The Charlie I Knew

This non-fiction book provides the accurate details of the life and adventures of Charles Joseph Whitman for some of the five years prior to the University of Texas Tower Tragedy. It reveals parts of Texas and University of Texas history and Culture, mixed with Criminal Justice/Mental Health in a Military background It is dIrected at those who follow or do research in the mental illness field and its impact on violence, plus Marines and Sailors who knew CJW or others like him!


Hopefully, thousands of violent crimes followers (many of this tragedy, who want the true facts) will read and enjoy this book. And also, hopefully ascertain a solid answer to the still lingering question of Why! It should also satisfy Texas and U.S. History aficionados, who are still seeking the true facts behind this horrendous incident.


Almost everyone has or will face crises during their lifetime. It takes more than facts to help readers overcome the perils of these crises! This book is written in a popular, conversational style. The chapters include contemporary real-life stories and insights from a wide spectrum of military and college life and some of the insight and wisdom of a good number of mental health professionals. Just getting the unsullied truth should help most readers!


In this book, the author:


· Presents his meeting, getting to know and becoming friends with CJW.
· Chronicles his association with CJW and their journey through Naval Preparatory School, orientation at UT and moving on into their careers.
· Follows CJW's introduction to his eventual wife and their courtship.
· Walks through a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
· Presents many true-life conversations with CJW, and friends they made along the way.
· Shows how mental illness can go so unnoticed by us all, particularly when friends and/or family are involved.
· Presents accurate facts about many of the events in CJW's tormented life.


Mental health is a huge issue in all our lives today. Hopefully this will awaken attention and provide a better understanding of how violence evolves.


Many people are still stymied by the “Why” of this event. Hopefully, the true and honest presentation of the details involved will generate better knowledge and understanding of what may have been Charlie's motivation.