Capote managed to uncover the psychology of the two mass murderers through interviews with them and with other figures of this grim case, and depicted complex motives that pushed Smith and Hickock towards committing the crime.
He is self-conscious, sensitive, and philosophic. The police finally arrest our villains in Las Vegas, after Floyd Wells sings like a canary.
Meanwhile, Perry and Dick have returned to Dick's hometown of Olathe. Hartman's Cafe is the center of numerous theories. Though Capote does not directly accuse them of murder, by hints it becomes clear to the reader that Smith and Hickock are guilty.
Dick, on the other hand, is cocky, self-assured, and pragmatic; financial irresponsibility has led him away from a solid upbringing to a life of petty crime.
The men are put on trial in Garden City. The book is written as if it were a novel, complete with dialog, and is what Truman Capote referred to as "New Journalism" — the nonfiction novel.
During mid-November of a family of four is shot in their own home. They are prominent and respected members of the community, in both Holcomb and the neighboring Garden City, and Herb Clutter is known to be a generous employer.
The residents of Garden City and Holcomb are shocked and deeply troubled by the murders, and many speculate that the killer or killers may be among them.