M.F. Gross never imagined himself as a true crime writer. A Pinellas County resident, he initially built a career in financial trading. However, a personal interest in a local story inspired Gross to uncover the truth about a murder that took place over 70 years ago.
In June, his book Madman: The Incredible True Story of John Calvin “Rastus” Russell, the Heinous Crime, and Sensational Manhunt That Terrified Central Florida in 1949 was published by Dark Madder Media.
Russell, 34, committed the act in the Pinellas seaside town of Crystal Beach (in the Palm Harbor area) on Aug. 7, 1949. He killed 75-year-old Norman Y. Browne, and assaulted Browne’s wife Anne, at their residence.
Gross will give a presentation Oct. 17 at the Crystal Beach Community Hall (517 Crystal Beach Avenue) at 6:30 p.m. After the talk, Gross will guide a hayride tour of the area to point out locations from the story…