The letter below, penned by Jack Vigliatura on January 24th, 1992, captures a mix of college-aged bravado and dark reality as the “Fully Gnarlies”—Jack, Bill White, and Travis Tooke—officially sign a lease to move into a new apartment together for the upcoming semester. Jack reveals that their affordable new home is located at Gatorwood Apartments, the infamous site where serial killer Danny Rolling committed a two of his brutal student murders just months earlier. Balancing a casual update about finding rare vinyl records with the eerie backdrop of Gainesville’s recent tragedies, the letter offers a raw, time-capsule glimpse into student life in the shadow of true crime history.
January 24, 1992
Mary,
Here I am again, at this dumb desk, in this dumb room, at this dumb University, just feeling dumb. Why do I have to be away from home? I have been dreaming every night and in my dreams there is a sun setting and then “Too Legit” starts to play and I realize I’ve been dreaming and I’m late for class. (“Too Legit” is my alarm/radio going off). I really enjoyed talking to your mom Monday, it was a nice feeling that she felt comfortable talking to me like I was normal.
I’ve got news! We (Bill, Trav and I a.k.a. Fully Gnarlies) signed our lease for our apartment next semester. Bill’s moving in the last week in July because that’s when his parents are leaving for China. We put $100 down and we’re all set. Oh yeah … don’t tell your mom but it’s in Gator Wood and, well, do you remember those 5 bloody slayings? Yep, same place. We kind of think the place is cool but only because it’s cheap. They are REALLY nice places and they have to lower the prices because no one wants to live there.
Anyway I’ve found Fables, Reckoning and D.L.O. on vinyl and I bought them. They are so cool and in great condition.
Love,
Jack
