This past month, I toured the O’Henry Home. Upon entering, I was greeted by Spike Gillespie, a kind and knowledgeable staff member from the City of Austin’s Museums and Cultural Programs. She shared key details about William Sydney Porter’s life, explaining that he lived in this house from 1884 to 1894 before fleeing to Honduras due to corruption allegations at his workplace, the First National Bank of Austin. A few years later, he returned to the U.S. under an alias—O’Henry—the pen name that would bring him literary fame.
The small home consists of three main rooms: the living room…
…the bedroom…
…and O. Henry’s office.
As I walked through, I enjoyed learning fascinating tidbits about his life and work. His experience drafting maps at the General Land Office in Austin resonated with me, as I’ve encountered the GLO while assisting the Land and Resource Committee in my office.
Although modern technology has replaced hand-drawn maps, I appreciated the small connection I felt while standing in O’Henry’s office.
As I continued walking through the home, I found myself amused with framed sketches located right outside O’Henry’s office. Later, Spike informed me that during his lifetime, O’Henry became a self-taught artist, focusing largely on political cartoons, which were featured in The Rolling Stone magazine. Most of his artwork throughout the home feature a mixture of political cartoons and the life of American settlers.
Spike also shared insights into how his time in Austin shaped his storytelling. Many of his short stories reflect themes of redemption, irony, and human nature, qualities that may have been influenced by his own struggles. His most famous work, “The Gift of the Magi,” showcases his signature twist endings, a style that would make him one of the most celebrated short story writers in American literature.
Beyond his literary contributions, O’Henry’s influence on Austin is still evident. His home, now preserved as a museum, serves as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural history.
Creative writing workshops hosted by individuals like Spike encourage Austinites to expand their writing skills and explore writing techniques utilized by famous writers such as O’Henry.
Visiting the O’ Henry Home provided me with insight that was much greater than a historical tour, it was a glimpse into the life of a man who turned adversities into art, which brought people together. His legacy lives on not only in his stories but also in the continued appreciation of his wit and literary style.
A mysterious death. A howling hound. A suspiciously Texan heir. What do all these things have in common? Chaos, comedy, and the incredible Todd Waite in his final bow as Sherlock Holmes at the Alley Theatre.
With only five actors and 36 characters flying in and out of scenes, The Hound of the Baskervilles was a theatrical juggling act, with a few wig, costume, and accent changes. Which is to say: it was impressive, ridiculous, and a lot of fun.
Before diving into the fun, we primed ourselves with a little chaos of our own: lunch at Post Market. In the spirit of the show’s variety, we went for food from all corners: noodles, rice, sushi, and African inspired power bowls— none of which appeared to be from the same restaurant.
Our group included LEAP friends Bill and Carol Hyman and Wayne and Andrea Scott, along with students Macey Schank, Jacob Wessels, Chrissy Biello, Michelle Moya, Mikaela Baires, and Austin intern Cinthia Villarreal. We showed up full and ready for whatever the Alley threw at us.
The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the legend of a supernatural hound that haunts his family’s estate. In this version, five actors take on dozens of characters, adding a fast-paced, comedic twist to the story.
When we saw Todd Waite last month at Murder by the Book, he mentioned how Sherlock Holmes is, frankly, a smart aleck, but one you can’t really get mad at, because he’s always right on the nose. Having heard him talk about the role made seeing him perform it even better. His timing, his wordplay, and even his smallest asides all landed with precision. He clearly knows Sherlock inside and out.
Dylan Godwin was another fan favorite in this show among our group. As the Texan heir to the Baskerville estate (among a dozen other characters), he was constantly shifting personalities and finding ways to distinguish the hilarious traits for both a grumpy street cop and a simple minded Texan—even when they are both in the same scene!
In all, this was a great experience for the LEAP Center to share with some amazing community friends.
Even with the busiest time of the legislative session in full swing, the LEAP Ambassadors always find ways to stay engaged and keep learning. After a long day at the Capitol, we made our way to BookPeople in downtown Austin for an author event featuring Lise Olsen and her latest true crime book, The Scientist and the Serial Killer.
As true crime fans and students focused on criminal justice and pre-law, this event was right up our alley. Lise Olsen, known for her investigative reporting and current work with the Texas Observer, has spent her career uncovering the truth behind long-forgotten crimes. The conversation was moderated by Michelle Pitcher, one of Olsen’s colleagues who also covers criminal justice topics.
