I signed up for Thumbtack on August 27th. It’s a professional services website where people go to find plumbers, web designers, or people like me – writers. I decided to try it out because I just spoke to a woman who loves it. She does web design and found some really great clients on it. The weird thing about the site is that the “professionals” are the ones who pay to bid on projects. I bid on two projects this past weekend: a bio on Steve Jobs for $750 and writing services for a book that caught my attention – with no pay.
I’m not even looking for work right now. About two weeks ago, my two largest clients more than doubled my hours. I’m actually in a really good place professionally.
The project detail for the book is so intriguing:
“Revolves around a kidnap and murder that took place in Odessa tx on August 23, 1981 involving an 18 year old girl. There has been some accusations in the past that I might have been involved with this murder in some way, which is absolutely not true. I’m interested in writing an entertaining and truthful account of what really transpired to the best of my knowledge. I won a slander case from a local radio station which is where much of the behind the scenes gossip about my involvement came to be. And I do believe to this day there are still people that believe I was involved. The murder case is still open [and] can be investigated online for further information. I am looking for a ghostwriter to wrtie the true story, which I know would be an interesting read. I currently don’t have alot of loose cash and hope you might be interested in pursuing this project on a commission basis based on profits.”
… that last line should continue to say: “… if there are any.”
I paid my fee to bid on the non-paying book job (because I’m insane) and almost immediately got a message back from the poster. He wanted to talk to me. I hate talking on the phone.
I gave in (because I have no choice – he’s in TX and I’m in VA) and I talked to the man – and his friend – on Tuesday, the 30th. I’ll post more details about that call tomorrow.
His name is Charlie Hostetter. He was accused of murdering a teenager in Odessa, TX in 1981, and a lot of people still think that he did it. He was also a professional boxer… which I know nothing about.
His friend Byron was on the phone with him on Tuesday. Apparently, Byron is the one who listed the job from his phone. Charlie doesn’t even have his own cell phone – or a computer for that matter – and he likes it that way.
Anyway, we decided the split the book 50-50… which I think is fair, considering neither of us has ever done this before. Everyone thinks he’s a serial murderer, but he sounds really nice on the phone.
Serial killers aren’t nice on the phone.
Say a prayer for me,
K. E.
As Crazy As It Sounds 
Charles is a Christian man and reads/studies the Bible everyday. I often go by for a little spirit uplifting & answer Charles questions about the old MOJO days (68–70’s) at Permian High School and playing football there. I am a few years older than Charles but we know a lot of the same people. Charles is a true believer but often our talks turn to politics as I am a conservative & patriot. I hope that Charles enjoys these visits as much as I do. I am proud to call him my Friend.
Jimmy P.
#40 on the field #1 in Jesús.
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I have known Charles for over 40 years, we grew up in the same neighborhood. Charles has the heart of God and I see him live his life for Christ on a daily basis. Even in the very small things, his integrity is always a blessing as he ministers God’s word to every one that he is in contact with.
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I met Charlie in 1985 while I worked at Odessa College Sport Center we have been good friends over the years. The send off party for the Foreman Fight was excellent I enjoy a good bible jam with Charlie I like stressing his brain by giving him obscure theologies. Charlie has encouraged me through my battle with muscle disease since I was 18 I know how people can jump to conclusions…I thank the Lord I did not.
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Special case here Charlie befriended my sister who, alone is raising a disabled son, she lived through breast cancer and take care of Weslie. Charlie has been a walking angle for her, leaving money in her mail, bringing groceries and other needed things, You my sister is 75 yrs old and Weslie is 54, he was disabled in a single car accident when he was 21, my sister still takes care of Wes. And herself and wouldn’t take charity period. Charlie has lifted her spirits and prayed with Wes. on numerous occasions, making all 3 of them feel better, Charlie is doing the Lord’s work and is a very special man. Only met him once and talked on the phone with him twice but I feel like I am taking to my best friend. Charlie, I want you to know how much gratitude and love I have for you, God Bless and I pray your truthful, exciting storie about your life and times will touch the hearts of many, as you have touched my family’s
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Sorry about my grammar and spelling Angel.
