CategoryTrue Crime
True crime cases with a horror edge — investigations, disappearances and the documentaries that cover them.
360 stories
MoviesNewsTrue Crime
The Western true-crime novel Hell’s Half-Acre has already garnered awards as a short feature film. Now, the full-length movie version is entering production. Author/producer Nicholas Nicastro has compiled an impressive roster of talent both in front of and behind the Camera. In front of the Camera Cult horror legend Bill Moseley (3 from Hell) is joined by Western icon Grainger Hines (Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Hell on Wheels). Award-winning stage and film actress Hannah Beck (Through Open Doors) also stars alongside off-Broadway and film notable Craig Cartwright (Marilyn Exposed). Newcomer JoHannah James also joins the cast. Behind the Camera Primetime Emmy nominee Marc Henry Johnson (HBO’s The Deuce, The Awful Truth) produces with Emmy winner Travis LaBella serving as cinematographer. Nicastro’s proof-of-concept short film, Hell’s Half-Acre: Sojourn, won Best Indie Short at the LA Indie Shorts Festival, Best Narrative at the Toronto Indie Shorts, an Award of Merit at the IndieFEST Film Awards, and the UK’s Freewheeling Film Award. It
Continue reading →
ForeignMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
The horrific human experimentation conducted by Japan’s covert biological warfare division during World War II remains one of the darkest, most brutal chapters in human history. Shifting away from standard Hollywood blockbusters, Well Go USA Entertainment is bringing this crucial, harrowing, horrific history to home video with the release of 731. Written and directed by Zhao Linshan (The Assassins), the Chinese film anchors its massive historical scope in a deeply intimate, human perspective. The cast features Wu Jiang (Dragon, A Touch of Sin), Zhiwen Wang (Battle of the Warriors), and Naiwen Li (The Adventure). Qian Sun (Three Weddings) and Ziye Lin (My Blue Summer) round out the cast. Suffering and Survival Behind the Wire Set inside the notorious, hidden complex of the Japanese Imperial Army’s Unit 731, the film confronts the reality of prisoners. Victims were held captive and subjected to torturous medical experiments aimed at developing advanced biological and chemical weaponry. At the center of this nightmare is Wang
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrue Crime
Move over, armchair detectives. One of America’s most infamous, deeply haunted Hollywood mysteries might finally be solved: the Black Dahlia murder. Global production company Talestorm has officially announced Deconstructing Dahlia, a true-crime docuseries that tracks a five-year investigation into the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short—better known as the Black Dahlia. The production team claims they aren’t just recycling old theories. They have uncovered startling new leads, identified a primary suspect, located the definitive crime scene, and are currently leaning hard on the Los Angeles Police Department to hand over secrets they’ve kept under lock and key for nearly 80 years. The Avengers of True Crime This isn’t a couple of podcasters with a microphone. The docuseries follows a heavyweight squad of filmmakers, seasoned investigators, and retired law enforcement royalty who have been living and breathing this case for half a decade. The investigative roster includes: -Steve Cooley (Former Los Angeles County District Attorney) -Lenny DePaul (Retired US Marshal Commander; Hunting
Continue reading →
DocumentariesNewsParamount+Streaming TVTrue Crime
Most family disagreements involve politics or who forgot to wash the dishes. For the Studey family, the debate is a little more intense: namely, whether or not dear old Dad was a prolific serial killer. Paramount+ is set to explore this deeply unsettling game of “he said, she said” with its new documentary series, My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders. The docuseries aims to posthumously unmask the rumored “Monster of Green Hollow,” a man some believe murdered dozens of people decades ago. But did he? The Well of Horrors vs. The “Big, Fat Lie” The spine of the series rests on a bizarre debate between two sisters regarding their late father, Donald Studey: The Accuser: Lucy Studey claims she doesn’t just suspect her father was a monster. She alleges she was an eyewitness. Lucy maintains that Don dumped dozens of victims into a stone water well on their property. She even claims she helped him cover the bodies in
Continue reading →
Advertisement
IDNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Water has a way of hiding things—until it doesn’t. This summer, Investigation Discovery (ID) is leaning into the eerie chill of the deep with its new six-part series, “Bodies in the Water.” Premiering Wednesday, June 2 at 10/9c, the show explores how rivers, lakes, and coastlines serve as both a killer’s accomplice and a detective’s greatest witness. From digital trails in Michigan to gruesome discoveries in Seattle suitcases, the series proves that even the most “peaceful” waters eventually surrender their secrets. The Season Premiere: “The Deep End of Envy” Airs: Wednesday, June 2 at 10/9c In Pontiac, Michigan, a quiet summer day is shattered when two teens find a blood-soaked dock. When the body of a beloved former high school athlete is pulled from the water, investigators must sift through a “digital breadcrumb” trail. A secret group of friends and a cryptic late-night text suggest that someone close to him was hiding a motive as deep as the lake itself.
