American Black Widow by Gregg Olsen: Book Overview
Have you ever wondered what drives someone to commit heinous crimes? Can a person's upbringing and relationships shape them into a cold-blooded killer?
Gregg Olsen's American Black Widow book delves into the chilling true story of Sharon Nelson. You'll discover how her troubled childhood and manipulative relationships led to a series of shocking events.
Read on to uncover the dark tale of deception, murder, and the pursuit of justice that unfolds in this gripping true crime narrative.
Overview of American Black Widow
American Black Widow book takes a deep dive into the chilling story of Sharon Nelson, a woman who led a life marred by tragedies, deceit, and the mysterious deaths of her two husbands. Gregg Olsen's work unfolds the complex web of Sharon's lifelong struggles, stemming from her restrictive upbringing and traumatic experiences, as well as her relentless pursuit of wealth and infidelity in relationships.
The summary chronicles Sharon's confessions to her role in orchestrating the murders, and the profound impact her actions had on her family and the broader community. It offers an intriguing look into the life of a woman whose dark choices and unrelenting schemes culminated in profound betrayal and heartbreak.
Sharon Nelson's Troubled Childhood
Sharon Nelson's early life was marked by a strict religious upbringing and traumatic experiences that would shape her future actions. Growing up in a Seventh-Day Adventist household, Sharon faced numerous obstacles that hindered her emotional and spiritual growth.
Sharon's parents, Josephine and Morris Douglas, enforced a stringent disciplinary regime rooted in their religious beliefs. They closely monitored their children's activities and used physical punishment as a means of correction. In a disturbing practice, Sharon and her siblings were often made to choose the branches that would be used for their own punishment. This harsh discipline sometimes resulted in bruises and scrapes, with everyday items like hairbrushes and ice cube trays being used as tools for punishment.
The family's emphasis on maintaining a perfect image came at the cost of emotional honesty and open communication. They hid their true feelings behind a facade of piety, rarely expressing genuine emotions or reactions. This environment taught Sharon and her siblings to attribute positive actions to divine influence while taking sole responsibility for any wrongdoing. The lack of emotional support and open dialogue created a suffocating atmosphere that stifled Sharon's personal desires and needs.
Sexual Abuse and Repression
Sharon's childhood was further marred by incidents of sexual abuse and unwanted advances, which occurred within what should have been safe, religious environments. During a charity event at a place of worship, she experienced inappropriate touching from a man while seated in the back of a vehicle. In another incident, an older employee acted improperly toward her in a storage space at a Seventh-Day Adventist school.
The response to these traumatic events from those responsible for Sharon's well-being was disturbingly lacking in compassion and protection. Her mother's implication that Sharon's increased maturity could have prevented the attack reveals a deeply flawed understanding of blame and responsibility, potentially compounding the trauma Sharon experienced.
The restrictive nature of Sharon's upbringing extended to many aspects of daily life. Dancing, movies, and television were strictly forbidden, particularly following the controversy surrounding Elvis Presley's performances. This contrasted sharply with her father's occasional acts of secret rebellion, such as when he secretly gave her a forbidden soda and told her to dispose of any evidence. The secretive environment and closed channels of communication further hindered Sharon from expressing or addressing her distressing experiences, as children were under strict instructions to keep family issues confidential.
A Series of Troubled Relationships
Sharon's adult life was characterized by a string of unsatisfying relationships, deceptive actions, and complex involvements with various men. Each of these encounters revealed different aspects of her evolving character and her increasing willingness to manipulate others for personal gain.
Her first marriage was to Minister Mike Fuller, known for his frugal lifestyle. As time went on, Sharon grew increasingly dissatisfied with Mike, citing his lack of empathy, gentleness, and affectionate care—qualities she craved and eventually found in someone else. Their relationship deteriorated to the point where Sharon reportedly used harsh and offensive language during disputes over parental responsibilities for their children, Rochelle and Denise. Her portrayal as a neglectful mother ultimately led to the revocation of her parental rights.
Seeking emotional fulfillment outside her marriage, Sharon began an affair with a man named Craig. This extramarital relationship brought her a complex mix of emotions, where guilt and shame intertwined with the happiness and affection she found lacking in her marriage to Mike. The affair eventually led to the end of her union with Mike Fuller, as the weight of deceit became too much to bear.
Manipulation of Perry Nelson
After her divorce from Mike in 1976, Sharon set her sights on Perry Nelson, a wealthy ophthalmologist. She meticulously examined church records to identify Perry as a potential target, taking into account his financial situation and existing responsibilities such as alimony, child support, and outstanding debts.
Sharon skillfully manipulated Perry's vulnerabilities and self-doubts to draw him into a romantic relationship. She convinced him to end his marriage with Julie to pursue a connection with her, and they married in 1977. However, their union was far from idyllic. Financial strains, exacerbated by Sharon's mismanagement of Perry's business finances and her evident infidelity, put a constant strain on their relationship.
While working alongside Perry, Sharon adeptly lured numerous men with the intention of improving her economic status and elevating her social standing. She entered into a romantic relationship with Buzz Reynolds, an individual with established ties to Perry, showing little concern for the betrayal or potential consequences of her actions. Despite the challenges in their relationship, including financial disputes and Sharon's unfaithfulness with a carpenter named Gary Starr Adams, Sharon and Perry made several attempts to mend their relationship.
Sharon's Web of Deception
Sharon's ability to juggle multiple romantic and sexual partners simultaneously became a defining feature of her life. She leveraged her allure to gain personal benefits and was widely known for her overtly sexual behavior to attract attention. Her deceptive charm allowed her to engage with numerous partners in romantic or sexual relationships at the same time.
