Judge Belvin Perry Jr. Unveils 'The Velvet Hammer': A True Crime Memoir on Capital Cases & the Casey Anthony Trial

After an illustrious 25-year career on the bench, former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. delves into the harrowing world of capital murder cases in his new true crime memoir, The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry Jr.'s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir. Co-authored with Amy Mitchell, this groundbreaking book offers a rare and disturbingly vivid look into some of the most infamous and gruesome cases in American history, including the trial of Casey Anthony, a case that captured the nation’s attention and continues to be a topic of public fascination.

Winner of both the Literary Titan Book Award and the International Impact Book Awards, The Velvet Hammer combines gripping courtroom drama, a nuanced exploration of the criminal justice system, and a deeply personal account of Perry’s journey as an African American judge in the segregated South.

Unlike traditional true crime narratives, The Velvet Hammer provides an insider’s perspective from the bench, highlighting the legal intricacies, emotional toll, and moral weight of presiding over death penalty cases. Perry spares no details as he recounts cases that are as chilling as they are unforgettable.

• A "Black Widow" who slowly poisoned her lovers and her son, watching them suffer as they died.
• A lust-driven murderer who mutilated his victim while she was still alive.
• A serial killer who slaughtered an entire family, including his own 5-year-old child.

These cases are not only shocking but also serve as a lens through which Perry examines the death penalty, arguing for its necessity in certain cases while highlighting how it was applied under his watch.

“Justice is not just a legal concept—it’s a moral imperative,” Perry writes. “Each case challenged not only my knowledge of the law but also my understanding of humanity’s capacity for both evil and resilience.”

The memoir also pulls back the curtain on the trial of Casey Anthony, one of the most controversial murder cases of the 21st century. Dubbed “America’s Most Hated Mom,” Anthony was accused of killing her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. Perry’s memoir provides a never-before-seen perspective on the case that captivated millions, from the courtroom dynamics to the shocking acquittal that left the public reeling.

For those who have followed the case and its aftermath, The Velvet Hammer answers lingering questions while offering a candid look at the complexities of presiding over such a high-profile trial.

In addition to his courtroom experiences, Perry reflects on his journey as an African American growing up in the segregated South. From his early days overcoming systemic barriers to becoming one of the most respected judges in Florida, his story is both inspiring and poignant.

Perry’s reflections on race and justice provide a broader context for his career, emphasizing the importance of representation in the legal system and the resilience required to navigate a society rife with discrimination.

The Velvet Hammer is more than a recounting of heinous crimes—it is a deep dive into the criminal justice system and the application of the law in cases of capital murder. Perry explains how the legal process works, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of ensuring justice in cases where the stakes are life and death.

“The book is a sobering reminder of the evil that exists in the world and the legal mechanisms in place to confront it,” co-author Amy Mitchell notes. “It’s also a tribute to the victims and a call to continually seek improvement in how we deliver justice.”

For those fascinated by the intersection of crime, law, and morality, The Velvet Hammer is an essential read. Its unflinching portrayal of some of the most disturbing cases in U.S. history is balanced by Perry’s thoughtful insights into the criminal justice system and his personal journey as a judge.

Readers can purchase The Velvet Hammer through Amazon or Simon & Schuster.

This memoir is a powerful testament to the enduring quest for justice in the face of humanity’s darkest acts. For anyone seeking an unparalleled perspective on capital murder, the death penalty, and the resilience of the human spirit, The Velvet Hammer delivers on every front.