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A Need to Kill
This fall marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most terrifying times in Nebraska’s The year that a young Air Force Airman went on a killing spree, leaving two young boys dead and a community gripped by fear. Now, dramatic and chilling new evidence comes to light exposing the sinister thoughts running through the mind of John Joubert--the man behind the Nebraska killings.
Former TV news anchorman, investigative reporter and three time Emmy winner Mark Pettit returns to the case to write the final chapter in his best-selling, and now newly updated A Need to The True-Crime Account of John Joubert, Nebraska’s Most Notorious Serial Child Killer.
In the spirit of Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” Pettit delves into the Joubert case to tell the dramatic story from all angles as a non-fiction novel. In a series of exclusive, face-to-face interviews with Pettit, Joubert admits to a string of violent crimes and another killing that sends investigators into a frenzy ending with Joubert being convicted for a third murder and ultimately executed in Nebraska’s electric chair.
Now, 30 years after the murders in Nebraska, Pettit uncovers shocking new evidence from Joubert’s prison records that proves the killer was fantasizing about committing more violent crimes. Never-before-seen death row drawings made by Joubert while he waited to be executed once again send a chill through Nebraska and those touched by Joubert’s horrific crimes.
In the updated version of his book, Pettit opens his investigative files to the public and for the first time, shares handwritten letters Joubert wrote to the journalist while in prison. Pettit also reveals aspects of Joubert’s personality gleaned during the exclusive interviews and details from the death row discussions that have never been shared publicly.
Former TV news anchorman, investigative reporter and three time Emmy winner Mark Pettit returns to the case to write the final chapter in his best-selling, and now newly updated A Need to The True-Crime Account of John Joubert, Nebraska’s Most Notorious Serial Child Killer.
In the spirit of Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” Pettit delves into the Joubert case to tell the dramatic story from all angles as a non-fiction novel. In a series of exclusive, face-to-face interviews with Pettit, Joubert admits to a string of violent crimes and another killing that sends investigators into a frenzy ending with Joubert being convicted for a third murder and ultimately executed in Nebraska’s electric chair.
Now, 30 years after the murders in Nebraska, Pettit uncovers shocking new evidence from Joubert’s prison records that proves the killer was fantasizing about committing more violent crimes. Never-before-seen death row drawings made by Joubert while he waited to be executed once again send a chill through Nebraska and those touched by Joubert’s horrific crimes.
In the updated version of his book, Pettit opens his investigative files to the public and for the first time, shares handwritten letters Joubert wrote to the journalist while in prison. Pettit also reveals aspects of Joubert’s personality gleaned during the exclusive interviews and details from the death row discussions that have never been shared publicly.
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First published June 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 25, 2016
Many true crime books are repulsive and sensationalistic. Mark Pettit provides a model for what true crime writing can be in "A Need to Kill." Based on interviews and reporting that Pettit did as a journalist in Nebraska, this book examines not only the disturbing facts of what serial killer John Joubert did, but also portrays the ripple effects of Joubert's trail of destruction on family, friends, and community. And, most important of all, the author delves as far as possible into Joubert's disturbed mind, trying to sort out how someone could develop from a bullied child into a murderous monster.
Joubert will always remain a troubling figure, because he does not easily fall into either of the two usual groups: 1) Normal people whose development went awry, turning them into violent criminals, or 2) Born psychopaths. There is some evidence of the latter, as Joubert in his confession said that he could remember having murderous thoughts as early as age six. But yet his family life was already very chaotic by that point, and it's impossible to determine just how much Joubert's mental state was created by chaos. He displayed a total lack of empathy in his killings, yet could become very upset about what he had done when he made the effort to think about it from his victims' point of view.
One of the strangest moments of Joubert's disconnection came right before he confessed to the police about the murders. He first asked for one last chance to talk to a boy that he had mentored in the Boy Scouts. "Jeremy," Joubert said, "I just want you to know that I'm involved in this, but whatever you hear, you were never in danger. I would never have hurt you." It appears that Joubert was capable of emotional empathy, so he wasn't a pure, classic psychopath. Yet he seemed incapable of tapping into that empathy on a consistent basis, making him very dangerous when his fears and frustrations became fueled by his own deep-seated sexual confusion.
