This article was originally published on DailyBee
Christian Had a Stable Upbringing and Wanted That for His Kids
Christian Longo was born into a middle-class family in Michigan, surrounded by love and faith. Little did anyone suspect the surprising trajectory his life would take. Meeting Mary Jane at their local church, the pair's six-year age difference mattered little as they decided to get married. Shortly after, they were expecting a baby, and life seemed good. Christian got a job at a company that distributed the New York Times.
Life seemed so far so good, and with more babies on the way, he was starting a picture-perfect family. So what could go so wrong?
From Entrepreneurial Dreams to Hidden Debts
At the young age of 25, Christian took a leap of faith, quitting his job to start his own cleaning company. Mary Jane's family viewed him as a Prince Charming; no one suspected a thing was wrong. They got everything for their kids, went on vacation, and he seemed to be making good money at work. However, behind their seemingly lavish lifestyle, the truth was hidden. The Longos were in deep debt, a secret known only to Chris.
Chris' business was actually crumbling, and he became desperate for money. He was about to head down a path that had no return.
Christian Longo's Descent Into Crime
With a lifestyle to maintain and a secret to protect, Chris resorted to a life of crime, embarking on a daring escapade that included test-driving a minivan and never returning it, along with writing counterfeit checks worth a staggering $30,000. Law enforcement caught on to him, and although a single counterfeit check could carry a sentence of 14 years in jail, he weaseled his way out only to receive probation.
He tried to hide everything from Mary, but one day she came across an email chain that exposed the lies and facade which he was trying so hard to keep up.
They Decided to Move Even Though Christian Was on Probation
Christian was officially charged with fraud. When Mary was faced with her husband's lies and actions, she had a difficult choice: leave or work things out. Driven by love and the desire for a complete family, she decided to forgive Chris, believing he had changed. They decided they needed a fresh start and would move to Ohio! Whether they knew it or not, moving violated his probation which only meant one thing.
The police were looking for him and put a warrant out for his arrest. Mary's sisters were confused by this sudden move and became worried, calling her nonstop, but no one answered.
Authorities Found Two Bodies by the Water
Mary's sisters felt this was very suspicious, and they grew uneasy the longer they didn't hear from Mary. They became concerned for her safety and couldn't understand what was happening. However, unbeknownst to them, the truth had already unfolded. The reality set in as news broke of a young boy's lifeless body discovered near a bridge. In a tragic twist, it was none other than Zachary Longo, and only moments later was Sadie Longo found in the water.
It was still unclear what happened. Where were Mary and Christian and the third child, and who could do such a thing?
The Manhunt for the Rest of the Longo Family
As the investigation unfolded, a chilling mystery began to take shape. With the discovery of two young victims, aged five and three, authorities were left grappling with questions of responsibility and the whereabouts of the remaining family members. Their search intensified until a heartbreaking breakthrough occurred near the Longo residence. After eight days of searching, they came across the bodies of Mary and their third child, two-year-old Madison. However, Christain was nowhere to be found.
Denise Thompson babysat the three children and confessed to the police that Christian had made a haunting comment to her days before their disappearance. "You won't be seeing the rest of the family. My wife and I are getting a divorce."
Christian Longo Was on the Run From the Police
With the truth now laid bare, law enforcement agencies launched a desperate search for Christian Longo; the man believed to have taken the lives of his entire family. Little did they know, Longo had already orchestrated an elaborate plan, meticulously crafted weeks before the tragedy unfolded. He got his hands on a stranger's credit card and made his way out of the country. He was now on the FBI's ten most wanted list, and the search was endless.
No one could wrap their heads around what had occurred. So many questions remained: where was Christain Longo, and was he responsible for these crimes?
Christian Longo's Escape to Mexico
As the authorities tirelessly combed the country for Christian Longo, little did they know he had already slipped away to a tropical haven - Cancun, Mexico. In this setting, Longo saw an opportunity to shed his old identity and indulge in his wildest fantasies. He started telling others he was Michael Finkel, who was a real-life journalist that Longo admired. He even went to extraordinary lengths to make his story believable. He convinced people he was on an assignment to discover Mayan mysticism.
He lived a double life, and no one around him knew the truth. So if he didn't kill his family, why would he be living under a new identity in Mexico? Keep reading to find out.
