Murdered Heiress... Living Witness

Author(s): 
Dr. Petti Wagner
Publisher: 
Huntington House
Edition / Year: 
1984
The Religious Bent

Kidnapped, tortured, murdered... yet she lives today!

Wagner's account of her kidnapping and miraculous escape is a sort of fairy story for the soft of head.

Born into a wealthy family, she became a successful businesswoman in her own right with her Herbagere hydroponics and Menotti permanent wave products. In 1971, though, her life was changed utterly as she underwent the terrible ordeal which is the central subject of this book.

After receiving a message indicating that a beloved aunt had fallen ill, Wagner hurried to a local private hospital, where in an apparently unused ward she found herself at the mercy of a gang of vicious kidnappers:

... my head exploded as his massive fist smacked my left temple. Another strike slung me onto the hard floor and I crumpled on the far side of the bed.

Everything began unfolding like a sickening slow motion sequence. With my ears ringing and my consciousness already blurring, I lifted my head just as Sidekick's boot swung, knocking me against the wooden floor once more.

This level of violence seems rather over the top, especially given that the cunning plan against her requires that Wagner's eventual death by electrocution is to be certified - by a doctor in on the plot - as due to a heart attack. The bootmarks, bruises and broken teeth would look so suspicious at any post-mortem that they might as well have shot her up with a machine gun and saved themselves a lot of trouble. While she yet lived, however, the sadistic thugs had further indignities to inflict:

Not long before dark, Roger, the orderly who sometimes brought me food, came into my room with a curly black wig which was stretched over a Styrofoam wig head. I was totally perplexed.

... “Why should I wear such a hideous wig?”, I pleaded ...

She's not the only one perplexed. The orderly attempted to provide an explanation:

”... Dr Holmes. - h-h-he he wanted you to be wearing this wig when you are found.”

Dr. Holmes? Not THE Dr. Ronald Holmes - the most notorious psychiatrist in Texas?

No, not THE Dr. Ronald Holmes, actually, since as the copyright page tells us, “Dr. Ronald Holmes is a fictitious epithet”. The purpose of the wig, and why the gang could not have put it on after they had killed her, are mysteries that remain unexplained.

The devilish crooks wired Wagner up to a set of electrodes and passed 240 volts through her, a figure which they gloatingly repeated as though it were something exceptional. However, a mere 240 volts is quite enough to kill someone, so we must surely believe her when she says that she found herself in the next world:

Even though I seemed to be walking on billowing white ether, there was a firmness under my feet as I moved. Overhead was the most blue-hued sky I had ever seen. Every color, every sense, was magnified innumerable times. A brilliantly lit magnetic force propelled me without any effort on my part.

Thoughts assaulted my mind, as if my brain had become a silent, drawing sponge. Even without a morror, I realized that I was young again - beautiful, unwrinkled, with my hair raven-colored and floating around me in the heavenly atmosphere. I felt twenty again - young, uninhibited, wearing a deep purple robe.

Up in heaven, she met Jesus, who, just like his pictures, has a “beard and soft, brown curly hair”. He told her she can choose whether to stay in heaven or go back, and she, considering her “work on Earth is not done”, decided to return. Maybe she felt the world needed a new type of cold perm, or something.

Back on Earth her guards were understandably surprised to find her alive again, after THE Dr. Ronald Holmes had certified her dead, but instead of sensibly making sure they finish the job they left her alone so she could escape, just like in all those bad films. But Wagner, unlike James Bond, did not have to rely on her own strength and ingenuity alone. She had the advantage of an exceptional accomplice:

“I am the Lord your God,” he said. “I am here to help you, not to hurt you. Do not be afraid. Keep a spoon tonight when they bring your supper tray, and I will help you escape.”

Under instruction from Jesus, Wagner used the spoon as a screwdriver and removed one of the windows. Before she can escape however, God had another, weirder instruction.

“I want you to pray for David,” He said. “At this moment, the engines of his plane are stopping in the middle of the sky.”

David, it turns out, is the mastermind behind Wagner's abduction. God was punishing him by causing his plane to crash but Wagner had to do her bit and get some prayer in. It seems monstrous to me that God should insist that Wagner ask Him to forgive someone whose fate has already been determined, though I'm no theologian. But it is not only David for whom Wagner had to perform this arguably redundant ritual:

“... George!”, the Holy Spirit affirmed. “At this very moment, his car is on Highway 10, just a few miles from here, travelling ninety miles an hour and crashing into the back of a flatbed truck!”

With the Lord as her almighty minder, Wagner escaped and made her way to safety. She then discovered that a number of people she had trusted had conspired against her to rip off the assets of her company. Bafflingly, though, no criminal charges seem to have been brought against those responsible: instead she pursued a number of successful civil cases including a major suit against the hospital where she was held against her will.

This case she claims was adjudicated on the 6th March 1974, in the Harris County District Court, and she reproduces a document relating to it, with certain details obscured such as the full name of the hospital. Curiously, when I searched the court records online at idocket.com I was unable to locate it, and - perhaps even more oddly, considering the newsworthy nature of the entire bizarre story - so far I have not been able to find any online resource that mentions it, at all. Perhaps there has been some sort of conspiratorial cover-up. One would not want to doubt the word of someone who claims to get instructions directly from God.

Marvellously, through the wonder of the Internet, it is possible to hear Petti Wagner talking about her all this, complete with evocative musical accompaniment. Hallelujah!

File under: 
Christianity
conspiracy
hair
crime
the most notorious psychiatrist in Texas

Scribbled by Alfred Armstrong 13 years 9 months ago

Comments

Anonymous replied on

it never ceases to amaze me how people can be, a lady gave me this book believing in it, reading it is like reading a childs book, she should not have been let out of the mental hostpital once they finally got her there..

Anonymous replied on

Are you still alive?

