those lies. After hiring four lawyers, enduring two psychiatric examinations and the pain of delving into a past she had preferred to keep secret even from herself, she could not save herself from being sentenced to the highest security women's prison in the United States. Survival in that hostile and violent environment resulted in some amusing as well as practical descriptions of the reality of prison life. Meant to be a thought provoking read, this book raises the ethical issues of mercy killing. It is a call to action for families, the medical community and the judicial system to work together toward recognition of the right to die with dignity.