April Balascio recounts exposing her serial killer father in gripping memoir

April Balascio, daughter of convicted serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards, shares her harrowing story in her upcoming memoir, Raised by a Serial Killer: Discovering the Truth About My Father, set to release on December 3, 2024. The book offers a deep dive into her life with her father and the disturbing path that led her to turn him in to authorities.

Balascio recalls growing up under constant relocation, often moving in the dead of night. Despite her father’s charm, his volatile behavior at home left a lasting impact. Her suspicions were piqued as an adult when she searched for unsolved cases linked to Watertown, Wisconsin, where her father once worked. She stumbled upon the “Sweetheart Murders,” involving the 1980 disappearances and deaths of Timothy Hack and Kelly Drew after a wedding reception at the Concord House. Her memories and her father's suspicious behavior aligned, compelling her to contact authorities.
 

A DNA test confirmed Edwards’ involvement, leading to his arrest and confession to five murders. He died in prison in 2011 while awaiting execution.

Balascio reflects on a chilling moment in her childhood when her father carelessly fired a loaded rifle indoors, sparking fear and deep-seated doubt about his intentions. She admits this incident marked the beginning of her realization that her father might not be the man she believed.

In her memoir, Balascio shares her struggle with guilt, fear, and eventual courage in exposing her father’s crimes. Her story sheds light on the resilience it took to uncover the truth while navigating the emotional toll of being raised by someone capable of such atrocities.

The memoir, published by Gallery Books, is available for preorder now.