Christian Was Pretending to Be a Journalist in Mexico
In the vibrant streets of Cancun, a man named Michael Finkel captivated the locals with his intriguing persona. What they didn't know was that beneath his charming facade lay a dark secret. Embracing his self-proclaimed identity as journalist Finkel, Christian formed a romantic connection with Janina Franke, a talented photographer residing in his Cancun youth hostel. They would travel around Mexico together for his so-called writing assignments. He thought he was in the clear, but he had no idea what was coming.
Someone had recognized him while he was out and reported him to the police. The FBI was onto him, and it was only time before something monumental happened.
Christian Was Caught and Arrested
With the sun on his back and a new romance blossoming, Longo was loving life in Mexico. Little did he know that his blissful escape would be shattered after a mere two and a half weeks. He was sitting and relaxing in a shack when suddenly authorities stormed in and handcuffed him. He might've been pretending to be Michael Finkel, but the police were well aware of his true identity.
Christian Longo was about to confront a reality he never anticipated. And when the real Michael Finkel reached out to him, it took an even more bizarre turn.
Revealing the Man Behind the Stories
Michael Finkel was a talented journalist who had achieved considerable success, including winning awards and working for the esteemed New York Times. Christian discovered his work and admired it. He always wanted to write and looked at Michael as an inspiration. So he chose him as the perfect person to embody on his escapades in Mexico. However, Michael Finkel was ready for a change in his career. So what was the connection between these two characters?
Unbeknownst to Finkel, his writing had deeply resonated with Longo, sparking a series of events that would forever change their lives.
Michael Finkel's Downward Spiral
Michael Finkel had experienced an extraordinary rise to the top, accomplishing in a short period what many strive for their entire lives. His career soared to new heights, earning him admiration and followers. However, this newfound success came at a cost. The allure of fame and recognition began to consume Finkel, causing concerns among those closest to him. As the pressures mounted, Finkel's ego propelled him into a relentless pursuit of surpassing his achievements and outshining his competitors.
He decided to do something outside of the box, led by his ego and far from any values or principles. And it caught the attention of many.
Michael Receives an Unexpected Phone Call
In a stunning turn of events, Michael Finkel's quest for excellence took a dark twist when he resorted to fabricating elements of a story on child slavery in West Africa. While not explicitly illegal, the ethical breach was a line his boss couldn't overlook. Finkel's world crumbled in an instant, leaving him stripped of his hard-earned accomplishments and ousted from his job. The fallout extended beyond mere professional consequences; it tarnished his once-sterling reputation among colleagues.
He was used to people shaming him for his actions. But then, a surprising twist unfolded. When Michael answered the mysterious phone call, instead of scorn, the voice on the other end offered an unexpected lifeline, extending a chance for redemption and an opportunity to tell his side of the story.
Michael Finkel and Christian Longo Begin Talking
Michael had lost his job at the New York Times and was in a low place. Until he received a call that took him by surprise; on the other end was news of a shocking family murder in Oregon and a man named Christian Longo impersonating him. Finkel felt an unexplainable pull to meet this man. Curiosity drove Finkel to reach out to Longo, seeking answers to the burning question: why did he assume Finkel's identity?
Christian Longo responded and agreed to meet Finkel. Their correspondence took the form of letters and weekly phone calls, allowing Finkel to delve into the mind of an accused murderer.
Finkel and Longo's Intriguing Bond
Michaell's relentless search for truth led him to an unlikely friendship with Christian Longo. Their frequent and personal correspondence formed the basis of Finkel's book, True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa. It was quite bizarre that Christian chose Michael as his confidant, sharing intimate details about his life. Initially, he felt morally superior, but his perception of Christian began to shift as he learned about his struggles as the sole provider for his family, working for a low wage.
However, Michael eventually realized that he was merely a rehearsal for Christian Longo's manipulation. He was practicing for when he faced a court and wanted to plead his innocence.
The Surprising Revelation on Longo's Trial Day
As the trial date approached, Finkel anticipated the moment when Longo would finally reveal the truth about the heinous act that claimed the lives of his family members. However, what transpired left Finkel appalled, questioning both Longo's motives and his own ability to judge character. Longo surprised everyone by pleading guilty to the murder of his wife and youngest child but not to the murder of his other two children. When Longo took the stand, Finkel realized he was witnessing a well-rehearsed performance.
Longo hoped the jury would respond favorably, just as Finkel had during their months of correspondence. The burning question remained: What was Longo's actual account of the tragic events that unfolded that fateful day?
