Topeka ? Topeka homeless advocate David Owen took too many chances in dealing with homeless people, according to the author of a new book about Owen’s murder.

“David got too close to a dangerous, wild element of homelessness,” said Benedict Giamo, an associate professor of American studies at the University of Notre Dame. Giamo’s book, “Homeless Come Home: An Advocate, the Riverbank and Murder in Topeka,” is scheduled to be released this fall. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the book is part Owen biography, crime drama and assessment of homelessness.

The title is drawn from Owen’s frequent request to homeless people that they contact family members by telephone and try to build relationships that would help them end their homelessness. Owen, 38, was also known for sneaking into homeless camps along the Kansas River to spoil food and trash equipment. The intent was to escalate desperation among those without a permanent home to a point they would reach out to family.

Owen disappeared in June 2006. His body was found the next month near the Kansas River.

Four people have been convicted in Owen’s death. Kimberly Sharp, Charles Hollingsworth and Carl Baker were convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping. John Cornell was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Giamo’s account of the murder says Owen, sometimes called “Preacher,” arrived uninvited at a small riverside camp and suggested the four call home. His message wasn’t well-received. Owen refused to leave and threatened to call law enforcement on the squatters.

Cornell corresponded with the author and said the city of Topeka should have done more to control Owen.

“I am not in any way condoning killing or even hurting anyone else,” Cornell says in Giamo’s book. “I am pointing out the failure of the local system to put a stop to Dave’s reign of insanity. They knew and did nothing because the segment of society he was tormenting was poor and homeless.”

Giamo said Owen’s impact on the homeless was difficult to quantify. In 2004, Owen convinced the Kansas Senate to pass a resolution urging consideration of a state program providing incentives for the homeless to call home.

How would Owen assess his contribution?

“I’m sure he’d be sympathetic to someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his mission,” Giamo said.