On this week's episode of Tall Boy Radio, join hosts Beans and Gaz as they dive into the captivating world of true crime with special guest, author Bruce Mowday. Bruce joins the lads to discuss his gripping book, Jailing the Johnston Gang, an in-depth account of one of America's most notorious criminal families.
Beans, Gaz, and Bruce begin by exploring the rise of the Johnston Gang, a family of criminals who terrorized Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas during the 1970s. Mowday recounts the gang's reign of terror, detailing the string of brazen crimes—from burglaries and armed robberies to drug trafficking and murder. Bruce’s extensive research brings to life the chilling and calculated nature of their crimes and paints a vivid picture of the fear they instilled in the local communities. The conversation covers the gang's infamous leader, Bruce Johnston Sr., and his sons, who were all deeply involved in the family business of crime.
The episode then shifts to the dramatic trial that finally brought the gang down. Bruce Mowday, who was a young reporter at the time, provides a fascinating, first-hand account of the court proceedings. He shares stories from inside the courtroom and gives listeners a unique perspective on the judicial process that dismantled one of the most feared criminal syndicates in the country. Bruce details the challenges faced by law enforcement and prosecutors and reveals how a combination of dogged police work, informant testimony, and the gang's own infighting ultimately led to their downfall. The discussion also touches on the intense media scrutiny surrounding the case and how Mowday's reporting played a crucial role in bringing the story to a wider audience.
In a candid chat, Bruce shares his personal journey and his deep connection to this case. He explains how his early reporting on the Johnston Gang inspired him to become a true crime author. Bruce talks about the process of writing Jailing the Johnston Gang, from meticulously sifting through old police files and court transcripts to conducting interviews with those who were directly involved—including law enforcement officials, lawyers, and even some of the Johnston family members. The conversation gives a glimpse into the life of a true crime author and the ethical considerations that come with writing about real-life tragedies and their impact. The episode wraps up with Bruce discussing his other works, giving listeners a glimpse into his extensive bibliography of books on local history and true crime. ✍️📚
Check out Bruce's website
Mowday Group | Chester County Publishing | Author, Bruce E. MowdayBuy Bruce's book Jailing the Johnston Gang on Amazon
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