As Jeff hitchhiked across the country, his mind was focused on getting clean, sober, and starting over, again. At 27-years old, Jeff had been in and out of trouble most of his life. He began drinking at the age of nine and using hard drugs in his late teens. He couldn't seem to leave it behind even after four stints in treatment and two in prison. But, while planning how to get his life back on track, events unfolded that would dash his hopes and dreams to pieces.
Unbeknownst to Jeff, his roommate had been murdered the morning he left town, and Jeff deemed the likely suspect.
You Can't Try a Dead is powerful, moving, and a true story of Jeff Howard and his wrongful conviction more than thirty-seven years ago. On the one hand, the story shares the horrific tale of justice denied, over and over again. But, it is also a story of overcoming tragedy by finding a way to peace in the midst of the injustice. It is also a story of endurance, forgiveness, and freedom, although maybe not in the context you might think.
You Can't Try a Dead Man is a story that we can all relate to as we journey through life's difficulties, some of them seemingly insurmountable. Jeff and Judee's story will capture your heart and encourage you as you walk through struggles in your own life.
About the Author :
Judee Howard worked as a social worker for over twenty years in the non-profit world. She loves creating a safe place where people feel they belong and can be authentic; helping them find acceptance and identity in a relationship with God. Besides being married, Judee has three sons and loves devoting time to them and their families. She values genuine relationships and enjoys spending time with friends and meeting new people. Twenty-five years ago, Judee met Jeff Howard and entered his story. You Can't Try a Dead Man is a powerful and moving story of their fight for his freedom. But, intertwined with the intriguing story of his case, there is also a story of endurance, faith, forgiveness, and freedom that readers can relate to while living out their own struggles. Judee is also a speaker and coach. She is a certified "Your Secret Name" coach/facilitator, working with r individuals or groups, helping people find freedom in knowing their authentic identity according to our loving Heavenly Father. Visit Judee's website for more information www.judeehoward.com
Review :
You Can't Try a Dead Man is a poignant and inspiring true story that will leave you questioning true justice. I started working on Jeff Howard's case when in law school and have now been practicing law for over 13 years. Jeff's case still inspires me to find justice for every single client who comes my way. --Jan Olson, Attorney at Law
Judee Howard has written a must-read primer for anyone interested in entering the criminal justice profession. You Can't Try a Dead Man teaches us the premise that our American justice system, although the best in the world, is not perfect. I am grateful to have been involved with Jeff's case as a law student and for many years since. My life and profession have been guided by witnessing Jeff and Judee's true story, their faith, and the love of Christ. Experience it for yourself. -Matthew L. Olson, Attorney at Law/Chief Judge of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
I have worked in the legal field for over 25 years and became involved in Jeff's case in 2012. I truly believe this is a case where an innocent man was convicted and sent to prison. Occasionally our court system fails. In this case, we strive to correct that failure and allow Jeff to live the rest of his life a free man. Judee Howard not only tells a compelling and true story, but she also captures the equally important personal aspect that we cannot afford to forget. -Kara Duncan, Paralegal
Judee Howard is a friend and a woman of integrity. She loves Jesus with all her heart and lives out daily what she believes. This is her story that deserves to be told. It's a story of injustice and long suffering. It's a story of faith in the midst of dire circumstances. It's a testimony that God is good no matter what. Judee and her husband Jeff are evidence that God's love knows no boundaries. And the love between a man and a woman knows no limits. Their story will touch your heart and inspire your faith.
-Linda Outka, Leadership Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Founder of Breakthrough Solutions, Inc.
Author of Pebbles in My Shoe: Three Steps to Breaking through Interpersonal Conflict
I highly recommend this book on many levels. First, many on the outside have no idea how complex our court and corrections system can be. Judee and Jeff's story illustrates this complexity. On another level, since I have known this couple for many years, their story illustrates the redemptive power of faith in helping one to cope with broken situations. Jeff and Judee help us to see the ability of Christ to wring good out of any situation.
-Rev. Dennis Thum, Dean of the Chapel at University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls SD,
Former Chaplain/Religious Activities Coordinator at the South Dakota State Penitentiary