In terms of understanding the workings (and potential failings) of the human mind, "A Need to Kill" is one of the most important true crime profiles I have read, for Pettit not only makes the effort to dig deep into the story, he also tells it evocatively, with a sure hand for haunting details that bring these tragic events frighteningly to life.
Joubert will always remain a troubling figure, because he does not easily fall into either of the two usual groups: 1) Normal people whose development went awry, turning them into violent criminals, or 2) Born psychopaths. There is some evidence of the latter, as Joubert in his confession said that he could remember having murderous thoughts as early as age six. But yet his family life was already very chaotic by that point, and it's impossible to determine just how much Joubert's mental state was created by chaos. He displayed a total lack of empathy in his killings, yet could become very upset about what he had done when he made the effort to think about it from his victims' point of view.
One of the strangest moments of Joubert's disconnection came right before he confessed to the police about the murders. He first asked for one last chance to talk to a boy that he had mentored in the Boy Scouts. "Jeremy," Joubert said, "I just want you to know that I'm involved in this, but whatever you hear, you were never in danger. I would never have hurt you." It appears that Joubert was capable of emotional empathy, so he wasn't a pure, classic psychopath. Yet he seemed incapable of tapping into that empathy on a consistent basis, making him very dangerous when his fears and frustrations became fueled by his own deep-seated sexual confusion.
In terms of understanding the workings (and potential failings) of the human mind, "A Need to Kill" is one of the most important true crime profiles I have read, for Pettit not only makes the effort to dig deep into the story, he also tells it evocatively, with a sure hand for haunting details that bring these tragic events frighteningly to life.
October 1, 2024
What I enjoyed the most about this book was it wasn't all about the court case. I am not a huge fan of this it was more about how he was caught. This was a well written true crime book told by the POV of the victim's parents, police and the suspect.
February 25, 2024
Not very well written. The boys and their families deserve better.
April 21, 2015
This book moved me. I was the same age as Christopher Walden. I lived less than 30 miles away. It was not common for parents to allow children to know the details of a story like this one at the time. Things like CSI and Criminal Minds were far in the future. When we watched T.V. it was more like, "Family Ties" and "The Cosby Show". We were not exposed to violent television. This case was one that got the attention of everyone, even the children in a sheltered community. We were afraid. We knew someone was killing boys. We didn't know who was in danger and who was not. We didn't find out what happened beyond the fact that an arrest was made and someone went to jail.
I was aware when Joubert was executed, and though I am against the death penalty for anyone who protests their innocents, in this case I was glad. Sounds callous, but it is how I felt about it at the time. Having completed this book I feel even more justified in having felt that his death was justice. Joubert did not protest his guilt, he proclaimed it.
My heart goes out to the mothers of Danny Joe and Christopher. Even more than 30 years later I have do doubt they still ache for their boys. My son is now 21. He has never understood why I protected him so fiercely. Having read this story, I think I now know why I watched him so closely.
If this story teaches us anything it is, "Love your children. Trust your instincts. Guard your families. Admire the courage of the families that stand up to worst life has to offer, and learn from them."
April 13, 2016
The Child Killer / Eagle Scout.
John Journey was stationed at Offcutt a young normal looking man but a man who was plagued by fantasies of torture and killing .Both of his victims were young All American type boys. He kidnapped and killed. He was caught after a botched attempt of a woman .Good TC
John Journey was stationed at Offcutt a young normal looking man but a man who was plagued by fantasies of torture and killing .Both of his victims were young All American type boys. He kidnapped and killed. He was caught after a botched attempt of a woman .Good TC
January 23, 2016
Good book, in the sense of being disturbing and twisted. Luckily this guy got caught before any other lives were lost.
December 5, 2024
This could have been so much more. It's an interesting story as it is but it leaves so many issues unanswered. Most of all the why. Who was he, and why did he "need" to kill? It almost felt like a "just the facts" account and it was over all too quick.