Christian Longo's Startling Account of His Family's Final Night
Longo finally broke his silence, shedding light on the fateful evening that forever altered his life. In his own words, the weight of his deceit became unbearable, compelling him to confess his web of lies to his wife, Mary Jane. However, according to him, Mary Jane became furious. When he returned from work that night, his two older kids were missing, his baby was on the floor, and Mary was alluding to killing them.
Consumed by his emotions, he recounts ending his wife's life right there and then doing the same to his baby to spare her.
Longo's Fate Sealed in Just Four Hours
The jury wasted no time deliberating Christian Longo's fate. After his testimony on the stand, their decision was made easily, and it only took them four hours to come to a conclusion. He was found guilty of all four murders, and shockingly to some, he said he wasn't surprised and probably deserved a lifetime behind bars or even the death penalty. Adding fuel to the fire, one of Mary Jane's sisters admitted that months later, he told her how he killed the older two children.
Christian Longo went to extremes to pretend he was innocent, but in the end, his story didn't add up. So how did the public feel about it? Thanks to Finkel's work, Longo would soon find out.
The Surprising Movie Adaptation of Finkel's Story
Finkel ended up transforming his unsettling experiences with Christian Longo into a novel, but he didn't expect it to go anywhere. To his astonishment, the book caught the attention of Hollywood, inspiring the film, True Story starring Jonah Hill and James Franco. It explores the complex relationship between Finkel and Longo, showcasing the unsettling mind games they played. Despite Longo's conviction for all four murders, Finkel and he still maintain contact, which continues to baffle many.
It's a disturbing and sad story that Hollywood capitalized on, and people continue to wonder what motivates Michael Finkel to continue talking to him.
Christian Longo's Death Penalty Case
Christian Longo was convicted of ending the lives of his wife and three children and was initially given the death penalty. However, Oregon's governor made a groundbreaking announcement, commuting the sentences of all 17 inmates on death row to life imprisonment without parole. This decision, according to Governor Brown, was driven by a belief that the death penalty is fundamentally flawed and immoral. This made people angry and upset, claiming he deserved his original sentencing.
This twist in Longo's case has sparked a heated debate on the ethics and effectiveness of capital punishment, leaving many wondering about the future of the justice system and if he got what he deserved.
He Wants to Donate His Organs Now
The Oregon Governor's decision to commute the death sentences left people confused about how to react. While Christian Longo remains on death row, it seems he will no longer face that fate. And now his focus has shifted towards an unexpected cause: overturning the ban on inmates donating their organs after execution. Longo claims this desire stems from his remorse and a desperate attempt to make amends for his unforgivable crimes.
Though he'll spend his life in prison, he is set on his idea to eventually have the possibility of being able to donate his organs.
A Tranquil Suburb Shattered by Crime
Sadly, this won't be the last time we hear such stories, as this husband took things to another level. In the peaceful neighborhood of Springfield, Illinois, where the crime was an alien concept, tragedy struck the Winger family. Mark Winger, an engineer, made a frantic call to the police, his voice filled with anguish. "Somebody killed my wife. I shot him," he sobbed uncontrollably. The authorities rushed to the scene, astonished by the turn of events in this quiet community. The Wingers, once the epitome of happiness, had adopted a beautiful daughter just days ago.
Yet, behind the facade of suburban tranquility, a dark secret loomed. As the investigation unfolded, the true nature of this seemingly perfect family was exposed.
The Once Quiet Town Was Dealing With a Serious Crime
When authorities entered the residence through an open front door, they were confronted with a scene no one wanted to see. In the dining room, Donnah Winger lay lifeless, her head showing signs of a serious injury. Alongside her was the body of Roger Harrington, a 27-year-old shuttle driver, also with gunshot wounds. A blood-stained hammer and a loaded .45 caliber pistol were found while Mark Winger, visibly distraught, cried about his deceased wife.
Immediately the police began to investigate. It was a sad sight to see, and Mark was clearly shaken up.
Doctors Tried to Save Her Life
In a race against time, medical professionals at Memorial Medical Center fought to save the lives of the victims. Regrettably, Roger Harrington was pronounced deceased upon arrival. Donnah received immediate attention in the emergency room, and despite the intense forty minutes of trying to save her, they were unsuccessful. The police informed Mark and questioned him, but he was a mess; after all, his wife was just killed, so it was understandable.
It was a heartbreaking image of a man coping with the sudden loss of his wife, covered in blood, clutching a blood-stained t-shirt; he sat at the edge of the bed crying.