Anonymous replied on

Why did you not believe her? Do you think the God that did miracles in the Bible accounts is dead? I urge you to seek the face of the God Who saved this woman's life. Don't make fun of Dr. Wagner. Just be glad God didn't think you worthy of such a blessing as having been raised from the dead. Signed, Born again and so very thankful.

Victoria ferris replied on

I've read this book over and over again. Dr.Wagner's prior life and her accounts of her abduction and death at the hands of her perpetuators are all precisely true.
If you can't fully and completely believe you will never be the person God created you to be. You're missing an amazing life.

Anonymous replied on

I read this book. Was Blessed by it. I believe in the release and help God gave her. I am sorry you fail to see the value of this book. It changed my life. I pray you will experience a change in Jesus name.

Anonymous replied on

It is amazing how just because SOMETHING DOESN'T HAPPEN TO SOMEONE, they automatically THINK THEY have all the answers in the universe, and are the final SAY on what could possibly happen to someone ELSE!!!! I never say "this or that" did or didn't happen to SOMEONE ELSE, because it is just complete ARROGANCE to think YOU have the final say in what happened to SOMEONE ELSE!!! Just because it didn't happen to YOU, who do you think YOU are to say it COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED to SOMEONE ELSE!!! U are not them...... U don't know what happened to them....

Alfred Armstrong replied on

The point, as so often in such matters, is that extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence. There's a big difference between a claim to have a 9-foot sunflower in ones garden and one of a 9-foot Bigfoot.

I personally would not be surprised if there were some truth in Wagner's account, but the more astonishing aspects of it need backing up by supporting facts.

There's a reason for scepticism. People do tell lies and they are often simply mistaken. It doesn't matter if they are talking about flowers in thie garden, but on bigger issues, it does.

lorraine replied on

I really feel sorry for doubters like you! It is sceptics like you that despite documented proof that need a total renewing of the mind.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Documented proof? Please show me. Any source independent of Ms Wagner would be a start.

Christine replied on

It sounds as if you have the misfortune of not having read, nor believed "the good book" either, eh? The eye witness reports of Christ and his story are the most documented events in human history. That speaks for itself. "Ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven lest ye become as little children." That Kingdom is a place of sincerity, kindness, gentleness and trust. I pray that you find your way in to that sanctuary and that you realize that precisely no human can overrule the opinion God wrote into the case of Jesus Christ when his death penalty was overruled by his resurrection. May you become a living witness, blessed and full of faith and love.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Even if I did believe in your "good" book (which, as you correctly deduce, I don't) it wouldn't make any difference to the credibility or otherwise of Petti Wagner's. It sounds as though you have the misfortune of not having any capacity for critical thinking.

Clarissa moloney replied on

Why can't it be true. Greed and jealousy , what you sow you reap, I believe it can come back on you what you do, my brotherinlaw and sister are stealing from my mother with dementia and no one wants to help , my jealous sister inlay has been colluding with them and is quite sick, brotherinlaw has a brain aneurysm , we have to forgive , the truth will come out, what a testimony , is it worth it to steal and lie, I don't think so cm

Anonymous replied on

This book blessed me out of my socks!! Thank you God for saving Dr Wagner and healing her inside and out. Thank you that she is a living witness of your goodness. HB from RSA

Lakisha McGill replied on

Just as the bible contains words of life after the ordeal people still dont believe so be it then ole doubting thomas. Some folk god can't satisfy les they see with thier eyes the piercing of where the nails have gone thru. I actually am one who use to be that way......I praise God for Dr. Petti Wagner for being bold as a lion yet gentle as a dove and let us in ..some wont cry out as Jesus said the rocks would so amen and know that if you havent touched all ...well youve who was suppose to be . thank you!!!

Anonymous replied on

I believe it! We have a teacher who distinguishes the difference in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit's voices. It is absolutely amazing that God dealt with her as He did. Whoever anonymous of 8/18 is needs to realize that Jesus can do anything He wants and is not limited by unbelief such as hers. Who are you that you should doubt the word of the psychiatrists that examined her? And how DID she get out if she wasn't telling the truth? ML Colorado Springs

jared christman replied on

thank you

Anonymous replied on

I read this book and also saw the author not long after. I am always amazed at what God can do for anyone that believes in him. I hope she is alive and doing well .

Anonymous replied on

Praise the Lord ,He is king,sooner we shall al believe.je n aurais jamais pas peur de la mort.notre pere est roi

Anonymous replied on

It's funny how god saves heiresses from dangers but lets those in concentration camps die, along with saints, sailors, president Lincoln, the crew of spaceships, whole armies of soldiers and, most importantly of all, my cat. Why doesn't she explain gods system of favoring heiresses!

Anonymous replied on

A reason I believe true for why God lets certain people die, is because He was saving them from something worse. It wasn't her time to go. For she was to be a walking talking testimony of God's powers and love. God favors none. Once it's your time to go, you will fully understand everything. Like in the Power of Positive Thinking, when the child was in the hospital when her aunt had died. No one told her about the aunts death, yet when the child was passing, she said aloud, "Aunt May*, what are you..." She paused, then stated, "Now I understand," and passed. *I couldn't remember the name of the aunt. May God's Glory touch you and your loved ones today and everyday. God Bless

Anonymous replied on

Well, was your cat rich? Obviously, god loves rich people. He needs their money for more televangelists. You want your cat to get its nine lives? Get out there and hustle, baby! Make some money! God needs a new steeple!!

