Richard Van Hook

[Mary Beth]

Anyone remember this case? Not trying to find out identities but was wondering how are his victims today? How about his kids, he had two - how did they turn out?

[momof4]

Yes i remember that case. One of my sisters had him for a teacher and she was shocked when the story broke. One of my other sisters has been a close to friend to Van Hook's sister for many years. Van Hook's wife and 2 children moved out of state and changed there name many years ago. That is all i want to say about what i know.

[Mary Beth]

Thanks, Momof4. I recently read the book by Donald Weber. I also remember when this happened, I grew up in Caseyville and remember Van Hook. I was in high school when he taught there, although I didn't have him.

Reading the book, I can't help but wonder if he was guilty. A few things point to it, and the behavior of the other teachers was horrible.

What an awful thing for his family. I had heard they still lived in the area, although out of Collinsville. I don't know, I guess you grow up with the knowledge your father/husband/brother/son was guilty of something like this, or the knowledge he was railroaded. Either way, it must be just dreadful. I was left with such a bad feeling after reading the book.

[Rocks Rules]

What was the case about?

[momof4]

Your welcome Mary Beth...i typoed in my last post i meant to say my one sister has and still is a very close friend to Richards sister....like i said i dont want to give out any more info due privacy and respect for his family. They had enough heartache in there lives. I do want to say though dont believe everything you read or hear. In my opion i think that Don Weber has a bit of a big ego and is out to make a name for himself.

[Mary Beth]

Back in 1982, Richard Van Hook, a teacher in the Collinsville School District, then at Caseyville Elementary, was charged with molesting some students. The Grand Jury in St Clair County refused to indict.

Then Donald Weber, then State's Attorney in Madison County (where most of the School District is located) took the case, found a victim from when Van Hook taught in Collinsville, charged, got an indictment from the Grand Jury in Madison County and got a conviction on some charges. The day before Van Hook was to be sentenced, he committed suicide at Horseshoe Lake State Park.

Most of the School District and teachers supported VH. One teacher went so far as to make a list of all the girls that testified before the Grand Jury (in Madison County) and pass it along to other teachers at all the District Schools.

There is a book out by Donald Weber - actually been out for years you can find by an easy Google Search.

[Rocks Rules]

Thanks for the info. I don't remember the case. I grad. out of Troy in the '80, but also did a few years in Collinsville.
Mary Beth does your Mother in laws first name start with J.?

[Mary Beth]

No, my MIL's name doesn't.

[susan]

I think it is a sad situation. But it seems like there was just too much evidence against this man. I hope this case has helped victims speak out, and perps. get help.

[old fashion]

Mary Beth wrote:

Anyone remember this case? Not trying to find out identities but was wondering how are his victims today? How about his kids, he had two - how did they turn out?

i was a freshmen when his children were a senior and a graduate. they put on a good face to the community despite what tragic situations they faced. after all he was still someone's dad,husband,son. this by no means excuses anyone from hurting any other human especially a child. it was sad, i had to force my self not to put myself in the the childrens shoes of thought. very very upsetting.

[Karen]

I just finished the book. I'm sorry for his family, but the evidence was overwhelming against him. He was a sick man in need of help. There were too many people turning a blind eye to what he did. He destroyed those girls lives and would never admit guilt even in the end. He took the easy way out by committing suicide. There are many disturbed individuals out there who are leading normal lives with families that don't have a clue to what they really are. The way the school district and teachers acted is criminal. The girls got no consideration as to how they were dealing with what he did. The district didn't care about them, only the teachers. It has opened my eyes to watch closely what goes on concerning my children.

[outoftowner]

Mr Van Hook was my 7th grade teacher a North Junion High School in Collinsville..I have to admit I had a little crush on him..(girl stuff)he lived down the street from my Aunt off of Zupan..One thing that always stuck in my mind was at Maryville homecoming he had stared alot at me I was filling out well at this time of my life..I remember feeling a little flattered..I still have the book and my 14 year old finished reading it about a month ago (it's ironic I seen this on Topix)she asked me questions and I told her he was a nice teacher but felt uneasy at times..I thought it was sad what happened to him and his family..and the victims..

[Mary Beth]

Does anyone know if his son's first name is Ryan? Just curious.