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"The America's Most Wanted" host recounts his son's kidnapping and murder.
WHEN I GOT UP AROUND SEVEN O' CLOCK ON THE MORNING OF Monday, July 27, 1981, Adam was still sleeping. Jimmy Campbell had taken him out to a movie the night before, and I was angry that Jimmy had kept him out so late, even if it was summer vacation. I had kissed Adam good-night and put him to bed. If it hadn't
Just a few days before, he had spent the night at Clifford Hofman's house, his first official sleepover away from home. Gram said that he was just getting to the age where he was curious about what I was like as a little boy: what I did, how I acted, and where I went.
That morning over breakfast I skimmed the paper. Bill Casey, the CIA director, was trying to keep from getting fired. An eighty-year-old Dade County woman had been found slashed to death. There was a science story on how surgery was being performed on babies before they were born. Medflies were threatening to take over California. And England was getting ready for the wedding that week of Prince Charles and Lady Di. The weather was typical Florida in July.
Highs in the nineties. Maybe rain. A scorcher.
Adam would always cry whenever I was leaving on a trip without him. But that wasn't going to happen today. Tonight I would be home with him, maybe too late for dinner, but in plenty of time to play with him before bed. Without waking him, I gave him a kiss good-bye.
A couple of hours after I left, Jimmy Campbell stopped by for a cup of coffee. I appreciated the way he spent so much time with Adam and helped out around the house when I was gone. But lately things had been getting on my nerves. I told Revé that I wanted my privacy, needed more one-on-one time with just my family. It was time for Jimmy to stop hanging around our place so much. Time for him to start getting on with his life.
Revé had cleaned out the room that Jimmy slept in when he stayed over and put some of Adam's things in it instead. Later, Jimmy said that the last thing he remembered about leaving the house that morning was the sight of Adam lying on the couch, being cuddled by his mother.
Revé had turned thirty just three days before and was planning on getting her driver's license renewed. But she would have to do another errand first. For the past month or so we had been talking about getting a pair of brass barrel lamps for the living room and had just seen an ad saying they were on sale at Sears. I was bugging her to run over and get them, and when I called the house at around ten o'clock that morning, she said she would do it, but it meant that she was going to be rushed. She was planning on taking a check for Adam's tuition over to St Mark's, then dropping him off at Gram's before she made her one o'clock workout appointment at the gym.
While she made the beds and was cleaning up after breakfast, Adam sat in the den with an orange Popsicle, watching Sesame Street. She gave him his clothes for the day -- green running shorts and a short-sleeved Izod shirt. He put them on, and then his favorite hat, one that I had picked out and given him. It was an off-white captain's hat that was still way too big for him. He loved to wear it pulled all the way down over his ears.
When they left the house a little after eleven, Revé noticed that instead of wearing the shoes she had told him to -- his sneakers -- Adam had slipped on the yellow flip-flops that we called his "slaps."
Since I wasn't actually there, it's probably best that Revé and Gram tell about what happened next. This is what Revé remembers:
The first thing we did was to swing by St. Mark's. I took Adam with me into the school office where a lady was sitting at the desk, talking on the phone. It didn't look like she was going to be hanging up anytime soon, so after a few minutes of waiting, I laid the tuition check on her desk, turned around, and left.
After that, we drove over to the mall, which was about a mile away. I parked where I always did, on the north side near the receiving dock. I held Adam's hand, as usual, while we walked across the parking lot to the entrance. We went into the store the same as always, past Receiving and the catalog desk on the left. That put us in the middle of the toy department. Beyond it, way over on the right, was the garden section, where all the pesticides and poisons were kept on the shelves. It always made me mad that they would keep those chemicals right next to the toys. "Great," I said to myself whenever I passed it.
Right in the middle of the toy department was the big attraction: a television monitor displaying computer video games. Still a big novelty factor. They were brand-new back then.
I don't remember what the game was. Maybe Star Wars or Pong. All I remember is that I was in a hurry, and the lamp department was on the other side of toys, just around the corner at the end of the aisle to the left. From the video game to the main counter in the lamp department was about seventy-five feet. Out of the line of sight. But not very far.
