ROCKWALL, Texas — If you relax by reading books about murderers, or flipping through crime scene photos, you may be a true crime junkie. That makes you and Ryan Kester kindred spirits.
"I think people love a good mystery," Kester said. "I think that some people would be more interested in things like that than they care to admit."
It may seem unexpected that the Rockwall native lives and breathes this stuff. So much so he started the Rockwall True Crime Club that boasts an active Facebook page and monthly meetups.
"I believe we have approximately 950 members who have been active in the last 28 days," he said.
Then there’s Kester’s documentary, currently in the works, tackling Darlie Routier’s conviction for murdering her son in Rowlett in 1996. He aims for a summer 2019 premiere.
But at this point in the story, the real mystery is…how old is this kid?
"It is a very morbid and weird thing to be into," he shrugged.
The answer: He's just 15 years old! That explains why instead of celebrities, Kester has courtroom sketches on his walls. Honestly, he just knows what he loves.
"I am on track to become a criminal defense attorney, which has been my dream since I was about 7 years old," said Kester.
In a few years' time, it could be the cases he argues that we’re all debating on Facebook.