Summary of the Amish Wife: Unraveling the Lies, Secrets, and Conspiracy That Let a Killer Go Free

By J.J. Holt

This book is a compelling and intricately woven narrative that delves into the mysterious and tragic events surrounding the deaths of Ida and Danny Stutzman. Set against the backdrop of an Amish community, it follows the relentless pursuit of truth by various individuals, including the determined author. The story unfolds through a series of interviews, revelations, and personal reflections, offering a profound exploration of faith, family, and secrets. As the layers of deception are peeled back, the book sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the enduring quest for justice. A gripping tale of love, loss, and the enduring search for answers, this book is a poignant exploration of the human experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.J. Holt
• Release date: Dec 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215589564

J.J. Holt

J. J. Holt served in the USAF from 2000 - 2004. He served 2 tours, Pakistan in 2002 and Saudi Arabia in 2003. After serving in the USAF, he became a Nurse. J.J. Holt's first published works were published online and read by over 1 million people.

Book preview

PART ONE: SUMMER 2022

Chapter 1 Summary

The chapter opens with the author recounting the challenge of responding to a message from Daniel Gingerich, which was initially relayed through a librarian named Alice Henderson. Dan, living as a Swartzentruber Amish without a phone, wanted to speak with the author, marking their first interaction in over thirty years. The author vividly recalls their last meeting in 1989 at Dan's farm in Harmony, Minnesota, describing the Amish lifestyle and the setting of their conversation, lit by a kerosene lamp in a kitchen with wood-planked tables.

This meeting was primarily about Dan's nephew, Danny Stutzman, a nine-year-old boy whose body was found in a Nebraska cornfield in 1985, earning him the nickname Little Boy Blue. The author had visited Dan to discuss Danny's case, his sister Ida, and the barn fire that claimed her life. Dan was hesitant and indirect in his communication, mindful of the Amish principle of staying away from the English world.

The chapter also delves into the author's background as a crime writer, detailing the emotional impact of Danny's case, which involved a child and was marked by unresolved questions. The author reflects on the murder cases linked to Eli Stutzman, Danny's father, and his eventual conviction for a different murder. Despite the grueling nature of his work, the author remains committed to uncovering the truth.

In August 2022, Dan and the author finally connect over the phone, catching up on their lives and families. Dan reveals he has a box of letters related to Eli Stutzman that might interest the author. Intrigued, the author promptly arranges a flight to Michigan, hoping the letters will shed light on the unresolved aspects of Eli and Ida Stutzman's lives. The chapter ends with the author eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore these new leads.

Chapter 2 Summary:

In this chapter, the author reflects on the complex relationship between Ida and Eli Stutzman during a flight to Marquette, analyzing their history and the circumstances leading to their marriage. The chapter starts with the author trying to make the best of airplane amenities while revisiting the story of Ida and Eli.

Ida, a sixteen-year-old Amish girl, met Eli at a youth gathering in 1966. Their initial attraction was strong, but Eli's commitment was questionable, evidenced by his behavior during their courtship. Despite this, Ida remained hopeful about their future together. Eli's departure from the Amish community and his subsequent excommunication ('the bann') devastated Ida, but she clung to the hope that he would return.

Eli eventually returned to the Amish in 1975, and their marriage was announced for October 6. However, the wedding was delayed due to Eli's failing blood tests for sexually transmitted infections, a fact that might have been unknown to Ida. The author recalls interviewing Ida’s sister, Lydia, who shared insights into Ida's doubts and Eli's attempts to manipulate the situation.

Despite these challenges, Eli and Ida married on Christmas Day, 1975. They initially lived at Levi Levi Hershberger’s place, a decision that was seen as questionable by some in the community. The author notes the Amish community's quiet suspicions about Levi.

Ida quickly became pregnant, and the couple moved to her uncle's farm. Ida's worries about Eli's frequent absences and secretive behavior grew during this time. She confided her concerns and doubts to her mother, who tried to reassure her with faith and hope.

The chapter also touches on Ida's role as a submissive wife, a cultural norm that potentially silenced her from seeking help or expressing her true feelings about her marriage. This cultural context is further explored through the author's interactions with Ida’s parents, who were deeply hurt by the tragedies that befell their daughter and grandson.

Ida's despair over her marriage and Eli's lack of affection becomes evident during a visit from her brother Dan and mother Lizzie. Despite her efforts to be a good wife and mother, Ida felt unloved and used by Eli, a sentiment that deeply affected her brother Dan.

The chapter ends with the author musing on the complexity of Ida's situation, her unrequited love for Eli, and the manipulative nature of their relationship. This retrospective analysis sets the stage for further exploration of the Stutzman family's tragic story.

Chapter 3 Summary:

Chapter 3 of the book details the author's journey to meet Dan Gingerich and explore further the truth behind the deaths of Ida Stutzman and her unborn child. Facing the challenge of finding a rental car in Marquette, Michigan, the author eventually manages to procure one and heads to Escanaba, where Dan had recently moved.

Upon arrival at the Gingerich farm, the author describes the serene Amish landscape and the Gingerich household, noting the absence of modern amenities like electricity. Dan, despite recently suffering a fall from a wagon, is hospitable and leads the author into his office for a discussion.

The conversation between the author and Dan focuses on the desire to uncover the truth about Ida's death, which they both believe was a murder, not an accident as officially recorded. They discuss the challenges of getting people in Wayne County, Ohio, to speak openly about the case, as well as the cultural and social factors that have kept the truth hidden for so long.

Dan expresses his ambivalence about pursuing the truth, acknowledging the reluctance of his family and community to delve into the past. He shares a crucial piece of information: a woman in Ohio had told him that her sister’s husband, on his deathbed, confessed to knowing about the plan to kill Ida but didn't directly participate in it. This revelation reinforces their belief that Ida's death was premeditated.

The author and Dan speculate on the possible reasons for the murder, discussing Eli's and another individual’s involvement in unsavory activities. They ponder the complexities of human nature and the circumstances that lead to drastic actions like murder.

Dan shows the author a box of letters and clippings related to Eli Stutzman, collected by his father. He allows the author to copy these documents, which include various correspondences and news articles, providing further insight into the Stutzman family saga.

The chapter concludes with the author expressing a sense of camaraderie with Dan, despite their different backgrounds, and capturing the essence of their conversation and the Amish way of life. This meeting leaves the author with more material to