It was summer vacation and kids used to go back and forth between the mall and the park next door. Some of them were standing at the game, playing with the joystick, and Adam asked if he could stay and play, too.
That was our ritual: Going in the north door, by Receiving. And Adam begging me to let him play the video game.
I pointed to where I was going to be. "Okay. I'm going to the lamp department for a minute. Right over there. You stay here and I'll be right over there." I don't think I specifically said, "Don't go anywhere," because I never had to. Adam didn't wander off. He didn't go anywhere. He just wanted to stay with the other kids and play that damned game.
When I got back, we would go get him an ice cream.
"I'm going to be right over there. In the lamp department, Adam."
And he said, "Okay, Mommy. I know where that is."
I went into Lamps and asked a saleslady if she could get the brass barrel ones for me because I couldn't find them anywhere on the floor. Then I waited while she went into the back. There may have been one other woman in the department, but I didn't speak to her. Finally the saleslady came back out and told me they didn't have the lamps in stock. They would have to be ordered, but I didn't have time. I left my name and asked to have someone call me when the lamps came in.
That was it. I was going to pick up Adam at the video game and swing back out the way we had come in.
I was gone a few minutes. Five. Maybe ten altogether.
But when I came around the corner, I didn't see Adam.
At first, I thought that maybe he had walked over to one of the other aisles. I called out his name, but he didn't answer. And then I started getting a strange feeling. Something odd. Almost eerie. It wasn't just that I didn't see Adam. It was that it seemed as if everyone had suddenly gone away. Just a minute ago there had been a bunch of kids around, jostling. Now even the video game wasn't making any noise. Everything seemed so suddenly silent. The first thought in my head was, "Hey, where did everybody go?"
I went up and down the aisles. It wasn't a big department, but I couldn't find Adam. And then I noticed a little boy with dark hair, wearing a captain's hat. A less expensive-looking, knock-off version of the one that Adam had on.
I went up to him and said, "Did you see a little boy wearing a hat like yours?"
He nodded, and I thought to myself, "Whew. Okay."
"So where is he?"
But the little boy didn't say anything. He just pointed to the door. Not the north door that we always went in and out of but the west door over on the far side of Toys. It was then that I realized that he must be Spanish. Or at least that he didn't understand English very well.
Because it was ridiculous to think that Adam would have gone out the west door. We never did that. I even didn't bother to ask the little boy anything else -- where Adam was, or why everyone had gone. There was no reason to. This little kid was probably just trying to be polite to a grownup. I just assumed that he didn't understand what I'd said.
I went back into Toys and found a clerk. "Have you seen my son? He was here just a minute ago." She said that she hadn't.
So I started asking people, anyone I could find. But they all said the same thing. "Oh, well, he probably just wandered off."
"I'll bet he went looking for you."
"He could be in the mall."
"He might be there."
"Have you tried over that way?"
I kept saying, "You don't understand. My son is a little boy who does not wander off."
And all the while, a horrible, cold fear was building. I knew something was wrong. Really wrong. I was absolutely convinced of it.
But no one seemed to understand or believe me.
"Oh, well, you know how kids are. Maybe he wandered off with the rest of the kids He's gotta be around here someplace."
I kept saying, "No. My son would not do that. You don't understand. Something is wrong here but I'm not exactly sure what."
Cash registers kept ringing up sales. Clerks kept waiting on people as if nothing had happened. I was trying to think of the words to make them see that something was really out of whack. That something was going on that just wasn't right. I couldn't just go up to the counter and say, "I have a missing child," because in those days there was no such thing.
Copyright © 1997 by John Walsh
8136003
Posted June 25, 2011
I was only a little girl when this story took place but it had a profound effect on my life. The movie changed me and horrified me in that so many children were missing. This book goes into so much detail of what a family goes through. But Adam did not die in vain. How many lives have been saved because of this tragedy? Thank you Mr Walsh for giving your life to keep our children safe.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 2, 2011
A truely amazing book. Everyone should take the time to read it and follow his lead.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 7, 2012
Omgosh! I love this book! The way this was written I could feel John Walsh right here sharing even the most gut renching details of his son's kidnappind and horrible almost Unheard of murder.