The book centers around Dean Corll (Nicknamed Candy Man), a Houston serial killer responsible for the abduction and murder of over 27 teenage boys in the 1970s. Despite the scale of the crimes, police negligence allowed Corll to operate undetected for years. After the crimes were uncovered, the investigation was shockingly mishandled. The Houston Police Department sent inmates with trash bags and shovels to dig up remains from a boat shed where the victims were buried—no forensic experts, no proper evidence collection, and very little communication with the victims’ families.
That’s where the heart of the book lies. Olsen reported on the findings and the work of Sharon Derrick, a forensic anthropologist who became deeply invested in identifying the unnamed victims. Derrick took on the challenge of reexamining the case, believing at first it might be simple but she quickly realized she was wrong. Many of the families were gone, DNA matches were limited, and records were scarce. Still, Derrick worked to connect the dots, uncovering overlooked evidence, personal items, and even previously unidentified remains. Olsen followed and reported on this journey, often reaching out to families herself to gather clues and piece together the victims’ stories along the way.
Pitcher asked Olsen about how she was able to capture not just the investigation but also the social and institutional failings of the time.
The book dives into what policing looked like in 1970s Houston: limited resources, no communication systems, and almost no understanding of serial killer patterns. Authorities often dismissed missing teens as runaways or troublemakers, even blaming parents. There were rumors that some had fled to avoid the draft. And the juvenile crime division? It consisted of officers who would write a one-page report/description and move on.
Olsen interviewed hundreds of people—friends, family members, investigators—and gave space for those who had been grieving in silence for decades. Her mission wasn’t to glorify a serial killer, but to give voice to the nameless victims and to honor the hard work of investigators still trying to bring justice and closure. The book is haunting, especially as a Houston native who’s grown up hearing stories about the Candy Man.
After the talk, we got the chance to chat with Ms. Olsen for a bit about criminal justice and let her know how much we enjoyed the event. It was a great way to end the night—getting to meet someone who’s doing meaningful work and hearing firsthand how much time and care goes into telling these stories. We snapped a quick selfie and left BookPeople feeling a little more curious, a little more inspired, and definitely glad we made the time to go.
We were at Murder by the Book, and we had some time to “kill.” We leafed through the Michael Connelly, thumbed the Agatha Christie, photographed the many Sherlock Holmes artifacts on display…
…and even bought a “Hound of the Baskervilles.”
But the real reason we were there was to see Todd Waite.
With 25 years at the Alley Theatre and an incredible 135 productions under his belt, he’s an institution in Houston theater. When he announced that he will be semi-retiring following his upcoming lead role in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, we felt the “weight” of the occasion. It was “elementary:” we purchased tickets.
As a prelude to opening night, Waite spoke at Murder by the Book, where he took the stage to the delight of a full house.
During the discussion, Waite discussed his love of language, a passion instilled in him by his mother, an English teacher who taught him early on to appreciate the weight of every word. This foundation shaped his approach to performance, where even the smallest vocal shift—from “ah” to “oh”—can redefine a line’s meaning.
He spoke about the complexity of human emotion and how, beyond the broad categories we assign feelings, true depth is conveyed through inflection, gesture, and tone.
His role as an actor, he explained, is to bring those nuances to life in a way that honors the writer’s intent. He illustrated these ideas with stories from his career, sharing insights from specific productions that influenced his philosophy.
Theater, he notes, is a form of alchemy—combining words, movement, and presence to create something greater than the sum of its parts, and this is something the LEAP Center tries to capture in its approach to education, incorporating the fine arts, history, law, politics, and literature into its curriculum. It is perhaps appropriate, then, that a majority of LEAP students have seen their first professional play with Waite on the Alley Theatre’s stage.
LEAP Students / Alumni at the Alley’s “Thirty-Nine Steps”
The Alley Theatre itself is something of an anomaly in contemporary American theatre. According to Waite, the Alley employs a full-time, year-round resident company—one of the few, if not the only, to do so. And this, of course, allows the residents of Houston and the surrounding areas, to see first-class theatre year-round.
Although we bid farewell (for now) to Waite’s (Murder by the Book) performance, we eagerly anticipate seeing him take the stage once more as a resident of the theatre company on April 13. We anticipate Baskerville leaving audiences “howling” for more.
