David Hendricks was convicted of murdering his wife and children in 1984 but was acquitted in 1991. (Stephanie Pawlowski/WJBC)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - Acquitted murderer David Hendricks is back in Bloomington-Normal, on a publicity swing for his new book.

Hendricks was convicted of murdering his wife and children in 1984, as chronicled in the book 'Reasonable Doubt' by former WJBC News Director Steve Vogel. After serving time in prison, Hendricks was acquitted of the murders in 1991.

The book, called 'Tom Henry: Confessions of a Killer' is about his cellmate at Menard Prison, Tom Henry, who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend and her lover in 1970. Hendricks said Henry is a fascinating guy who did a horrible thing.

"I don't hold back in the chapter about the murders. I tell it in all of its graphic horror, and he did that," Hendricks said. "But, the same guy who did that was a good man."

PODCAST: Listen to Hendricks with WJBC's Scott Laughlin and Colleen Reynolds

Hendricks said he does plan to eventually write a book about his own case. He is also being forced to face questions about his own case.

"(If) you go into the details and the background of the person's life you find some emotional stress, you find some kind of organic brain disorder, you find something that is wrong that caused this guy or gal to do something outrageous and crazy. But, if you look at my life, you can't find any organic brain disease, you can't find any emotional triggers," Hendricks said.

He waited to release this book until Henry came up for parole. Hendricks said he does think 'Reasonable Doubt' had some kind of an effect on his appeal.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com