Anonymous replied on

Dear cynic, Your view is earthy and legitamite and limited. I personally met two other people raised from the dead. One is a short term missionary to India. He died of food poisoning on a high mountain road far from a hospital and the people in the car with him circled him and prayed with fervancy and desparation to God to bring this spiritually powerful man back to life because they needed him and his deep love for God to lead and strengthen them. This man lives in western PA and he and his wife are long-time friends of mine both before and after this occurrence. The other man is a missionary to Central and South America. He lives in Texas. He trains and leads people in missions work. So why would God choose these people over any others? This is our perspective, but not God's. God's perspective is this. "All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16 NIV God has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives. Our jealous comparing of personal worth based on money or outward grand success is not God's view of us. He rejoices over each one of us with singing and He quiets us with His love. Zephaniah 3:17 God takes deep delight in each and every one of us. We need to take God at his word about ourselves. It will set us free to rejoice with God at the positive outcomes He brings into other people's lives. Little do we know what horrors other people have experienced in the secrete places in their lives before this goodness of God occurred. Of this, I speak from experience. If you are one of those with horrors in your life, then you are a prime candidate for God to show up in His abundant glory to bring greatness and goodness into your life through his hand and his plan for you to be more than blessed, but also to be overflowing so that others are blessed with the excess flowing off of you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. With Him, Joyce

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Joyce, the word you are looking for is "sceptic", not cynic. The only evidence that the Bible is the word of God is that some people say it is. People say and believe all kinds of crazy stuff, so I don't think that's good enough. There are other religions than Christianity after all, and their adherents seem just as convinced, just as sincere, just as filled with spiritual insight. So, who can possibly say which is right? The simplest, and to me most sane answer, is that they are all equally wrong.

jared christman replied on

you need to believe what i say. and don't stop wearing black stripes someone will notice.

Joyce B. replied on

I am almost done with this book and it is absolutely amazing what she went through! I got on here to see what others say. And knew there would be cynical people. All I know is that He says ALL things are possible with God. He can move any mountain. Sure, I have wondered before why some can audibly hear His voice and others (like me), haven't. But isn't it really about faith? I like how the author spoke of blind faith! Who knows what He may have in store for me..or for anyone who posted on here! He works in mysterious ways and He does not think like we do either! I cannot imagine why someone would 'make-up' a story like this. I think these things happen to build others faith. We will always have scoffers. Satan doesn't want us to believe...and he is the deceiver. I will put my trust in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yes, yes, and YES!! Praise God!

penny replied on

I wholeheartedly agree, especially about your cat!

Anonymous replied on

This is the best book i have aver read other than the bible what a faith booster

Anonymous replied on

Joyce - If god saves some from death so they can spread his word then why did he let thousands of Christian soldiers die in battle with the Muslims, thousands of missionaries die en-route to their prospective missions? If you check missionary A's untimely death death at the hands of a rabid mongoose vs. missionary B's long life, ended at age 102 by eating too much cheese, you will find no difference between the two and what they could have accomplished. Predestination is a foolish, unsound, and mostly forgotten idea with many, many theological holes. It was torn apart centuries ago by religious men. The type of people who still hold on to such notions simply haven't spent much time in self examination. And people who believe the wacky things Texas preachers have to say might as well be drinking the punch of Jim Jones.

Anonymous replied on

My husband and I are missionaries to South America; we currently live in Pennsylvania. We know God is real; His Name is Yahweh. His Son whom we call Jesus is actually Yahsua, which is how He could say that He came in His Father's Name. We just started using their real Names (Name - both are the same) and our relationship with Him is getting more and more real and warm. Try it, folks. My husband was also healed in l986 of a serious back disability; he now at age 55 puts on roofs and does all kinds of heavy lifting. We know Yahshua is real! We can hardly wait to live with Him someday (but not too soon) He will be reigning for l000 years shortly. Keep looking toward Israel, the fig tree, and you will see the signs of this all transpiring shortly, including the Mark of the Beast, which has to happen first.

martin replied on

I agree with all of this, but would like to make a small correction: God's name is actually Reginald. Reginald Edward. Otherwise, may all of you be blessed and sanctified.

Anonymous replied on

Not disputing the fact that Jehovah (one of his MANY names) and Jesus are also referred to as "God" & "Jesus"....... however the name of "Jesus" works just fine for me! :-)

Lord Kefka replied on

I've gone off Yahsua. Also when I hear the words "Mark of the Beast" I think of my Uncle Mark, a rabid Christian who thinks I am going straight to hell, no questions asked. Why? Cause I believe that homosexuals were not going to hell. As it happens I decided that it would be fittingly ironic to pray to Reginald Edward one night. I asked him to heal my ... well I don't know what it was, I've obviously been very sick lately, blood coming out of the seams everywhere constantly, you wouldn't want me to describe it. Been too afraid to visit the doctor. Anyway, I prayed to old Reginald and the next day I woke up quite healed. No sickness, no blood, went to the doctor and he said I was completely healthy. I am doing roof work and all kinds of heavy lifting now, and no blood anywhere. Furthermore my tomatoes did considerably better than the neighbors. I am not sure what Reginald Edward looks like but I am painting an icon to put in my prayer room. It will be Reginald Edward fighting off the Harlequin Love Ponies of Quilleby Meadows. My own interpretation of the features of his true and perfect holiness is 1st Marquess Wellesley, about 1825, but I would welcome knowledge of anyone who has a better idea of the blinding face of our redemption. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Richard_Colley_Wellesley,_Marquess_Wellesley_by_John_Philip_Davis_('Pope'_Davis).jpg

Anonymous replied on

I just finished reading this incredible book. It has built my faith. The wonderful God who created the universe with his indescribable power is the God who did all of the amazing things for Petti. Petti knows God cannot be put in a box. Thank you, Petti, for writing this book and thank you Shirley and mom for sharing it with me. Pam from Oregon

Jen replied on

I've just finished reading this book. Someone left it at the shop where I work 2 days a week. From the cover it looked like a trashy paperback so I avoided the read but decided to take it on the train to pass time on my ride home. When all is read and done...no, folks...I don't doubt her "faith" and "belief" but instinctively this doesn't sound right. I've looked EVERYWHERE for mention of the trials or ANY coverage concerning this drama but to no avail. Spirit works in the light and there is no light here instead everything seems to be shrouded in darkness, mystery and secrecy. I'm going with my innate , God given, instincts and saying "If it don't look right, feel right or smell right...then it ain't right!"