Mark Recounts What Happened on That Dark Night
In a heart-wrenching moment of desperation, Mark desperately sought reassurance from the police, clinging to a glimmer of hope that Donnah would pull through. In his distressed state, he recounted the tragic chain of events that unfolded on that fateful day. He claimed that while exercising on their basement treadmill, he suddenly heard a disturbing thud from upstairs. He saw his baby in her crib and felt in his gut something was very wrong.
He remembers grabbing his firearm and rushing into the dining room to see a man with a hammer attacking his wife. He reacted in self-defense and shot the man.
A Troubling Situation With a Stalker
Mark shared a disturbing revelation with the police, Roger Harrington, the man found dead in their house, had been harassing them for an entire week. Mark explained that this man had made numerous phone calls, specifically asking to speak to Mrs. Winger. The Wingers had even contacted the shuttle company to report Roger's strange behavior during a recent ride home with Donnah. In fact, Mark had personally called Roger that very morning, warning him to stay away.
To emphasize the seriousness of the situation, Donnah had written a note detailing the unsettling details of her encounter with Roger, which they kept on the refrigerator.
The Chilling Journey on the Shuttle
Donnah's return trip from Florida took an unexpected turn when she boarded Missouri's BART Transportation shuttle at Lambert International Airport. Little did she know that this seemingly routine ride would quickly devolve into a disturbing experience. The driver, Roger Harrington, not only exhibited reckless driving but also engaged in unsettling conversations. He even claimed to possess the ability to communicate with the deceased. It creeped her out, and she immediately told her husband, Mark, all about it.
Investigations revealed Harrington's troubled past, including previous arrests and psychiatric struggles. His life had been marked by hardships. But was this really the guy who had committed this scary crime?
Mark Winger Was Always a Good Guy and Sought Out Spiritual Support
Mark Winger and Roger Harrington were worlds apart in their lives and backgrounds. Mark, a military veteran who served in Korea and maintained his affiliation with the Army Ready Reserve, was a respected member of the Springfield community. Alongside his wife, Donnah, they found their place within the local Jewish community, deeply valued by their peers. When tragedy struck and Donnah lost her life, Mark sought solace and guidance, expressing a desire to speak with the Rabbi.
The presence of the Rabbi proved instrumental in aiding Mark during his difficult moments, it was clearly a hard time for him, and he didn't know how to move on.
A Picture-Perfect Love Story Turned Heartbreaking Tale
Their relationship was the envy of everyone who knew them. Donnah and Mark shared a bond that seemed unbreakable! Their deepest desire was to become parents, and when they finally adopted a baby, their dreams appeared to be fulfilled. Donnah, brimming with joy, took a break from work to embrace motherhood with open arms. Little did she know that her time as a mother would be tragically cut short and her own life as well.
On that fateful day, she visited Mark's office, eager to introduce their precious child to his colleagues. The events that unfolded afterward would ruin their perfect world.
The Police Thought They Reached a Clear Conclusion
Detective Charles Cox's report left no room for doubt - the Winger family's story took a devastating turn, far from the happiness they once knew. The evidence pointed to one grim truth: Roger Harrington, a shuttle driver who had previously encountered Donnah, became dangerously obsessed with her, resulting in a case of stalking and murder. State's Attorney Patrick Kelly swiftly confirmed that Mark Winger, Donnah's grief-stricken husband, acted in self-defense when he took Harrington's life.
It was a sad reality for the WInger family. It seemed like there would be justice, but something else loomed in the darkness.
There Was a Twist No One Saw Coming
As the investigation into the tragic incident unfolded, new voices emerged, casting doubt on the seemingly straightforward narrative. The coroner's jury suggested that Roger Harrington barged into the Winger residence and attacked Donnah with a hammer. But were there more layers to this story? With no eyewitnesses besides Mark, questions lingered. Enter Sgt. Doug Williamson a fresh face in the Springfield Police Department who was ready to find the truth.
Progress was slow, and a neighbor's testimony only served to emphasize the deep love between the Wingers. But soon enough, it would all change.
Father's Intuition Raises Eyebrows in Winger Case
In a shocking turn of events, doubts surround Mark Winger's account of the tragic incident that took his wife's life. Sgt. A tenacious detective, Doug Williamson, refused to accept the case at face value. His investigation led him to Cash Brown, the grieving father of Donnah Winger, who shared his skepticism. Brown found Mark's lack of tears and the presence of unanswered questions deeply troubling. Though lacking concrete evidence, their shared doubts cast a shadow of uncertainty over the case.
As the search for truth intensifies, the unsettling possibility of a hidden narrative behind the Winger tragedy emerges.
