No Heroes, No Villains

The Story of a Murder Trial

By Steven J. Phillips | Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

About the book

On June 28, 1972 in a South Bronx subway station, John Skagen, a white off-duty policeman on his way home, suddenly and without apparent provocation, ordered James Richardson, a black man on his way to work, to get against the wall and put his hands up. Richardson had a gun, and the two exchanged shots. In the melee that followed, Skagen was fatally wounded by a cop who rushed to the scene. In the ensuing trial, William Kunstler handled Richardson's defense and the author of this book, then assistant district attorney, prosecuted the case. Here is a first-hand, behind-the-scenes account of every step of the proceedings.

Editions of No Heroes, No Villains

Paperback
ISBN 9780394725314
EBook
ISBN 9780307434463

Read an Excerpt

On June 28, 1972 in a South Bronx subway station, John Skagen, a white off-duty policeman on his way home, suddenly and without apparent provocation, ordered James Richardson, a black man on his way to work, to get against the wall and put his hands up. Richardson had a gun, and the two exchanged shots. In the melee that followed, Skagen was fatally wounded by a cop who rushed to the scene. In the ensuing trial, William Kunstler handled Richardson's defense and the author of this book, then assistant district attorney, prosecuted the case. Here is a first-hand, behind-the-scenes account of every step of the proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is No Heroes, No Villains about?

On June 28, 1972 in a South Bronx subway station, John Skagen, a white off-duty policeman on his way home, suddenly and without apparent provocation, ordered James Richardson, a black man on his way to work, to get against the wall and put his hands up. Richardson had a gun, and the two exchanged shots. In the melee that followed, Skagen was fatally wounded by a cop who rushed to the scene. In the ensuing trial, William Kunstler handled Richardson's defense and the author of this book, then assistant district attorney, prosecuted the case. Here is a first-hand, behind-the-scenes account of every step of the proceedings.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in No Heroes, No Villains?

Society and Social Sciences > Social services and welfare, criminology > Crime and criminology

Where can I read a sample of No Heroes, No Villains?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780394725314

Who is/are the Author/s of the book No Heroes, No Villains?

Steven J. Phillips

Who is the Publisher of the book No Heroes, No Villains?

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

No Heroes, No Villains is available as paperback(ISBN 9780394725314) and ebook(ISBN 9780307434463)

Where can I buy No Heroes, No Villains online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy No Heroes, No Villains?