I love watching AMW but that only shows little snippets of crimes.
I reccomend this book (not for the light of heart!) It is the first of many books written by Mr. Walsh and I am looking forward to reading more.
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Walsh for bearing your souls. Praise God for you ant to let you know you and your family are added to my prayer list!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 14, 2012
excellent book. very sad
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 17, 2012
Iread this book long ago there was iapersonal incindent in my own family when my niece kim was small she had a bad habit of talking to anybody well we all werein kmart my brother etc i looked around and caught kim talking to a strang man i wacked her(which i knew was wrong) hollered at the top of my lungs mentioning your sonadam isaved two kids from kidnapping cause by me yelling it attractedattention to kmarts staff they closed all doors come to find out they guy was achild molester hed tried to kid nap a little boy the good news thecops werecalked and he was arrested of course my brother and ex sister in law were pissed as i deemed to hit their child well today kimberly is the mother of three of her own thank god i was alert she would have been another adam also thatishow thecode adam gotstarted due to adam getting kidnapped adamyoure still watching from above this book is a permanatkeeper regina beasley montclair nj
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is the first book in a very long time that I had such an emotional reaction to. It wasn't even the emotion I thought I'd have. I found myself completely angry!
This is the story of the kidnapping and murder of John Walsh's young son, Adam Walsh, in the early 1980's, and how Adam's family handled the situation and eventually how John ended up becoming a part of something that would help put criminals behind bars and reunite children who had been kidnapped with parents.
I would definitely recommend this book. The first 30 or so pages are a little slow, but stick with it. Those first pages are setting up the rest of the book. After that, I found myself unable to put the book down.
It's amazing that a parent can go through this, knowing their child is missing, and that a police agency can put them on the back burner. It's absolutely amazing. It's also amazing that other law enforcement entities can refuse to get involved simply because they haven't received the proper invitation from the original reporting agency. It's enough to make any parent, or for that matter, any human being, livid! That stolen vehicles get more attention that children did in the 1980's was just disgusting.
I found myself angry at the things that occurred, but I also found myself moved by the amazing love John and his wife had for their son. His death was definitely not in vain, and his legacy carries on through the work of his mother and father and everyone else that fights to bring back missing children.
CB15
Posted February 9, 2009
This book is a great example of something good coming out of something that was so tragic to so many people. Adam was one lucky kid to be loved by these people. I enjoyed reading this book, because it was so well written and to know how someone did not sit back and pity themselves. It takes a lot of character at a time like that to think of others and how to help them. Adam could not be helped, but others were and that's a good thing to know.<BR/><BR/>John Walsh and his wife did not want this to happen. They would have been happy living the way they were, but it was not to be.
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Posted May 11, 2006
John Walsh's 'Tears of Rage' is a must read book for everyone that loves a child. Mr. Walsh gives an insight to his life as well as shares photos with the reader. The unimaginable tragedy of his son's murder is heartwrenching. It's tragic that there weren't any resources to help locate Adam, but thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh 's strength and perseverance, the country now has many resources. 'Tears of Rage' is an important book to read for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, for all who have children in their lives because we need to be reminded that not only are there many good people in the world, we have to protect our children from the bad people. I recommend this book highly. Unfortunately it took Adam's disappearance and death to wake up our justice system. I'm extremely thankful to Mr. Walsh and his family for sharing their story. To Mr. Walsh: Thank you for launching 'America's Most Wanted' and continuing to be our crime fighter. Blessings to all our precious children.
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Posted April 26, 2005
I will never forget this book. I just feel sick for John and his wife. No one should have to bear the grief of losing a child. But to lose one the way they did is more than most people could ever bear. I hurt for every parent that has ever had to endure such an unspeakable loss. They are all so brave. John and Reve Walsh are true angels and I believe (just like they do) that (2) Adams are watching over them---John's dad and little Adam. God bless you.