October 12, 2022
There are a lot of serial killers in the world and this is one I have never heard of before. I feel for those families, feel for the boys and I’m glad the families got justice.
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October 13, 2022a must read
August 28, 2010
I'm not sure I can put into words how I feel about this book.
Long story:
When I met my husband 14 years ago the John Joubert execution had either just happened or was scheduled to happen soon. He was terrified of this guy when he was a kid and so this was something he closely watched.
Apparently I bought him this book when we first got together and he has misplaced it. (I do not remember this but he tells me that I am the only person who has bought him a book.)
He asked that I find it for him again. I did. He read it again and told me to read it.
I sobbed my heart out. What a wretched person. The book was gut wrenching and that is why I did not like the book. In fiction these topics do not bother me, but when I know it is true it tears my heart out. When Danny Joe Eberle's mom was picking out his outfit for the funeral and his white socks I felt like I was burying my own child.
If you like true crime and these types books don't impact you, read it. If you are a parent this book will break your heart. I had horrible nightmares. Good riddance John Joubert.
Long story:
When I met my husband 14 years ago the John Joubert execution had either just happened or was scheduled to happen soon. He was terrified of this guy when he was a kid and so this was something he closely watched.
Apparently I bought him this book when we first got together and he has misplaced it. (I do not remember this but he tells me that I am the only person who has bought him a book.)
He asked that I find it for him again. I did. He read it again and told me to read it.
I sobbed my heart out. What a wretched person. The book was gut wrenching and that is why I did not like the book. In fiction these topics do not bother me, but when I know it is true it tears my heart out. When Danny Joe Eberle's mom was picking out his outfit for the funeral and his white socks I felt like I was burying my own child.
If you like true crime and these types books don't impact you, read it. If you are a parent this book will break your heart. I had horrible nightmares. Good riddance John Joubert.
August 16, 2014
I met the author last weekend so I was very interested in reading this book. It's not the type of subject matter I usually seek out, and it's not the most pleasant, but it's a very well written account of the man behind the brutal murders. Anyone with a direct connection to the events in the book would most likely be interested in it, or even anyone who wants to mix it up a little with a bit of non-fiction. It's a very quick read.
July 15, 2014
A well written book of the horrific murders that took place in my hometown of Bellevue, NE. My heart was with those families as I read of Joubert's sick obsessions. My brother and I were about the same age as the boys were when they were murdered, and I remember my folks being terrified, as were most families. Joubert forever changed the wholesome core of Bellevue. I hope he is rotting in Hell!
June 16, 2008
This was a story close to my heart as it documented the murders of two young paperboy's from my home town - Bellevue, NE. Local reporter put the story together in a decent manner, focusing on the technical details that did not come through in many news stories.
January 12, 2016
A well written book about a very disturbing young killer who if not caught when he was could have killed a lot more I have no sympathy for child killers or any killers but to
Take the lives of young children is the worst John joubert is or was a monster who does not deserve forgiveness from anyone
Take the lives of young children is the worst John joubert is or was a monster who does not deserve forgiveness from anyone
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2015
Well written
Well written with many perspectives considered. Good historical perspective on the life of a severely troubled individual and details that never allow the reader to forget the people whose lives were forever changed by his actions.
Well written with many perspectives considered. Good historical perspective on the life of a severely troubled individual and details that never allow the reader to forget the people whose lives were forever changed by his actions.
December 30, 2015
I really thought this book was well written. I didn't live in Omaha at the time this took place, but being a Nebraska native, I was familiar with the case. Really glad I read it and am grateful for the recommendation from a friend.
January 12, 2014
well written book showing different sides of the case. a harrowing read about a disturbed child killer. he got what he deserved in my opinion!
Read
February 5, 2014Astounding
such a sad society we live in. god bless these families.the sadness and devastation is tremendous god b with you
such a sad society we live in. god bless these families.the sadness and devastation is tremendous god b with you
June 10, 2015
An interesting perspective on a truly hideous series of crimes. Well reported.
November 30, 2015
I am not able to provide a review to this horrific account; it feels wrong somehow.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews