Stella Sands - Behind the Mask: A True Story of Obsession and a Savage Genius

I would like to acknowledge a number of key people who helped me greatly in the writing of this book. Defense attorneys George Reres and Sandra Perlman took the time to answer all my questions with grace and patience. Their dedication to and concern for their client was evidentand ultimately, heartbreaking. Prosecutor Chuck Morton generously offered his time and knowledge, revealing the case from the State side. Detective Mike Walley went out of his way to be accommodating and supportive as he painstakingly explained every aspect of his deep and personal involvement in the case; crime scene investigator Tom Scott Hills expert eye helped round out the picture of the crime; and Lenore Walker added invaluable details about juries and psychopathology.

Id like to extend my deepest gratitude to Michael Lambrix, former prison mate of Codays, whose eloquence, intelligence, and insight revealed the world of life on the row, and, in particular, his own and Codays experiences while awaiting death.

A heartfelt thank-you and deep appreciation to Jennifer Dixon, without whose initial research this book would not have seen the light of day and whose encouragement was always boundless. And special thank-yous to Bryce Rumbles and Denise Wells for their photo research; to Codays friend Kami for her personal insights; and to Margaret Mittelbach for her careful reading of the manuscript.

I would like to extend a special thank-you to Allison Caplin of St. Martins Press, whose expert eye, diligence, and encouragement helped see this book through to completion; to Charlie Spicer of St. Martins for his belief in me and in the project; and to Richard Onley, copy editor par excellence. I also would like to thank my agent Giles Anderson for his continued faith and support.

Finally, and most especially, I wish to express my enormous gratitude and love to Jess and AF, whose good humor, goodwill, and uncanny thoughtfulness enabled me to write this book during some trying times. And, of course, Id like to express my love to Sass, my constant source of inspiration.

Librarians are a helpful lot. Dedicated, responsible, and eager to assist, theyre counted on by the young and old for their patience, broad knowledge, and resourcefulness, though theyre also often characterized as uptight. When 100 people were surveyed on the TV game show Family Feud and asked what a typical librarians characteristics were, they responded: Quiet, Mean or Stern, Single/Unmarried, Stuffy, In Glasses. Admissions officers interviewed in several college library programs had a different take. They stated that the finest librarians have excellent communication skills, are eager to provide service, and have an outstanding ability to organize knowledge. Male librarians, by far the lesser-represented gender in the group, are considered equally resourceful and just as competent as female librarians. They are typically mild, civil, and intellectual. Macho men need not apply; eccentrics may. And one did.

William E. Coday Jr., 38, fit most of the characteristics offered by Family Feud contestants and the admissions officers. He was quiet, meek though occasionally stern, single, sometimes stuffy, bespectacled, eager to help, well organized, widely read, and highly intellectual. In 1995, Coday applied for the prestigious job of supervisor of the International Languages Collection at the Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was hired on the spot. Among other duties he was expected to perform, he was put in charge of expanding the librarys international language collection, which brought with it the special perk of travel abroad. It was a plum position$33,000 per yearand Coday was a natural for it. Fluent in Spanish, German, French, and, of course, English, he was also proficient in Italian, Hindi, and Farsi. He held three degrees: a bachelors degree in history and literature, a masters degree in library science, and a law degree. Plus, he had lived abroad in Germany and India for several years. What better person to fill the position?

The library, located on South Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, was a bustling placeand a breathtaking site. Ultramodern, with a stepped glass faade that was punctuated with lush, landscaped terraces, the building was both eye-catching and inviting. From a reflecting pool on the first floor, an atrium rose six stories, allowing the Florida sunshine to brighten the central hall for the over 600,000 individuals who visited the library every year.

By all accounts, William Coday was a model employee for the two years that he worked there. Library official Steve Kerr called him an intelligent, laid-back persona very charming, bright, interesting, attractive young man, who was also personable and very witty. Punctual, helpful, and resourceful, Coday was admired by his colleagues for his vast knowledge, and counted on by library-goers for his self-effacing assistance. Kathleen Imhoff, assistant director of Broward County Libraries stated, He was an employee in good standing, and noted that he had been promoted the year after he arrived. Records indicated that he never missed a days work without calling in ahead of time, and that missing work was an infrequent occurrence.

So when, on Saturday, July 12, 1997, Coday failed to appear for work at the front desk of the library, or call in sick, several staffers became concerned. Marjorie Moorefield, a co-worker, took it upon herself to cover the desk until he arrived. After all, Coday was her good friend, and friends help out friends in time of need. She wondered if perhaps Bill was hanging out in the back room, chatting with colleagues and enjoying a cup of coffee, and had somehow lost track of the time. But after making a quick check of the room, she knew for sure he hadnt shown up. In fact, no one she spoke to had seen him at all that morning.