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Charlie “Tuffy” Hostetter has been a friend of mine since the 1960’s when I was a little kid going to Gonzales Elementary School here in Odessa, Texas. Charlie was older than myself and went to school with my sister. He was always so nice and kind to not just me but my entire family. I was always nice to Charlie too, as he had a reputation of someone that you didn’t want to mess with. I just knew that I would much rather have Charlie as a friend or ally as opposed to an enemy. I observed Charlie through the years as someone who was genuinely as straight forward, honest, and most importantly a devote Christian man. When you talk about knowing Jesus and not being ashamed to profess his name then you can put Charlie in that category. Charlie was not a boastful or pretentious person. I never witnessed any of his street fights or scuffles first hand but Charlie’s reputation was such that he didn’t go looking for trouble but he didn’t run away from it either. There were always those individuals who for whatever reason wanted to try him on for size. They wanted to maybe have a notch on their belt or be the one who could maybe whip him in a fight. I don’t imagine that worked out very well for any of them! My dad was a friend and fan of Charlie’s as well. We always had front row seats at the Golden Gloves Boxing matches and we just loved going to watch them all but especially when Charlie was fighting. This is where you really saw “Tuffy” in his best element. You could tell in a fair fight it was going to take someone who was pretty exceptional to beat him. Maybe someone like George Foreman? Unbelievable, It’s hard to imagine that Charlie really fought George Foreman who was 46-2 as a professional boxer at the time. That’s the kind of things that fantasies are made from, but this one really happened. You would never hear Charlie say these words when descibing himself but impressive, amazing, persistence, resolve, and determined are just a few adjectives that come to mind when I think of how to descibe Charlie Hostetter. Charlie is a how are you doing and caring about others over himself kind of person. I can’t wait for the book to be written about Charlie and his life and how he has overcome so much throughout his life. A real chance to set the record straight and let everyone know the true story. “Humble & Kind” is the best way I can describe my friend Charlie Hostetter. That title would probably make a good song title too. LOL!
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Chas, I think you just summed up the whole story for everyone who lived within a three mile radius of Gonzales.
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I lived in Odessa for only a couple of years from 2nd grade to 4th. Charles lived 2 doors down and was my best friend for a brief period. He was also in my 3rd grade class at Gonzalez. I would love to post a picture of our 3rd grade class but I can’t here. Also have a picture of he and I in the brief period we were Cub Scouts.
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My family and I have known Charlie for many years! My father, Dr Ted Whitmire, D.C., REALLY thought the world of him and shared a common interest in boxing. They both loved the Lord and they encouraged and prayed for each other as well! My brother, my mom and I loved him JUST as much! He’s one of the kindest, Christian men you’d ever want to meet! He’s such a prayer warrior! The young lady in question, Carmen Croan, was just 18 yrs old when she was heinously murdered in Odessa, Tx. She was my very close and dear friend as was her family.. and it broke my heart so terribly! I still miss her! It’s been good talking to Charlie and his author, as he’s trying to put his book together. I wish him so much success and he’s doing the book for the best of reasons..ALL glory and praise will go to Jesus Christ as it’s being written and when it’s done and if there’s any profit from it..well, money isn’t HIS object..But, I do pray it vindicates him and brings some measure of peace to him as well as her family and friends…maybe even some justice..I’d LOVE it if some cold case workers or anything along those lines would pick this story up and they could solve it or something, make a movie, etc ANYTHING to help him and her family..I pray this and Charlie surely does, but mostly for her family! Good luck and God bless you in ALL you do, my friend..we love you!
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Charles is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He is friends with my boyfriends father, also a childhood friend of my former boss. I can sit and talk to him for hours! I can’t wait to buy this book!!!!
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In summation, although it is remotely plausible that an individual with a good soul may perpetuate an act of evil, it is also viable that an evil person may manifest an act of goodness. Moreover, since Charlie is a naturally-known as an overall respectable human being, it is highly improbable that he would deviate from demonstrating human compassion for another human. Therefore, this savage act of murdering such an innocent individual must belong to the psyche of a diabolical psychopath, who miserably failed to mercifully let one live and let be.
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I met Pastor C at Whataburger where I work. He is the most kind hearted man and we say a prayer every time he comes through. I don’t believe he could hurt anyone. He’s genuine and loves God. I’m happy to have met him.
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