In August 1972, the body of a man was found floating in the Trinity River just west of downtown Dallas, Texas. The man had been killed by an arrow that was still present in his head. The body had been in the river and ravaged by large alligator gar. They had eaten away one hand and one foot and opened his abdomen and were feeding on his intestines. The author was a Dallas police detective assigned to investigate the death of the man. He was able to identify the body as that of Joe Redfern. Joe was a member of the Cherokee tribe. The author's investigation revealed that Redfern was known for seducing young girls and married women. The common thought among those who knew him was that he needed killing.