Jailing The Johnston Gang book featured on Reel Z network on August 8

August is 40th anniversary of serial killings in Chester County

July 30th, 2018

 

      DOWNINGTOWN _ Five murders were committed by the infamous Johnston Gang in Chester County 40 years ago. Those killings and the law enforcement’s investigation and prosecution of brothers Bruce, David and Norman Johnston were chronicled  in author Bruce Mowday’s book, Jailing The Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers To Justice; published by Barricade Books.

On Wednesday, August 8 at 9:00 p.m. The ReelZ network, affiliated with A & E, will present an hour’s show on the Johnstons as part of its Gangsters: America’s Most Evil series.

“I haven’t seen the show but this spring I spent a number of days communicating with the show’s production company and was interviewed for several hours,” Mowday said. “A number of people involved in the case were also interviewed. Even though the crimes took place decades ago, I’m not surprised this case continues to generate interest. Gangsters were killing members of their own family.”

Before the television show, Mowday will talk about his book and the case at Canvas Valley Forge, 101 Bryce Lane, King of Prussia, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public. “This will give people a chance to hear about the criminals, called the most infamous in Chester County history,” Mowday said.

Mowday will also give a talk on the Johnston Gang on Tuesday, July 31 before the Broomall Rotary in Newtown Square at 6:00 p.m.

“Five of the murders took place in August 1978,” Mowday said. “Norman and David Johnston were convicted of committing four of those murders. Bruce Johnston Sr. was found guilty of killing all five and a police informant the previous year. Many people are convinced Bruce killed at least 10 people.”

Mowday was on television earlier this month in connection with his latest book, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg. Mowday and his book were featured on the Pennsylvania Cable Network show It’s History.

In August Mowday will also sign books at an event hosted by the Downingtown Historical Society, 849 East Lancaster Avenue at the Ashbridge House, on August 19 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.