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Posted April 29, 2005
As soon as I picked this book up from the bookstore, I brought it everywhere with me. The true story of how John Walsh and his wife, Revé, turned every parent's worst nightmare into something positive. You will get hooked from page 1. Although this book may be too graphic for some people, it is still a great read. John and Revé Walsh created the Center for Missing and Exploited Children in memory of their son, Adam, and have brought home many missing children thanks to their efforts. John also helps bring fugitives of the law to justice every Saturday night on America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back, and has captured nearly 850 fugitives to this day. My only critisism for this book is that it was challenging to keep track of some of the people that I was introduced to throughout the story, and that I found myself sometimes having trouble remembering who some people were and where they had been introduced while reading the book. Other than that, this is a great read. Bravo!
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Posted May 22, 2004
WHEN I WAS YOUNG I SAW THE MOVE ADAM IT MADE ME OPEN MY EYES. FROM THAT NIGHT ON I WAS ALWAYS WITH MY MOM WERE EVER WE WENT I WOULD NOT WALK AWAY FROM HER NO MATTER WHAT MY FRIEND WENT AND DID.NOW THAT I'M A MOM I HAVE 3 KIDS OF MY ON AND EVER TIME WE GO OUT I MAKE SURE I CAN SEE THEM AT ALL TIMES.NOW I HAVE READ THE BOOK ABOUT ADAM AND HIS FAMILY WHAT GREAT PEOPLE THEY ARE AND I THINK THEM SO MUCH FOR THIS BOOK AND THE MOVIE THERES BEEN ALOT OF TIMES IN MY LIFE WHEN I HAVE BEEN SOME WERE AND SEEN A LITTLE ONE OFF BY THEM SELF AND I THINK OF ADAM AND HOW IF THERE MOMS HAD SEEN THAT MOVE THEY WOULD NEVER LET THEM DO THAT I NEVER KNEW ADAM BUT HE HAS BEEN A BIG PART OF MY LIFE AND MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY .U HAVE TO READ THE BOOK JUST TO SEE WHAT A GREAT FAMILY HE HAS ........
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Posted December 24, 2003
I don't have kids. But I can understand how much agony he must have went through and is still going through. I barely got through the Prologue and I started to tear up. I read that book in 2 days. I couldn't put it down it was the best book I ever read.
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Posted June 14, 2003
Being the mother of five children who live in heaven, I must say this is the first book I've read that I can actually agree with. It is truelly an amazing book, very moving and touching. There were times I had to put it down and cry, just understanding John Walsh's pain. This is a great book, and anyone that loves a child should read it.
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Posted November 27, 2001
I barely have the words to describe this book. Absolutely heart-wrenching is this true story of a man's struggle to find closure after his son is brutally murdered. The story of an incompetant police department and with all odds against him, John Walsh somehow managed to come out on top. A must read for anyone with children or for anyone who thinks that certain things just don't exist in this great country. It will leave you in awe and will open your eyes to a world that you wished didn't exist!!
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Posted November 8, 2000
Although this book gripped, ripped, and stepped on my heart, I think people should be made aware of the critical (and sometimes graphic) nature of the story telling. There were many times I was physically forced to put down the book and walk away for fear of becoming sick (ie - vomitting) because of specific descriptions and vivid picturization. I have no doubt that it took much courage to write these words, and I believe Adam's story is one that should be shouted on every street corner. However, the audience for this book needs to be aware/ mature before embarking on this journey.
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Posted April 26, 2000
This book was written with a lot of guts and out of love. Mr. Walsh tells how tragedy can either destroy or bring a family closer. He speaks as only a parent can. The justice system really took him through a lot of hoops, but his determination and need for closure was his driving force. This book stirs up all kind of emotions deep within your soul. It makes one feel very angry when you think that the justice system is there to protect and serve and in actuality in this case,the system really failed this family and many others. It also sparks a glow of light to anyone who has human compassion to know that despite his grief, he found the energy to help others in similar situations. This book should be read by everyone who thinks it 'just doesn't happen in their neigborhood'.
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Posted April 7, 2000
This story is one of pain, pain over a lost soul, pain over a murder in a small town. This story is very shocking because it can be so real. I LOVED THE BOOK!!!!!.
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Posted March 26, 2010
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Posted May 9, 2011
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Posted February 1, 2009
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