R.I.P. Phillip Finch 1948-2012
I just heard that a friend and a fierce supporter in the fight to get justice for William Thomas Zeigler, passed away.
Phillip Finch died at the age of 63 after losing the battle to cancer.
An accomplished author, Phil published some books based on true stories. One of them was of course “Fatal Flaw.” In that book he described the Zeigler case and what he had been able to put together. His analysis was razor sharp and undermined the state’s theory completely. Phil was so dedicated to that case that he made the book available for free on the Internet via his website.
During the years, Phil helped brainstorm about the case and generously allowed me to quote at any length I wanted, anywhere. Even though he was not actively involved in the Zeigler case the last few years, he supported anyone who asked for his help.
Phil read my crime scene analysis before it was posted, encouraged me to continue, emailed me documents I did not have and always exchanged information.
We lost a rock solid friend.
My deepest sympathy to the Finch family.
Rest in peace, Phil. I will miss you.
Categories: Vidocq Unscripted
Tags: Phillip Finch, William Thomas Zeigler
Thank you for notifying us of this sad news, V.
My deepest sympathy to the Finch family.
Rest in peace, Phillip.
Phil was a great friend to Tommy and continued his support long after his book was published. He even flew out from KS to go with me when I arranged for some of us closely connected with the case to talk with Gov. Bush’s general counsel. He explained the reasons he believed Tommy was innocent and made a strong impression on the counsel. [Unfortunately, there was an appeal pending and Gov. Bush left office before the court process ended.]
Phil was always available whenever I had a question or a thought about the case for which I needed a sounding board, and I so appreciated his keen insight and intellectual prowess.
He will be greatly missed.
We are deeply saddened to learn of Phillip Finch’s passing. He was an extremely perceptive and talented author. We are indebted to him for using his gifts to explore the controversial imprisonment of Tommy Ziegler, and to fight for his freedom. Because Phillip wrote ‘Fatal Flaw’, we began corresponding with Tommy (who is now a loved and valued friend).
We have also made deep friendships with others involved with Tommy’s case – all because of Phillip’s book. We will always be grateful to him. Our love and sympathy are with his family.
My deepest sympathies to his family, and for his extended family who developed as a result of his efforts on Tommy Zeigler’s behalf. Terrible loss.
Phillip Finch had many incarnations, and those who love to solve mysteries should find his fascinating.
At various times in his life he was an “expert” handler of a search and rescue dog (that was when he was married to his first wife, and living in the Sierras); an “expert” on the Civil War (that was when he was living in Washington D.C. and married to me, who supported him in his writing career until he got on his feet and departed; and then, ta da! he morphed into a “prolific Kansas writer” and “expert cave diver” and this was when he was married to his final ex-wife.
This was certainly a man with many internal mysteries, who put on and took off various personas to fit his constant need to be seen as an “expert” in something. He was a charmer indeed who bumped into and interacted with many people, me included, who thought we knew him and — once he had moved on to play a new part — realized we had no idea who he was. As I think he also did not. He was a Cold Case indeed.
Robin Chapman (wife #2)
Thank you, Robin, for stopping by and for commenting.
It sounds like Phil was always searching for the next big story. I only knew him as the author who generously shared his time and knowledge. Phil encouraged me to to take Zeigler’s case onto another platform to reach those who had never heard about it.
I wish you well, V