
Holly states how she believes El Cuco, which she refers to as an "outsider", is responsible for the murders-it is able to mimic a person's appearance by absorbing their blood. At the hanging, the man sees the presence, called "El Cuco". Holly shows them a few minutes of a Mexican luchadora film which depicts a mysterious presence kidnapping and murdering a child, leaving evidence that points directly to one man, who expresses his innocence but is found guilty and subsequently hanged. Holly, Pelley, Howie, Ralph Anderson and his wife Jeannie, Terry Maitland and his wife Marcy, police lieutenant Yune Sablo, and district attorney Bill Samuels all meet at Howie Gold's office.

Holmes claims that he was out of town when the two girls were killed, and upon being arrested, commits suicide. All the evidence in that case pointed directly to Heath Holmes. During her investigation, Holly learns of a case in which two girls were killed in a similar fashion to Frankie Peterson. The figure reappears later in Hoskin's home, informing him that the malady is cancer and that it can take the disease away if Hoskins does what it asks of him.Īlec Pelley, an investigator hired by Maitland's attorney Howard (Howie) Gold, hires private investigator Holly Gibney. Jack is embraced by a shrouded figure from behind, causing what feels like sunburn on the back of his neck. Ralph Anderson is placed on administrative leave but continues to investigate the case.ĭetective Jack Hoskins, who holds a grudge against Anderson, is sent to investigate an abandoned ranch outside of town, where clothes that the murderer wore are found. In his dying words, Maitland still claims innocence. Maitland is fatally wounded before Ollie is killed by the police. In the chaos, Ollie Peterson, the brother of Frankie Peterson, starts shooting at Maitland, blaming him for his brother's murder and mother's subsequent heart attack. On the day of Maitland's arraignment, a large crowd has gathered around the courthouse. Footage of Maitland at the conference as well as fingerprints are found, casting confusion on the case. Maitland claims innocence, having been at a conference with several other teachers in Cap City at the time, which the other teachers all confirm.

Fingerprints and DNA at the crime scene as well as witness accounts all clearly indicate local sports coach Terrence Maitland as the killer, so detective Ralph Anderson orders a public arrest. In Flint City, Oklahoma, the mutilated and raped corpse of Frankie Peterson is found. The Outsider (2018) is a horror novel by the American author Stephen King.
