The Officer’s Wife: A True Story of Unspeakable Betrayal and Cold-Blooded Murder by Michael Fleeman (June 2006)

Michelle Forcier grew up an Army brat, so it’s no surprise she was attracted to Frank Martin “Marty” Theer, a young man with his sites set on a military career. The high school sweethearts would marry a couple of years after graduation.

Despite growing up in a military household, Michelle couldn’t handle the loneliness that befalls many wives of the enlisted. When the couple was transferred to Fort Bragg on the outskirts of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Michelle did something drastic to fill the void: she began visiting internet chat rooms, when she wasn’t working at her office as a Psychologist.

It was during one of those marathon chat sessions that she met John Mickael Diamond, an Army Staff Sergeant also stationed at Fort Bragg and the two began a steamy affair; even participating in swinger parties as a couple.

As so it went until one night when Marty was home for a change and the couple had gone to dinner together, Michelle requested that Marty stop by her office so she could pick up a few items she had forgotten to bring home. As Marty waited for his wife’s return, he was suddenly gunned down.

Air Force Captain Marty Theer would never make his scheduled 4 a.m. flight.

Author Michael Fleeman writes a thorough account of the Marty Theer slaying, planned by his wife and executed by her lover, in his 2006 true crime book The Officer’s Wife.  From Michelle’s marital manipulations or to plastic surgery as a fugitive, Fleeman exposes it all.

Although I’ve been critical of some of Fleeman’s books, there have been a few I liked and this was one of them. If there was one complaint, it would have to be that this book had been written once the appeals were exhausted due to many debates about Michelle’s guilt. But in this day of drive-by-publishing, I know it’s not a realistic request.

With that in mind, here’s my recommendation: read The Officer’s Wife then come back here for the updates. (And be sure to share your thoughts on Michelle’s guilt or innocence!)

BUY THIS BOOK:

UPDATES FROM THIS BOOK:

Big-mouth Michelle Theer continued to proclaim her innocence, even taking it to the net with the aid of a fellow in Indiana – at least until early 2012. The page that now appears says the domain has expired, but WHOIS says it’s good until 2013. Hmmm….

In May 2010, Michelle was busted attempting to plan a prison escape. As a result, she was placed in isolation. Any further disciplinary action taken is unknown.

John Diamond continues to appeal his case. His most recent appeal was based on a conflict of interest issue, wherein the Court subsequently disagreed.