Unanswered Questions Cast Doubt
As the investigation unfolds, several inconsistencies raise doubts about the official narrative. The unlocked door contradicts Donnah's usual cautious behavior, leaving many to wonder if it was an accidental oversight. Then Donnah's sister and her friend went to the home to recreate the thud that Mark said he heard from the basement, but it was completely soundproof. So how would he have heard what was happening upstairs? They were scared of what that meant.
These puzzling details add to the mystery surrounding the case and leave investigators searching for answers.
Roger Harrington's Whereabouts That Night Didn't Match up
As details emerge, the perplexing nature of Roger Harrington's actions comes to light. While it's important to remember that he had some mental health issues, certain aspects raise eyebrows. Firstly, why were the tools he could have used for his sinister plans left in his car, conveniently parked nearby? Wouldn't a calculated criminal bring them along? Moreover, Harrington had openly mentioned his intention to visit the house, even carrying a note with Mark's name, address, and a specific time.
Another detail that couldn't be overlooked was that Roger left behind his beverage and cigarette box on the dining table, giving the impression that he was leaving the house casually rather than on a premeditated killing spree.
People Claimed Mark Actually Invited Roger Over That Night
There are puzzling aspects surrounding Mark's story about Harrington's death, leaving room for skepticism and unanswered questions. According to Mark, he shot Harrington twice in self-defense, but the forensic evidence tells a different tale. The initial gunshot wound found on the back of Harrington's head contradicts Mark's account. Additionally, conflicting testimonies add to the confusion. Mark claims he called Harrington to warn him to stay away, but individuals acquainted with Harrington's trailer park life say Mark actually invited him over.
These discrepancies cast doubt on the significance of the note found on Harrington, containing Mark's name, address, and a specific time. Could it be possible that Roger Harrington didn't commit the crime?
Mark Remarried His Nanny
The police seemed to favor Mark, viewing him as a reliable individual with a good reputation while labeling Harrington as "trailer trash" and "crazy." Despite the inconsistencies in Mark's narrative, he has been moving forward. He received $25,000 from the Crime Victims Compensation Act and $150,000 from life insurance. He hired a live-in nanny who soon became his new wife. He put his house up for sale, got a promotion, and seemed to be moving on fast.
He even published a letter in his local newspaper thanking everyone for supporting him as he moved on with his life. But his life would take one more surprising turn.
The Authorities Were Onto Him
Mark sued BART Transportation, alleging negligence in hiring Roger Harrington as a driver, claiming they were responsible for his previous wife's death. Little did he know that this legal action would open Pandora's box of investigations and revelations. BART's attorneys, along with the police, embarked on a thorough investigation, unearthing a trove of new evidence. Some speculate that it was the lawsuit itself that triggered the investigation, but the police claim they would have re-examined the case regardless.
Almost four years later, a woman came forward, confessing to an affair with Mark in 1995. The case took an unexpected twist, leaving everyone questioning what other secrets may be lurking in the shadows.
The Truth About Mark Was Coming Out
A friend of Donnah's recently came forward, shedding light on a disturbing plan orchestrated by Mark Winger. According to her account, Mark allegedly confessed that Donnah's death would bring them closer together. Phone and hotel records corroborated her testimony. Along with the note in Roger Harrington's car of Mark's address, it all seemed to make more sense. This shattered the notion of an intruder, suggesting Mark lured Harrington into the house.
Susan Collins, Harrington's roommate, confirmed he was invited over. The puzzle pieces were all fitting, and it looked like Mark had planned everything.
Mark Found Guilty of Taking the Lives of Donnah and Roger
Mark had already started a new family with his new wife, but his future looked bleak. He was arrested at his workplace with a staggering bail set at $10 million, and his hopes of release were gone. He was set to go on trial, and it lasted three weeks. Mark claimed it was just self-defense, but the judge and jury didn't buy a single thing he said. It was now clear what had happened.
Mark was found guilty of a double homicide, and his arrest brought immense relief and satisfaction to everyone involved.
Mark Will Be in Prison for His Entire Life
The evidence was clear, and all signs pointed to Mark setting the whole thing up. He was found guilty and was sentenced to serve life in prison with no parole. Although while in prison years later, he was caught setting up a hitman on two people. One of the witnesses who testified against him and a friend who wouldn't pay his ridiculous bail. He was then sentenced to another 35 years.
Donnah's grieving family found solace in creating Donnah's Fund, a significant contribution to Women in Distress, supporting women seeking refuge from abusive situations.