http://www.examiner.com/history-in-phoenix/arizona-republic-reporter-don-bolles-murdered-by-the-arizona-mobA frightening incident that took place on the morning of June 2, 1976 changed the lives of many
living in Phoenix. Don Bolles, an investigative reporter for the Arizona Republic had received
a phone call that morning from an individual who said he had some important information about
"The Organized Mob" in Arizona. Don Bolles had been working on other stories regarding the proof
of specific individuals that had been suspected to be part of a mobster group based in Phoenix,
and the caller said he had some strong proof.
A meeting was set-up for that day in June between the two men. Don couldn't resist the opportunity
and went to the Clarendon Hotel in central Phoenix to meet the caller, John Harvey Adamson,
to learn more about what had become Don's passion - to expose the "Arizona Mob".
Don entered the hotel in search of Adamson but never found him. After a half hour or so, he gave up
and proceeded back to his car in the hotel parking lot. When Don Bolles turned the ignition key,
six sticks of dynamite exploded underneath the driver's seat, leaving reporter Bolles mortally wounded.
First responders to the scene noted that Don had muttered a few words before loosing consciousness:
"They finally got me, The Mafia. Find John Adamson."
After a series of operations, the amputation of both his legs and one arm, the highly respected journalist,
Don Bolles, died, beginning one of the most heralded police investigations ever conducted in the city of Phoenix.
A lot of questions needed to be answered: Why Don?; What was he working on?; Who was he to meet that day?;
Who had the ability to orchestrate such an horrific crime?