In 1993, more than 1,000 levees broke along the Mississippi River, flooding thousands of acres. Most of these cases were accidents due to the river rising well above its usual levels. But in West Quincy, Missouri, there was another culprit, James Scott. His crime? Knowingly causing a catastrophe by breaking the levee. But his motive was not what prosecutors expected. 

Thanks to Noam Osmand for the story.  

For more information, check out Adam Pitluk's book, Damned to Eternity.

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Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. 

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