Dean replied on

Well, that is SIMPLY YOUR OPINION, and you are certainly entitled to it. HOWEVER, YOU ARE NOT THE FINAL WORD ON HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES...... So your impression is simply what I said an "opinion" and that is all. My opinion is that I think you are completely wrong. I met Dr. Wager IN A HOLY GHOST FILLED CHURCH.... where she gave her testimony and ministered, and prayed for people. And you could feel the Holy Spirit moving incredibly. Now, to answer your question, YOU MOST CERTAINLY CAN find information about the trial and settlement! It was in Texas and is of public record there..... GO TO THE COURT HOUSE AND YOU WILL SEE YOU MOST CERTAINLY DID NOT LOOK 'EVERYWHERE.' I have a very close friend who was an RN at that VERY hospital (just before this occurred) and she WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE on this matter, b/c she still had several friends working there when this happened. While she felt that Dr. Wagner just "came back to life" and it was a fluke of nature (she is not a Christian) she specifically remembered many details of the case, and the Doctor involved (his name & the name of the hospital were changed for the book by the way). So before just talking out the side of your neck, you should INDEED check "everywhere" (as you say) before you try and discredit the testimony of another Spirit Filled Christian (if you claim to be one). Perhaps it wasn't discernment from the Holy Spirit that led you to doubt this story. Had you been around during Jesus's time, when he turned the water into wine, you would be saying : "I'm going with my innate , God given, instincts and saying "If it don't look right, feel right or smell right...then it ain't right!"

Alfred Armstrong replied on

If it's on the record, please enlighten us further. I tried checking courthouse records and couldn't find anything relevant but what's online may be incomplete, of course.

It's not very convincing if someone is dubious of the truth of something, to claim that some other unnamed party corroborated it. You met this person and heard what they had to say, but you haven't presented the rest of us with anything other than vague hints.

Dean replied on

You may have to check the Houston courthouse. The hospital name was changed — I’m afraid to post the real name due to liability.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Surely there is no risk in stating the name of the hospital as long as you stick to recorded facts. If the Houston courthouse has records that back you up, speak out. And who, after all this time, are you afraid of?

(If you believe Petti Wagner's version, won't God protect you? Or is divine intervention only for wealthy heiresses?)

Dean replied on

The name of the hospital was “Rosewood” (either General or memorial — I can’t remember.) Anyway, as I told you earlier in the post, I had a friend of mine at Dorothy’s live in Houston Texas, it was an RN, I work at the hospital shortly before that happened. She was very familiar with that case. It didn’t deed of her anyway, as I told you earlier in a post, I had a friend of mine at Dorothy lived in Houston Texas, & was an RN who worked at the very hospital shortly before that happened. She was very familiar with that case. It did indeed occur. Like you, she was a skeptic. She said that she believed that people who had electric shock, frequently at those type of symptoms to wear the heart. And then start back. But she was knowledgeable enough to let me know that that PD Wagner just sue the hospital, and like you, she was a skeptic. She said that she believed that people who had electric shock, frequently at those type of symptoms to where the heart — then start back, but she was knowledgeable enough to let me know that that Petti Wagner did sue the hospital, and won. Also, as I have before, check at the courthouse in Houston Texas, Harris County specifically, and u can verify the lawsuit against the hospital

Anonymous replied on

I agree w/ you Jen. I read the book it is was just nonsense to me. There are all these articles on Dr. Wagner on Christian websites and no others. I'm thinking this book is a failed attempt to try and convert people. Very failed attempt.

Lucidio replied on

A few years ago a couple from the USA gave me this book as a present when they were working here in Venezuela. The book I have was signed by Dr. Petti Wagner herself which makes it much more interesting and important, at least for me. I believe her story. I believe Jesus and then the Holy Trinity helped her. I think every one has to believe in something and be respetful of what others belive in. Remember what is written in your (the USA) coins and money bank notes "In God we trust". GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Anonymous replied on

I read this book some 15 years ago and it made an impact on my life, I was telling the story to my husband yesterday. i do believe her story for god has spoken to me on many occasions on what to say and direction for my life many of times.

Barry Rosenfeld replied on

I worked with Dr. Wagner to make a film of her book from a script I wrote and she approved before her death. If anyone reading this has contact with the executor of her estate or her daughter, please contact me with that information. I would like to continue working on the project.

Stovebolt6 replied on

It's been about a year since Mr. Rosenfeld made known his attempt to make a movie about the subject. Wonder if he contacted her estate or daughter? It would be interesting to learn how that effort's going....

Anonymous replied on

I'm not a holy roller but I am in the midst of reading this excellent book. There is no way anyone can make someting up like this. This woman lived in Hell for ten days and is still alive. This should be insperation to everyone that god works in mysterious ways!

Alfred Armstrong replied on

> There is no way anyone can make someting up like this

Could you send me your address details? I have a bridge for sale at a bargain price that you might be interested in.

Lord Kefka replied on

Really? There is no way anyone can make someting up like this? Have you ever read fiction? People of your sort scare me. Your the type who believe the contents of such things as "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" When someone shouts "She's a witch!!" you don't even wait to see if she floats or sinks, its directly on to the pire with her!

Anonymous replied on

This book is amazing loved it love it loved it what a faith builder the God we serve can do anything!!!!!!!

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Well, he wouldn't be God if he couldn't do these things, would he? But could he give you the gift of critical thinking? (Or would that be too much?)

DG replied on

This book altered my life - I believe it was my calling to experience a closer walk with our great GOD, the creator of this universe. Read it 12 years ago. Awesome reading if only you believe. Thank you for sharing this powerful testimony.