Sharon's web of relationships extended far beyond the specific details discussed in the book. Her actions demonstrated a deliberate application of her personal allure and determination to transcend her humble beginnings and secure a life of excitement, wealth, and the fulfillment of the American Dream. She showed little regard for the feelings or well-being of those she manipulated, focusing solely on her own desires and ambitions.
Mysterious Deaths of Perry Nelson and Glen Harrelson
Sharon Nelson's story took a dark turn with the mysterious deaths of her two spouses, Perry Nelson and Glen Harrelson. The circumstances surrounding these deaths raised numerous questions and suspicions about Sharon's involvement.
Perry Nelson's disappearance and eventual death were shrouded in enigmatic circumstances. Initially ruled an accident, this verdict allowed Sharon to receive a significant payout from Perry's life insurance policy. However, several dubious conditions called this conclusion into question. On the night of his death, Perry had remained sober, which thwarted a scheme involving a tire iron that Sharon's lover had intended to use to end Perry's life.
Sharon's detached demeanor and absence from the search activities aroused the suspicions of Dr. Mitchell, a friend of Perry's. Before Perry vanished, rumors about an affair between Sharon and Gary were already circulating in the local community. Sharon's unexpected calmness and the absence of critical belongings like Perry's papers or briefcase from the car retrieved from the river added to the suspicions. Her quick decision to dispose of Perry's firearms after his disappearance, at a time of financial difficulty and amid rumors that he might have fled to Mexico, further fueled doubts about her innocence.
The swift inquiry by officials and the prompt cremation of Perry's remains led to skepticism about Sharon's claims concerning his death. She remained silent amid the rumors of her complicity in his untimely passing, further intensifying suspicions.
The Death of Glen Harrelson
Sharon's second husband, firefighter Glen Harrelson, also met a tragic end under suspicious circumstances. It was later revealed that Sharon, in collusion with her lover Gary, had orchestrated events leading to Glen's demise. Glen's initial suspicions about someone's loyalty were validated when evidence of Gary's involvement came to light.
Gary devised a scheme to portray Glen's death as a botched burglary. He used a metal pipe provided by Sharon and capitalized on his in-depth knowledge of the home they shared. Despite Glen's valiant resistance, Gary ultimately emerged victorious, discharging his firearm twice in Glen's direction. Sharon and Gary's efforts to disguise the murder through a staged, ineffective burglary, along with their intention to use arson to hide the crime, only served to increase suspicions. Gary scattered coins and clothing to simulate a break-in and attempted to start a fire to erase evidence.
Sharon's Confession and Arrest
The gradual revelation of Sharon's dishonest and unlawful actions became apparent over time. Her peculiar behavior and discrepancies in finances raised concerns among those around her. As the investigation into the murders intensified, Sharon Lynn Nelson became the prime suspect in the deaths of Perry Nelson and Glen Harrelson.
Insurance companies eventually recognized Sharon's role in Perry's passing, resulting in a significant distribution of funds due to his death. Rumors began to spread, questioning Sharon's honesty, as she faced claims of greed and even more serious charges. A police officer suspected her of wrongdoing but lacked the necessary proof to substantiate it.
People close to Sharon suggested that there might have been a romantic connection with Gary, who was also believed to have played a role in Perry's misfortune. As the investigation advanced, the growing body of evidence, along with skepticism among Glen's peers about his death in a house fire, increasingly indicated Sharon's complicity.
Sharon's confession came unexpectedly during an unguarded moment in a casual setting at a Pizza Hut. Amidst her emotional outpouring, she admitted to their involvement in the killings, revealing that Gary Starr Adams had convinced her that Perry was now out of the picture. This confession led to her arrest by the Thornton Police Department.
Later, at a Best Western Motel, Sharon Harrelson confessed to orchestrating the demise of her two spouses, an act that resulted in both her and Gary Adams being imprisoned. She accepted responsibility for two charges associated with the most serious class of homicide, possibly to avoid capital punishment and to shield her children from the trauma of such a harrowing experience.
Impact on Family and Community
Sharon's actions had a profound and lasting effect on her family, particularly her children and step-children. The unexpected and deeply moving passing of their fathers profoundly affected them, leading to profound grief and an earnest search for comfort. Even as they sought justice, the emotional toll was evident. Lorri Hustwaite's fervent courtroom confrontation with Sharon underscored her deep anguish, accusing Sharon of robbing her family of a beloved father, as well as a grandfather and a son.
The decision by the relatives to initiate legal action against insurance firms reflects the multifaceted nature of their grief, further intensified by monetary and judicial struggles. Sharon's deceitful behavior greatly weakened family ties, particularly through interactions with her daughter that were marked by conflict and a dismissive view of the deep impact her actions had on family bonds. Rochelle Mason's life, characterized by feelings of bitterness, abandonment, and sibling competition, was undoubtedly shaped by her mother's influence.
The impact of Sharon's behavior extended beyond her immediate family to the wider community, which regarded her with feelings of distrust, disgust, and resentment because of her insensitive and manipulative character. The community's collective sentiment of distrust and disdain is evidenced by the Philippi family's disparaging remarks about her character, the community's cautions against assisting her, and the doubts concerning the unusual sequence of her husbands' deaths.
Members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, along with Julie Nelson, who initially believed Sharon was the right match for Perry, collectively embodied a group grappling with sensations of shock, disenchantment, and betrayal. Sharon's conduct, particularly during her interactions at the eye care center and with community members, consistently reinforced the unfavorable opinions held about her. The pervasive gloom and deep-seated uncertainty following her partners' sudden passings extended beyond her immediate circle to the wider community, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her or her victims.