We had a full day ahead of us, with a stop for a hearty brunch, a visit to the Harry Ransom Center, and a tour of the Texas Supreme Court, led by Justice Evan Young. With that in mind, we loaded up in the car, ready to tackle the day.
Joe’s Bakery
by Chrissy Biello
Experiencing LEAP means discovering amazing places worth remembering, and many even start making a checklist. A must-have on that list is James Beard Award winners and nominees. Joe’s Bakery, which won the James Beard America’s Classic Restaurant Award in 2022, was packed when we tried to step inside, suggesting we had picked the perfect lunch spot.
The restaurant has a rich history dating back to 1935, when it was established as La Oriental Grocery & Bakery by the current owner’s mother and stepfather. Their introduction of traditional pan mexicano to the community made it a gathering space that many would come together to. Although the original bakery closed in 1957 after 22 years of operation, Joe later reopened the establishment with his brother in law in 1962, expanding it into both a bakery and restaurant.
The sense of community was immediately apparent as we waited. Customers greeted each other warmly, which is unusual in a city as large as Austin; however, Joe’s has clearly maintained a loyal customer base that treats the establishment as a second home. While waiting, our group discussed our typical food preferences. Michelle, having grown up eating seafood, generally gravitates toward healthier options. Jacob, though not having tried much Tex-Mex food, expressed enthusiasm about trying something different.
When our turn came to order, Michelle and Jacob both selected the Caldo, a beef and vegetable soup…
Jacob was surprised when his meal arrived, indicating he didn’t know it was a soup–despite “soup” being clearly stated in the menu description. I opted for the beef tacos. Both Michelle and Jacob thoroughly enjoyed their selections, and my tacos were excellent.
In all, Joe’s Bakery proved to be a top choice for experiencing some of what Austin culture has to offer. From the strong sense of community to the classic appeal of the entire restaurant, it was a great spot to cross off of our LEAP checklist!
Harry Ransom Center
by Jacob Wessels
After having brunch at Joe’s Bakery, we headed over to the Ransom Center on the University of Texas at Austin campus. As we walked inside, we were immersed in a world of history, art, and innovation, surrounded by incredible artifacts that showcased human creativity and achievement.
We started our tour by looking at a Frida Kahlo self-portrait, a piece that showed her unique style and deep emotions. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any pictures.
Next, we explored one of the most significant artifacts in the history of photography—the Niepce Heliograph. Created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the 1820s, this is widely considered the world’s first surviving photograph. At first, we had a hard time seeing the picture until we were told that the best way to view it was from the middle of the doorway.
One of the most impressive things at the museum was the Gutenberg Bible, one of only 49 copies left in the world. Printed in the 1400s by Johannes Gutenberg, this book changed how people shared information and led to the start of mass printing. The pages had beautiful writing and detailed designs, showing why this book is still considered so important today.
Next, we admired the stunning landscapes captured by Ansel Adams.
One that Professor Yawn, Chrissy, and Michelle became particularly intrigued in was Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico. Scanning a barcode to learn more about the photograph, Chrissy read the description out loud.
In 1941, Adams was driving in New Mexico when he quickly jumped out of his vehicle after noticing something that caught his eye: snow-covered mountains, a church, and the moon rising over a graveyard. It was a beautiful photograph to observe, one that showed Adams truly had a “photographer’s eye.”
Moving through the exhibit, we came across a stereoscope—the first 3D viewing device. Looking through the device through the glass enclosure, we could see the image inside in 3D. While we did this, a lady walking by informed us she had one of her very own, passed down from her grandmother!
Besides these highlights, the Harry Ransom Center has a huge collection of old books, important documents, and historical items. This was largely centered around PEN America, an organization that was founded in 1922 to promote the freedom of speech and human rights through literature in America.
The Harry Ransom Center is a great place for anyone who loves art, history, or literature. After gaining new insights—whether about ourselves, our personal interests, or a piece of history—we made our way to the Texas Supreme Court for a discussion with Justice Evan A. Young…
Tour of the Texas Supreme Court by Justice Young
by Michelle Moya
Throughout the years, LEAP has had several traditions of engaging in judicial court experiences. To carry on with this tradition, we, alongside SHIAP interns, went on a tour visit to the Texas Supreme Court, guided by Justice Evan A. Young himself!