Anonymous replied on

It's no big surprise there isn't a lot of info about this on the internet. The kidnapping and trial took place in the very early 1970's . . . way before the internet. The book was published in the 1980's before the expansion of the internet. It's a wild story, difficult to believe, but contrarty to the opinions of some of the commentors here, the lack of online information about it proves nothing. There's tons of info on the web about the Loch Ness monster, which doesn't make it any more true than the lack of info about Petti's alleged ordeal makes it false. My two cents.

Dean replied on

It is of public record in the state of Texas. Further complicating matters is the fact that the Dr. who was part of the kidnapping had a pseudonym in the book, and the Hospital's name was changed also. I posted earlier on this subject. U may find it interesting.

Stovebolt6 replied on

I heard Petti Wagner interviewed by Sid Roth on his radio programme, and I was very impressed with this woman and what she had to say. Although I believe everything she told, I am currently exploring the 'net to verify tiral dates, aviation accidents, names, convictions, and even if Ms. Wagner is still alive. Jen is right, there is no information, outside of this unique venue, to verify her story......nothing! It is true the incident happened in the early '70's and the book was not written until the 80's. But if we can find out from the 'net that Heindrich Himmler, who hasn't been alive since the '40's, was a chicken farmer before he was Kommandant of the Waffen SS, then surely something can be gleaned to ascertain the truth in her testimony. I don't understand what's going on, unless there is an attempt by Google and other search engines to keep her information off the web, much the same way you can't find pictures of Barak Obama smoking.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

an attempt by Google and other search engines to keep her information off the web

Yes, that's much more likely than that she made the whole thing up, isn't it? Nobody tells lies, do they? Especially not nice old ladies who want to sell their crazy book and their even crazier version of Christianity.

As for pictures of Barack Obama smoking, have you actually tried that search? If there's a conspiracy to hide those images, it's a pretty useless one. You have to be cunning enough to type his name (even if misspelt) and the word "smoking" into a search engine. Staggering.

Anonymous replied on

I have read this book and find the story barley believable, though a thrilling one, at times. As many have commented, there is little information on Mrs. Wagner outside of what has been written about her book. So little that I am beginning to wonder if she existed. At the same time, there have been no lawsuits for slander or defamation from Dr. Holmes or the medical centre where she supposedly was treated horrifically for 10 days. That is strange to me, considering the inclination of American jurisprudence. If I had been the owner or manager of that hospital, I would have a very good case against her (or her estate) for making false statements and then profiting from the story. Why is there no record of that? There must be an army of lawsuit lawyers, in the USA and elsewhere, who would relish the opportunity to recover millions of pounds for the affected medical establishments. By the way, niether did I find a picture of Obama smoking. Maybe one just doesn't exist. It is a useless coverup, indeed.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Just in case anyone cares. http://obama-pictures.blogspot.com/2009/11/barack-obama-smoking.html

Anonymous replied on

Thank You, Alfred! Circulating these snaps to Americans might be the same as showing FDR in a wheelchair, but Obama is doing a good job of crippling himself politically without them needing to see an unflattering picture. Sorry. Back to Petti. Wonder if anybody found those millions of dollars missing in Orlando, Florida, USA? cy

Alfred Armstrong replied on

For balance, anyone got any pics of Sarah Palin guzzling moonshine?

Alfred Armstrong replied on

And I think Petti Wagner is real enough, though not her supposed experiences. She's been on radio and TV I understand. Recordings can be found online of her, too, as on this page: http://www.freeevangelism.com/cd_12.htm

Anonymous replied on

Petti Wangner is not a fictional person. She does exsist or did in the 80's. I heard her testimony in Cleveland, Tx. when I was younger. This story was aired on the local news in Houston when it happened. As far as trying to verify the validity of the story, try contacting KTRK or KKRW in Houston. By the way, I loved the book. Why would she want to make up a lye this thick. She gave away more books than she ever sold. I don't think she wrote the book for fame or riches. She wrote it to verify her faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Anonymous replied on

I read this years ago and stupidly believed it. Now I realize it's fake. Why does Jesus look exactly the way we picture him? How could we know he really had brown hair and a beard? I mean, none of this makes sense. It makes me sad this is such an obscure book, I would love to see more people tear it apart. I wish we could verify her info, too.

Anonymous replied on

Somebody a few messages ago made what I think is a valid point: Why haven't lawsuits been brought against Ms. Wagner if she was in fact lying about Dr. Holmes, the hospital and the rest? They all have a good case against her. I read the book and I can see where it could have happened. The spiritual stuff I leave up to Mrs. Wagner and the true believers. I am talking about the murder and theft of millions part. The plotters that stole her money didn't plan past getting it. They could have taken some advice in extortion from the Gambinos or Costaglianos.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

The names in the book have been changed, though in the past that's not deterred some people from taking legal action against writers of avowed fiction.

I'd dearly love to know what the documented facts are in this case, but no one seems able to produce any.

chaim replied on

Murdered Heiress is not presented as avowed ficition, but fact. I read the book and there is plenty of slander to go around if anybody recognises themself in Ms. Wagner's tale. Too bad that even the threat of a suit never came up; we might have gotten the true version then.

JohnMahoney replied on

Back in 1971 (about the time all this happened to Ms Wagner), Clifford Irving wrote a fictional biography of Howard Hughes, attempting to portray it as truth, changing the names of actual people in the narrative, not all that different from what Wagner did. Was he sued? You bet your ass he was! If Pettie wasn't sued she at least took a big enough risk with the truth that could have had her in a docket like Irving and not like was written about in Murdered Heiress.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

That's a ridiculous analogy. Irving's bio was a widely publicised work about very prominent people, many with deep pockets. Wagner's book isn't.

Do you know the real names of those supposedly portrayed in it? Does anyone? You can't libel someone if nobody can tell who they are.

JohnMahoney replied on

Wasn't tryiing to analogize between Wagner and Irving. What I am saying is, Petti is lucky she wasn't sued if her story is false.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

IF?

JohnMahoney replied on

I take that back. It was Clifford Irving that took the bigger risk. lol

sandy replied on

Thought we were talking about Petti Wagner. Who is Clifford Irving?

