Ann Rule in 1995 published Dead by Sunset. She claimed it was a true story that described my life, and relationships. Literally nothing in DBS was true. When there was a shred of truth, she then exaggerated it to an incredulous level. For years I struggled with how to deal with this. My poverty precluded any meaningful litigation. Besides, I was a convicted murderer and any jury instruction would have limited any recovery to nominal damages.

Ann Rule permanently harmed my family, especially my children, with Dead by Sunset. The injury she inflicted upon them was irreparable and harsh.

She has also caused delay and harm to my criminal appeals, and her adverse influences continue today. I am absolutely innocent of Cheryl’s murder. See Addenda. Ann Rule Deconstructed (ARD) details the mistakes and falsehoods in Dead by Sunset. ARD provides the truth, which often is more interesting than the made-up story in Dead by Sunset.

What I have done is given you the actual events and personalities of the women who were in my life and the DBS book. Ann Rule Deconstructed will offend some readers. It will make others feel uncomfortable. In telling the whole truth the entire story was necessary. The reader must know and understand how complex my relationships were with the women in my life.

Brad Cunningham