Interestingly enough, few people realize that Texas has one of the nation’s most unique judicial systems. Along with Oklahoma, it’s one of just two states with a bicameral supreme court—one for criminal cases and the Texas Supreme Court for civil and juvenile matters.
To start off, Amy Starnes, the Court’s Director of Public Affairs, warmly welcomed us to begin our tour. Our first stop was the courtroom where justices hear oral arguments and deliver their rulings.
The room’s walls display portraits of former Justices, Justice Young touching on the idea that these Justices past decisions will forever be remembered, even if the justices deciding upon them might not be. Notably, one of the displayed Justices being Robert Gammage, a Sam Houston alum!
Justice Young offered particularly compelling insights into our judicial system and informed voting. He emphasized Texas’s distinctive history of putting judicial selection in citizens’ hands while stressing the importance of researching candidates before casting our ballots. This helps us preserve the quality of our state, and these nominees are just a reflection of the citizens that vote them in.
He then shared candid reflections about the challenges judges face, especially the crucial task of interpreting law without letting emotions guide decisions—a valuable lesson for our group of, hopefully, legal professionals.
The tour continued to the judges’ robing room, which is a private space where justices can retreat for breaks, discussions, and moments of respite. (A fun detail: there’s a TV showing the courtroom, hence the need to whisper!)
One highlight was returning to the courtroom for a photo opportunity at the justice’s bench—a moment none of us will soon forget. Although I have attended many Austin trips, this will surely be in the books for my favorite!
Justice Young concluded by showing us the conference room where Justices deliberate cases, emphasizing its confidential nature. As we departed, Mrs. Starnes pointed out a fascinating historical artifact: a portrait commemorating three women judges from 1925, highlighting the advocacy for women’s rights in Texas and empowering women in the legal profession!
On day two in New York, we woke full of hope and to clear blue skies…
…albeit with a pronounced chill in the air.
Despite the cold, we were ready to explore the city on foot–not, perhaps, expecting to get in more than 30,000 steps while visiting four museums and two libraries!
Although these museums host art from myriad genres and movements, we focused on three primary areas: American, European, and Modern/Contemporary, finding that this was more than enough to keep us busy over a long day while also expanding our knowledge of the arts.
American
With us bringing different levels of knowledge about art to the trip, there was something for everyone to enjoy–and learn about–among the Museums’ many collections. Speaking for myself, I had many opportunities for learning, and my first such experience of the day involved coming across Early Sunday Morning, by Edward Hopper, at The Whitney.
The American collections had many great pieces, showcasing the depth and diversity of American art. Edward Hopper’s Early Sunday Morning (Whitney) drew me in…
“Early Sunday Morning,” by Edward Hopper
…which was perhaps appropriate, inasmuch as Hopper was born near New York, and he died in Manhattan, not far from where we were seeing his work. This particular piece, I learned, reflected his most commonly emphasized colors (red, yellow, blue, green), as well as the sense of loneliness and isolation that so often characterizes his art.
The museums also showcased Thomas Hart Benton, one of Professor Yawn’s favorite artists. His piece The Lord is my Shepherd (Whitney), Cotton Pickers (The Met), and America Today (The Met), highlighted the regionalist style, while also showcasing Benton’s sense of artistic rhythm.
The representation of African American artists was particularly moving, including Jacob Lawrence’s emotionally charged War Series, which captured collective anxiety…
…and Horace Pippin’s compelling Cabin in the Cotton (Whitney).
We should also mention a work of art in its own (W)right: The Guggenheim Museum. Although all of us appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s work none of us had been inside one of the last major architectural works of Wright’s story career, In addition to scoping out the art around the walls and alcoves, we also spent much time simply looking at the interior from various angles and perspectives. Beyond the many genres of art we had a chance to experience, we added to this list American architecture.
European
The European collections presented numerous memorable works. One of the day’s highlights was getting a selfie with Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat (The Met) and seeing a study of Georges Seurat’s magnificent A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (The Met). Other notable works included John Singer Sargent’s Wyndham Sisters (The Met) and Renoir’s Woman with Parakeet (Guggenheim).