Donna replied on

I just finished reading this book and I think it was an awesome testimony. I know to some of you it sounds unbelievable, but so did the parting of the red sea, a burning bush, a virgin birth. God always works in ways that seem unbelievable to our limited human minds. But He says "My ways are not your ways, and My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." Jesus came and walked among the people of those days, performing many miracles, and still the people did not believe what they saw. so it doesn't surprise me that many of you don't believe Dr. Wagner's story. Those of you who don't believe may want to stop and pray, and ask God to truly show you if this is truth or not. "Seek and you shall find, Ask and it shall be answered" . If you ask honestly, with an open heart, He will show you the truth. As the disciples prayed, "Lord, help us with our unbelief", so should we.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Some of us don't want help with our unbelief, Donna. Some of us like it just as it is.

Guy Fulton replied on

How do you know your heaven guided intuition is the real thing? Some Christians don't think that the things Muhammad saw were real but they agree that the things that they see are. Does that make sense? Other Christians take things with a grain of salt and think of Simon Magus. Remember the words of Hamlet after having seen the apparition of his father: The spirit that I have seen May be the devil: and the devil hath power To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy, As he is very potent with such spirits, Abuses me to damn me: I'll have grounds More relative than this. The play 's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.

Anonymous replied on

My grandmother gave me a copy of Dr. Wagner's book about 20 years ago. I couldn't put the book down. It was quite a testimony! Believe it or not, God is able. He moves in so many different ways. Many years ago, I was driving home from downtown Chicago heading to the south side. It was cold and the roads were slick and icy. As I entered the Dan Ryan expressway, My car spun around and was facing 3 lanes of oncoming cars. I was in shock. All of a sudden I heard a voice (I was alone in the car.) say, "Pull the car over! The engine is still running!" I did and just missed getting hit head on. I know it was the voice of the Lord. I have had other experience like this one but have not seen the Lord. I do believe Dr. Wagner's story be ause we cannot put God in a box. He chooses how, when, who, and where. We are only clay.

pseudonym replied on

Or alternatively the voice of the devil grooming you for an evil purpose later in life, you could be the anti-christ. Faith is fun!

Anonymous replied on

I was told about the book last night, and after reading all your comments I am intrigued to read it, sounds like a few of you might want to pass your copy on?:-) All I can say is "who am I to judge another person?" We will all find out in the end in any case, but I would say on the question of faith, that it is a bit like the 'global warming debate' - the cost of not doing anything is too great - it will cost the earth! The cost of not thoroughly examining the bible is too great also - it will cost you your life! So don't you think it would be worth your life to at least examine the case documentation before your own jury is out? ie from Genesis to Revelation? Even God grants us free will...enjoy your free will!

Alfred Armstrong replied on

"Who am I to judge another person?" - that's amazingly disingenuous, isn't it? Do you give money to everyone who asks for it? Do you believe every tall tale you are told? Would you believe a Muslim who claims that his religion is the only true one?

Faith is fine, until it's someone else's that's different from yours.

Anonymous replied on

There is legitimate evidence... Don't just read the summary! Read the book! There's a legitimate copy of her death certificate in the actual book, and a picture of that old condemned hospital in Houston, Tx. . And maybe for a tiny bit of conceptualistic quality, there are photos of some of her rich comrades along with herself which includes the former President George Bush Sr. and some others in the book also. Plus she has shared her testimony at least twice on the 700 Club with Dr. Pat Robertson! Do your homework before you make all these "snap" judgements people.

pseudonym replied on

So you can prove that she died, that there is a hospital that was condemed in houston texas and that she existed because met some other people who definetly existed. Fine but the book makes incredible, incredulous claims so you need incredible, extraordinary evidence, you need a mountain of news reports, police reports, court documents, or alternatively you can acknowledge that it's a matter of faith and the only reason to beleive her story is if you want to. But more importantly Dr Pat Robinson? Doctor? Who is that? The host of the 700 club is certainly not a doctor in any secular capacity.

lion heart replied on

when we look at sad movies we cry we look at movies with jenoside we get angry because something touches our humanity even some things are real and some make believe but unless were told we still cry at sad movies

Connie replied on

I believe that we are not to judge, thank God He is the judge. And the one's of you that are making fun of God will one day stand before Him and you will believe and wished you had not made fun of Him. Many of us have heard the voice of God and been entertained by angels. Thank God for those moments. How many times have we been protected and spared. For those of you who have not, how can you even start to make a comment about it! When you have been there then you will believe and understand. To my God be the Glory and Praise for those precious moments and so many times He has protected and helped me and my loved ones. One day you will call on Him for His help.

God (the jesus one) replied on

Actually that wasn't me, probably Quetzalcoatl, he's way more proactive, also a dinosaur

Anonymous replied on

Well, for those of you who are so negative about this book, let me enlighten you...I had an encounter with Petti almost 20 years ago that changed my life, I met her at Dallas Airport, we were both looking for a cab, we ended up in the same cab togehter, we both had just flown into town and we were on our way to the same hotel, we shared the cab....she handed me her book, the arab cab driver accepted Jeasus driving on the Freeway barly speaking english, the Holy spirit was so stron in the cab he started weeping....yes I was scarred...he was the driver!...I still didnt know exactly who she was...we made a plan to meet for lunch...I went to my room opened the book to see who she was....met her for lunch and she showed me the scars on her fingers where they tried to cut off her ring that Tiffany himself had sautered onto her finger....her mouth was filled with gold where the murders kicked in her teeth...I saw all of it, I spent several hours with her, met her again that night with her assistant and a good friend of mine, we talked for many hours into the night, she prayed with me and told me several miracles that would happen in my life by the time I was in my 40's....I am now in my 40's....the miracles are happening...because i am in the public eye I am not able to tell you more at this time...but believe it or not I had an experience that was real, it changed my life and I will tell you her story is REAL!

