The public's fascination with true crime shows no sign of waning, as audiences continue to be drawn to real-life mysteries, unexpected plot twists, and dramatic courtroom revelations. The sheer volume of available content can be overwhelming, prompting crime reporters and editors to recommend the most compelling documentaries and series for viewers.
Recent documentaries delve into a range of disturbing cases. "The Crash" on Netflix examines the July 31, 2022, incident in Strongsville, Ohio, where a car crash killed Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19. The driver, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla, survived and was later convicted of murder, with a jury finding she intentionally crashed the vehicle at high speed. The documentary revisits Shirilla's account from prison as she appeals her conviction.
Another Netflix offering, "Maternal Instinct," explores the case of Taylor Parker, who was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her pregnant friend Reagan Simmons-Hancock and the theft of her unborn baby. Parker, now on death row in Texas, had faked her pregnancy and hosted a gender reveal party before the crime. The documentary details her elaborate deception leading up to the murder.
"American Murder: The Family Next Door," also on Netflix, recounts the August 2018 murders of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, by Chris Watts. The documentary utilizes firsthand footage, including police interrogations, to shed light on the case and the affair that investigators believe motivated the killings.
Peacock's docuseries "The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets" investigates the serial killings on Long Island, leading to the arrest of architect Rex Heuermann. The series features interviews with those closest to Heuermann, including his wife, and explores the alleged torture and murders of at least seven women.
Prime Video's "One Night in Idaho: The College Murders" covers the November 13, 2022, stabbing rampage that killed Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen in Moscow, Idaho. The docuseries, filmed before Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty, includes interviews with victims' families and friends.
Netflix's "The Murder of Rachel Nickell" revisits the 1992 daylight murder of a young mother in a London park. The documentary features testimony from her son, Alex, who was the sole witness to the attack, and his father, André Hanscombe, as they recount their experiences 33 years later.
"Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart" on Netflix chronicles the 2002 abduction of the then 14-year-old from her bedroom. The documentary details her nine months of captivity by Brian David Mitchell and his wife before her rescue.
"The Perfect Neighbor," available on Netflix, documents the 2023 fatal shooting of Ajike 'AJ' Owens in Ocala, Florida. The film uses body camera, emergency calls, and interrogation footage to portray the events and explores issues of racial bias and Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' laws.
Also on Netflix, "The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson" examines the 2022 murder of the competitive cyclist and the subsequent international manhunt for her killer, Kaitlin Armstrong. The documentary includes interviews with Wilson's family and friends.
Hulu's "Murdaugh: Death in the Family" dramatizes the downfall of the South Carolina legal family, covering a double homicide, a boat crash, fraud, and a botched murder plot. The series stars Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette and is timely given the ongoing legal proceedings.
"The Carman Murders" on Netflix investigates the 2016 disappearance of Linda Carman during a fishing trip with her son, Nathan, who was the sole survivor. The case also raises questions about the unsolved murder of Nathan's grandfather three years prior.