Moreover, I was particularly excited to see more pieces by Edgar Degas, especially after seeing a copy of his famous sculpture Little Dancer of Fourteen Years outside the Degas House in New Orleans. One that I was fond of is his Dancer Moving Forward (Guggenheim) sculpture.
Modern
The modern collections sparked much reminiscence and contemplation. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ladder to the Moon (Whitney) initially made our group think of Leandro Erlich’s Too Late for Help piece in the New Orleans Museum of Art Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and it was a different look than what we were used to seeing from Ms. O’Keeffe.
And, Keith Haring’sUntitled 1981 piece (Whitney) was enjoyed by everyone and left us thinking of his other known works.
Rene Magritte’s The Lovers (MoMA) particularly excited Olivia, while Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory (MoMA) proved even more captivating in person than in reproductions.
Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31 (MoMA) captivated us with its scale and abstract expressionist techniques. And, seeing Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night (MoMA) in person was a treat, a piece Olivia and I had long hoped to experience!
Seeing art from these diverse categories has helped structure my understanding. As I learn more about art, it becomes enjoyable to identify artists before reading the placards. I hope to develop this skill further, aspiring to reach the expertise level of Stephanie, Professor Yawn, and Olivia!
NY Stroll
Walking to four art museums allows for quite a lot of site-seeing, and we tried too make most of our journeys on foot. We began by hoping to photograph the Statue of Liberty, but we were foiled by New York’s never-ending construction. The Statue of Liberty was visible only by boat or through a window, and we only had time for the latter–definitely not the photo we hoped for.
As if to compensate, we had an unexpected photo opportunity, when we all witnessed what Olivia described as “the most New York thing I’ve ever seen”–a squirrel eating a bagel.
We also made our way past the “Charging Bull”, which judging by the sides of the crowds, was probably one of the most popular sites in NYC.
Nearby, we saw the statue of the defiant and vigilant girl, who keeps watch on the New York Stock Exchange.
Because this trip was designed for us to see the presidential inauguration, we also stopped by “Again”, the Federal Hall, to get another and better photo of the George Washington Statue. This significant site was witness to the first ever presidential inauguration and, later, to the writing of the Bill of Rights.
Probably the biggest treat for us was visiting the grand New York Public Library. We stopped for a selfie here, named after the two famous lions who stand guard to the front of the building.
One of these lions is named Patience; one is named Fortitude. No one, it seems, knows which is which, and because they are identical, we’re not sure it matters. Inside the NY Public Library, we visited the periodical reading room, which features 13 murals by Richard Haas. After some negotiation with the paid staff, we were allowed to take a few pictures. Haas, of course, has done 15 murals in our adopted hometown of Huntsville, Texas. Interestingly, New York has the most interior murals of Richard Haas, while Huntsville has the most exterior murals of his in any city in the world. Not to brag, or anything. (Thank you Linda Pease.)
Of course, we had to stop into the nearby Grand Central Station, which we found to be beautiful.
Chrissy also found the “whispering wall,” where a vocalization on one corner will transmit to the other corner, with those in between none the wiser.
All of the above occurred fairly early in our 15 hour day. Our trip back to the hotel, however, was at the end of the day through Times Square, which Chrissy regarded as a special hell on Earth. Having walked more that 30,000 steps, Chrissy’s ankles were literally bleeding, and her misery quickly became ours.
In fairness, Times Square is a bit much, even by American standards. After spending the day reviewing the classics of art, it was a bit jarring to be amidst the gawkers, wannabe influencers, and loiterers. This, combined with the loud sounds and bright, multicolored lights, provided more than enough stimulation for everyone.
Amidst this chaos, we found Hope, literally. In 2008, Robert Indian transformed his classic LOVE sculpture into a HOPE sculpture, reflecting one of President Obama’s campaign messages. As Robert Indiana fans, we paused for a selfie, and in our head tallied up how many said large scale sculptures we have seen. Chrissy, 2; Olivia 4. And on this optimistic note, we wrapped up day two of our five-day democracy tour.
Among our many stops in New York, our visit to the Morgan Library was a highlight, far exceeding my expectations. I knew it would be beautiful, but the experience left me in awe.
We began with an exhibit on Belle da Costa Greene, the library’s first director, whose story was as inspiring as the treasures she curated. Born in 1879, Greene was an African American woman who passed as white to navigate the racial barriers of her time.