Alfred Armstrong replied on

 Isn't it amazing how no-one who claims to have evidence for this story can ever produce it? Not even stuff that should be in the public domain such as newspaper or court reports. And I don't see how your supposedly being in the public eye stops you from telling us "more". It's not as though you are liable to incriminate yourself, is it?

Essentially, you are asking us to believe one unlikely tale unsupported by evidence because you can tell us another. Strangely, I remain to be convinced. 

 

 

Lynn replied on

The book is awesome! Every time I read it I am blessed spiritually, and physically. God actually bring things to fruition that I've be praying about. Talking about a faith booster! This book helped me grow spiritually. I got my first book from my deceased grandmothers things. I read it to my whole family on the way back from IL after the funeral. We were all blessed! I've bought many copies and given them to people, most all received the same astonishing faith boost as I did. I have a kindle now, you know I bought it again so I would l always have a copy. I did wonder where Petti G. Wagner was now, I just read from one of the bloggers that she is deceased. God bless her soul and every member of her family, for the licking she took and for writing this book, which helped boost our faith, in our Father. I am not shocked that the enemy try to take away the power of this book through condescending remarks and throwing darts of raging disbelief, that's what the enemy does when God shines. That is what the enemy does to the Bible! But, To God Be The Glory! (We do not! argue the Bible or have to defend God, his Son or the Holy Spirit,) we don't have to, the battle is not ours.

psuedonym replied on

Wait are you saying that you dont have to substantiate your belief with argument or evidence because accusing us of condescension or raging disbelief is enough to prove that we are wrong? There may be responses to the book of surprise that anyone would fall for such and obvious lie but there are also many reasoned response that point out the lack of evidence and logical holes. I'm not your enemy, but if you attack my philosophy with accusations of heresy or demon possession then I will point out the irrationality of your philosophy

Hope replied on

I have not read the book, however all the comments are interesting, very amusing (thanks Reg) and insightful, thank you all for your great comments, may love, joy and peace follow you all the days of your life. God is good and His middle name is Impossible, as in nothing is impossible with Father God Almighty. Be blessed.

Rebecca Wilhite replied on

I too talked to this wonderful lady. When my husband passed away in 1985 at a very young age. I called the phone number that was in her book. I left a message never thinking she would ever call me back. Early the next morning the phone ring at my mothers house where I was staying at the time and it was her. She talked to me answered my questions and prayed for me. I think they should make a movie of what she went through. I am a believer and I know God answers prayer and the wonderful things. In 1972 I had cancer and was only given six to eight months to live the Lord healed me . I was 28 at the time I am now 69 I know what God can do.

Janelle replied on

I was just going through my very old files of keepsakes from years gone by. I came upon 3 letters from Petti and a thank you poem my husband wrote her. After she stayed in our home for a couple days, we were invited along with our small children to her home to stay while we visited Disney World. She was not able to be there, but trusted us to stay and drive her car while we visited Disney World. Her secretary handled all our needs. I still have the secretaries' name and phone number, however, it is almost 30 yrs. old . Petti was a wonderful person appearing to be generous and genuine. I have no reason to disbelieve her, however, there were times I did question the validity of her story, or at least parts of it. For instance, I only had to "google" the inventor of the cold wave perm and this is what it said in Wikipedia, "In 1938, Arnold F. Willatt invented the cold wave, the precursor to the modern perm. It used no machines and no heat." It really doesn't matter if the story were true or not. However, I do think the book would make an excellent movie. She talked often of doing it. The story was intriguing and extremely entertaining. Whether true or not, I do know that my God is well capable of doing all the miracles she portrayed in her book. I believe Petti is now with the Lord and they have worked out all the details by now, I'm sure.

LANNY replied on

In her book, Petti says that the name of her cold wave solutiion's company was Manotti. She does not claim to have invented the permanent wave solution by herself, but to have worked on it with a chemist. Here is a link to his patent application. His name was Menotti Del Zoppo. https://www.google.com/patents/US2426343

