When I say that this book is an exhaustive look at the kidnapping and murder of Rayna Rison, I mean that it is EXHAUSTIVE. The book's purpose is to set out the case for the innocence of Jason Tibbs, who was convicted of Rison's murder in 2014. 'Submerged' lays out the events leading up to Rison's murder in incredible detail, bringing together the factual record and reasonable deductions based on the known personalities surrounding Rison during her short, tragic life. I found the author's argument that Tibbs was wrongfully convicted convincing. My only quibble with the book is that the prose is very dry.

I don't typically read much non fiction. But I wanted to give it a try and wow was I amazed on how gripping it was. Although dense at times it kept me intrigued to keep reading.

What a mess of a case. Very well written, thorough, and detailed exploration of this heartbreaking murder case.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209506293

Submerged: How a Cold case Condemned an Innocent Man to Hide a Family’s Darkest Secret
Hillel Levin
Rayna Rison was repeatedly raped and molested by her brother-in-law Ray. He threatened to kill her, to beat her sister and harm his own child. When Rayna became pregnant Ray admitted to her father that he was possibly the father. The baby was aborted. Ray was reported to the police. He was placed on probation and forced to get counseling. He never took responsibility for his crime. He didn’t see it as a crime. Ray thought he was the victim. Rayna had little to no support from her family. The rape and abuse started again. Another girl was also raped by Ray. Rayna’s sister Lori offered no support at all. Once again Ray made himself the victim.
Rayna had a part time job at the local vet’s office. She cleaned the kennels and the office. She and Matt had a restart date planned for that evening. Later her body was found submerged in a pond.
The police investigation was intense. Ray was arrested and indicted, but a new attorney was elected, and he dropped the charges. Rayna’s family was relieved that Ray was off the hook. Years later Jason, Rayna’s best friend, was arrested, accused of her murder and found guilty. But was he guilty? Evidence that would have exonerated him was kept from the jury. Could an innocent man be sitting in a jail cell?
In my mind there is no doubt who committed the murder of Rayna Rison. I believe her brother-in-law Ray is guilty, but I don’t believe he is the only one that should be held responsible. Her sister is just as guilty. Her father, Bennie, is guilty. Her mother is guilty. The court system in Le Pointe, Indiana is guilty. Rayna was a child she was molested, raped, and abused and you did nothing. Her father offered her NO protection. I am angry.
This book is fascinating. I stayed up all night to read it. I admire journalist/author Hillel Levin for his dedication to researching Rayna’s life and murder. This is a True Crime story. One that needs to be told. I hope someone can help Jason.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.