Despite these challenges, she rose to prominence as a librarian and curator, eventually studying at Pratt Institute, where she trained for her remarkable career. Her contributions shaped the Morgan Library into what it is today, and the exhibit offered a glimpse into her extraordinary life and work.
The structure itself was stunning. In one room, for example, the ceiling crafted by Samuel Yellin, featuring 648 intricately detailed birds—each unique, down to the shape of their beaks.
Among the exhibit’s standout items were pieces from Belle Greene’s personal collection, including Albrecht Dürer’s Melencolia I…
…a masterpiece I’d studied in class, as well as a William Blake drawing and a signed poem by John Keats.
I was especially captivated by her desk and personal collection, which continued to show her exceptional taste!
From there, we moved into the library’s main attraction—the breathtaking library room itself. Shelves were lined with treasures, including titles such as Dante’s Inferno…
…Rousseau’s The Social Contract, and works by Voltaire.
We even saw ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia and a Gutenberg Bible!
I felt like a kid in a candy store!
As befits a wealthy collector, Morgan also owned a healthy collection of art, some of which was also on display. Thus, we were able to not only glimpse into the lives of the very wealthy, we were also able to expand our knowledge of art, by seeing works from Henri Matisse, John Singer Sargent, and William Wetmore Story, among others.
Before leaving, we quickly explored aFranz Kafka exhibit. Though our time there was brief, it was fascinating to see pieces that shed light on his complex and often enigmatic life.
As someone who has read some of his work, I wished we’d had more time to immerse ourselves in his story, especially after seeing an Andy Warhol portrait of him.
In the words of Kafka himself, “It is irresponsible to travel, even to live, without taking notes.” It was a privilege to add this visit to our travels—and to write about it!
On Tuesday, September 24, Texas Ranger Maurice Cook visited students at Sam Houston State University to offer a special presentation about the 1974 Huntsville Prison Siege and different aspects of his career—which involves service in Vietnam, being a police officer, working as a State Trooper, going to law school and passing the bar (at the age of 60), teaching at a community college, and, for the past four years, holding the office of Sheriff (Bastrop County).
But it was his time as a Ranger that occupied most of our time with him, particularly his experience in the 1974 Huntsville Prison Siege, which at that time, was the longest prison siege in history.
He began by noting that he had only been a Ranger for less than a year…
…and he got the call to come to the Huntsville Unit, with his bulletproof vest.
He offered vivid and sometimes humorous descriptions of a Carrasco associate, a trustee inmate, who was able to work with Carrasco’s wife to smuggle in guns and ammunition—in peach cans!
Ranger Cook also did a good job of describing the Carrasco “fortress,” which was the prison library, fortified with tables, books, and other impediments—while also “imprisoning” eleven hostages.
While law-enforcement had the building surrounded, there was only way in and one way out, so it would have been very difficult to mount a full-frontal offensive.
They did set up dynamite on the rear wall, and planned to use it if Carrasco began torturing or killing hostages.
Carrasco was concerned about this, and he would assign his compadres to crawl in the rafters and look through the vents—but in doing so, the lookouts would scare away pigeons, who roosted on the building’s eaves. This allowed law-enforcement to know a little about what was happening inside the “fortress.”
Carrasco also insisted on using his (Hispanic) lawyer as a mediator, because he did not trust the non-Hispanic law-enforcement officials. While law-enforcement officials did negotiate, they did so strategically, not providing anything that could be too damaging.
They did provide helmets, but they had weakened the metal in the temple area so that bullets could pass through the steel; and they provided a getaway car, but they messed with the gas gauge such that it appeared full, while being nearly empty. One of the more interesting show-and-tell items was a book that stopped a bullet during the siege, which Ranger Cook had on hand.
Ranger Cook also noted, during the Q&A period, that the siege brought about changes in law enforcement procedures, particularly with securing the crime scene. The lack of protocol led to extensive court battles. The siege also led to a dedicated SWAT team, in place for future encounters of this type.
Toward the end of the discussion, he shared valuable insights about life and success, highlighting my favorite quote: “Shoot for as high as you can.,” and he ended the event with a book-signing.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ranger Maurice Cook and Marcus Cook for taking the time to meet and enlighten us about the 1974 Huntsville Prison Siege, as well as sharing a bit of history about Ranger Cook’s life and law enforcement career!