a different Jen replied on

I have to admit that I find it extremely easy to side with Alfred and other skeptics (if there are the opinions of a number represented here--or only one under different names??) on Dr. Wagner's story. I definitely had the same feelings of doubt as I read the book and lots of questions that I would like to have answered. The note about the real inventor of the cold wave perm definitely makes my desire to have the other questions answered even stronger. My doubts started with her explanation of everything she did when she was in college at age 14. I guess they didn't have a lot of TV to watch, or internet, back then, and if you weren't dating, you might have a lot of time for starting a beauty parlor, experimenting with chemicals, and other research. I guess there are genius personalities out there that can accomplish things like that, but I know that my head was aching trying to comprehend how she did so much--and how little sleep she must have lived on!
However, I am also inclined to believe the testimonies here of those who say they have met Dr. Wagner in person and experienced an amazing presence of the Holy Spirit. I have begun to experience some of that myself--after decades of church services where the "presence of the Lord" was sought after and people attempted to kind of "invoke" it with wonderful worship songs, etc. All that to say that I've been a part of something that was supposedly the "presence of the Lord" and I have also experienced something that I have to say is different from anything else I have experienced. I have had my heart changed in ways that I never knew were possible during those times--bitterness gone, brokenness wiped away--now it's there, now it's not. There is something to be found that is called the "presence of the Lord" or the "presence of the Holy Spirit" that is very real and very life-changing. I believe in taxi-drivers that start crying as they are driving. I believe in a God who knocks people to the ground. I believe in a God who speaks in an audible voice to people (though I know He also speaks in ideas and pictures and words that come to the mind). I also believe in a God who heals. Dr. Petti's healings do seem to be a lot for one person, and extremely amazing--unbelievably so, but that does not automatically make them false. The phrase "stranger than fiction" has been around a long time, I believe. Why for the heiress and not for the concentration camp victims, or my dear friend who just died of cancer and left a loving wife and 5 adoring children without husband and father? I really wish I knew! I've definitely got a lot of questions for my God.
But I also feel Him drawing me to believe Him for the wild things that He can do that are beyond what I have yet experienced. I would prefer to be neither dupe nor eternal skeptic. I don't believe God asks us to lay our minds aside, but I do believe that He likes to blow them away whenever He can. (And that seems to have something to do with faith. Still learning, though).
The one thing that made me start considering that Dr Petti's story might be real, was her description of heaven. She talked about "rosy light". I, who am generally not a huge fan of pink, have also experienced that "rosy light" in a vision I had. (Now, perhaps, Alfred, you would be ready to lock me up with Dr. Petti's tormentors). But all I can say is that I DID see it. I have been learning to pay more attention to pictures that come to mind--esp. when I am talking with God. It is not often that color is very apparent in pictures that come into my mind. There have been other occasions, and then the colors were very vivid. And this one was one of those cases. The air had a rosy hue to it. It was kind of strange because it didn't have a source like that of a sunset or anything. It seemed to be the color of the air.
In light of that vision, my curiosity was very piqued when I ran across a video talking about the color "drunk tank pink" that has supposedly been used in prisons to calm down prisoners. The video was promoting a book by the same title that apparently did some sort of psychological study on the color. I have yet to read more on the subject. But I thought it interesting to find that information in light of the color that I had seen in my vision.
There was also a song written by a Christian Artist called Annie Herring that I learned from a children's album she made. There is a line that always stood out to me because it seems to specific and yet so strangely not having really anything to do with Scripture: "There's a color I love most, angel's wings of pure crystal rose".
So first Annie's song, then my vision, then Drunk Tank pink, and now Dr. Petti's "rosy hue". I'm at the very least very curious. I'm also wondering if anyone else out there has had interesting connections with the color pink. (I reiterate that I am NOT a "pink person" at all!)
As for how Jesus appeared to Dr. Petti, I have no problem believing that He appears in varied forms to different people depending on what they are familiar with, what they "know" of Him, what they think of Him, what He is wanting to communicate to them, and likely what they are able to stand. When Stephen was stoned and saw a vision of "Jesus at the right hand of the Father", it seems that he saw someone very recognizable to him, while the figure with eyes of fire, white hair, feet of burnished bronze and a sword coming out of His mouth had to clarify to John on Patmos that He was "the First and the Last, the Living One, though He was dead".
Final verdict on Dr. Petti? I guess I have no reason to doubt that she ministers with a mighty power of the Holy Spirit, from the personal, first hand testimonies given here. And if that is real, I'm not sure how her story could NOT be--unbelievable as it sounds. But I still have the nagging questions about the details that people are having so much difficulty tracking down.

Patriia Kruger replied on

A good read, a page turner. Understanding the way God works will always be a miracle.
I have read some of the comments left by individuals. I do pray for those who do not believe, that they to have an encounter with our Heavenly Father and realise people do not claim to have experienced Gods supernatural power at a whim.

link replied on

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D. Rice replied on

I went to church with this lady who this happened to in Houston. It is all true. The hospital was I believe on Westheimer and was called Rosewood. Don't know if it is still there. She loved the Lord very much. The church was called Lakewood.

Dean replied on

It indeed was Rosewood......

mimi replied on

Google Daisy Olive Peet. You find information of her father's company, I did extensive search years ago, since I liked the book and wanted to know what company was she heiress of. It was Golgate-Palmolive. Wikipedia: In 1928, Palmolive-Peet bought the Colgate Company to create the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company. In 1953 "Peet" was dropped from the title, ...
It's a real story. they have a family information here well documented: http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=ROOT_CATEGORY&rank=1&new=1...
I am actually interested what happened to the son, who was part of this what they did to her? I mean how can you get away with murder? Well, not my business.

Graeme replied on

I believe that this book is a mixture of fact and fiction. Petti Wagner was certainly a real person, and she had some businesses and some of the events may have happened, but some fundamental aspects of the story are clearly untrue:

1) There was no honorary degree from University of Florida. The wording is inconsistent with academic usage, and there is no honorary degree listed for Petti Wagner here: http://fora.aa.ufl.edu/docs//21//Honorary%20Degrees.pdf. (which is a complete list of all honorary degrees going back to 1909).
2) Artesia Hall scandal. This didn't happen until May 1971, and was not publicly known until June 1973, yet the book implies that "Dr Holmes" was already notorious at the time of the book's events in March 1971.
3) The death certificate in the book is a blatant forgery. It does not use a 1971 format, on form 25c. Instead it is on a form 27c, which is the form available when the book was published. This is easy to validate by searching the Internet for real Texas death certificates from 1971.
4) The letter from Department of Justice is undated and is missing a document reference, which must be included on all US government letters. If not an outright forgery, important information is redacted.
5) The plane crash was on the wrong date. The book says that "David" was killed in a plane crash at 1:00am on 19 March 1971. The actual crash was on 28 March 1971 at 7:09pm and this was the only matching crash in Texas during March. This can be validated at: http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/index.aspx Other details match the book, such as the cause of the crash, the location of the crash, and the involvement with "David" in a health club. However, the health club (President and First Lady Health Spa) was not a listed company, which contradicts the book's assertion that he was involved in a stock pump and dump scheme.

These issues are not minor and go to the heart of the story, especially with the plane crash, since the book said that Petti Wagner had to pray for "David" as his plane was crashing down.
The hospital did have a lawsuit by Petti Wagner, and was called Rosewood General Hospital. It has been closed since 2000.

kathy replied on

I just finished this book and loved it. Check it out. This lady truly knew Jesus.

Wes replied on

Not that it makes a lot of difference but Petti was not descended from the Peet Soap family. She was descended from John Peet who arrived in the "New World" in 1635 from Duffield, Derbyshire, England. Daisy Olive "Petti" Peet was born in Alden, Hardin County, Iowa on October 30, 1915

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