Can i write a non fiction novel about somebody else?

Question:

Can i write a non fiction novel about somebody else?

i have been interested in a case about the West Memphis three in Arkansas and i wanted to write a novel about them and the investigation and about my thoughts on the matter, I am a new freelance journalist and writer and i just need to know because there is documentaries and two other novels and facts accessible by the public do i need permission off anyone or can i just go ahead and do it.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Truman Capote did it so yes, you definitely can. You do not need permission and your agent/publisher will make sure that any legalities are taken care of. Just write it . . . you can worry about the details later.

However, if there are already two novels about it, are you sure you can write something that is unique and not merely redundant? If there is an angle you are aspiring to take that hasn't been done in the previous novels I would say definitely go for it but if you are just going to rehash the same old information you might want to see if there is something else out there that piques your curiosity/interest that has not yet been covered.