Continue reading →
IDNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
The leading true crime network Investigation Discovery has just announced the premiere of three new true crime series: “Operation Undercover,” “Before They Kill Again,” and “Feuds Turned Fatal.” The series joins “Fear Thy Neighbor,” which is back with an all-new season. OPERATION UNDERCOVER New Series Premieres Tuesday, November 12 at 10/9c on ID & Streaming on Max “Operation Undercover” is an adrenaline-fueled new series that takes viewers inside real-life, discreet operations run by police to keep communities across the country safe. Led by former undercover agent Lou Valoze, this six-episode series offers exclusive, unprecedented access to undercover stings targeting arms dealers, drug suppliers, human traffickers, and various criminal enterprises. With a 26-year career as an undercover agent, Valoze has faced the Chicago mob, outlaw biker gangs, and domestic terrorists. Now, he brings his expertise to other agents leading high-stakes operations. . . FEAR THY NEIGHBOR New Season Premieres Wednesday, October 23 at 9/8c on ID & Streaming on Max “Fear
Continue reading →
MoviesNetflixNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Pitch Perfect star and Emmy nominee Anna Kendrick is making her future directorial debut with the true-crime-inspired serial killer thriller Woman of the Hour, whose teaser trailer has debuted following its acquisition by Netflix. Kendrick pulls double duty with the film, both directing and starring in it. Kendrick stars as Sheryl Bradshaw. In the trailer, she sits at a 1970s tropical-themed bar with her date, whom she met on “The Dating Game” (Daniel Zovatto). He makes her increasingly uneasy, though she’s not exactly sure why. What she doesn’t know yet is that the man sitting across from her is none other than serial killer Rodney Alcala. While the plot sounds like something out of a movie, it did happen in 1978. Woman of the Hour reportedly aims to turn the serial killer genre on its head and is on a mission to share not only Sheryl’s story but also the stories of Alacala’s victims, including those he murdered (he was
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Charlie Hunnam, best known for “Sons of Anarchy,” will portray the infamous killer Ed Gein in season three of Netflix’s Emmy-winning true-crime anthology series “Monster.” Co-creator Ryan Murphy shared the news of Humman’s casting during an event for the second season, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Gein became notorious in the 1950s. Not only was he a killer, but he also dug up bodies in the cemetery. He brought the bodies home and used them to create macabre household items such as lampshades, bowls, and a body suit. Gein’s crimes had a significant impact on pop culture. He inspired characters like Norman Bates in Psycho, Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs, and Leatherface. The first season of “Monster” was a major hit. It delved into the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, played by Evan Peters. Season two will explore the case of the Menendez brothers. The brothers became infamous after they murdered their parents. The premiere
Continue reading →
ForeignIndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailersTrue Crime
Utopia’s critically acclaimed psychological cyber-horror movie Red Rooms is now in select theaters. Writer-director Pascal Plante calls the film “true-crime meets genre cinema.” He promises an exploration of our fascination with serial killers, murderers, and the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the internet. Inspired by the unsettling true crimes of “red rooms“—online spaces that host dark and violent content—the film delves into the disturbing phenomenon of serial killer fandom. Plante further grounds the movie in the reality of today’s cybersecurity threats, creating a terrifying killer born in the digital age. More than just a horror film, Red Rooms offers a nuanced commentary on our relationship with technology. The movie doesn’t rely on graphic violence to be chilling. Instead, it focuses on the psychological impact of exposure to such darkness. Plante uses the central character to explore how technology can fuel loneliness and isolation, driving individuals toward dark obsessions. In the film, Kelly-Anne becomes enthralled by the trial of
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
Fans of Beetlejuice heading to theaters may wonder why Tim Burton killed off the character of Charles Deetz, the father of Wynona Ryder’s character Lydia’s father, played by Jeffrey Jones. Well, the truth is darker than you would expect. It’s not about the actor’s availability or budget restraints. It’s because Jones’ is a terrible human being with whom no one wanted to be associated. Jones’ Heinous Crimes Jeffrey Jones may have played the beloved character in the 1988 original, but he’s a villain in real life. In 2003, the actor found himself in hot water. Jones was charged as a pedophile after soliciting a minor to pose for nude photos and child pornography after getting the 14-year-old boy to take pictures multiple times throughout 2000 and 2001, reportedly. Jones made a deal and pleaded no contest, for which the child pornography charge was dropped. He was sentenced to probation but was required to register as a sex offender. Since his
Continue reading →
More from True Crime
MoviesNewsTrue Crime
The Western true-crime novel Hell’s Half-Acre has already garnered awards as a short feature film. Now, the full-length movie version is entering production. Author/producer Nicholas Nicastro has compiled an impressive roster of talent both in front of and behind the Camera. In front of the Camera Cult horror legend Bill Moseley (3 from Hell) is joined by Western icon Grainger Hines (Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Hell on Wheels). Award-winning stage and film actress Hannah Beck (Through Open Doors) also stars alongside off-Broadway and film notable Craig Cartwright (Marilyn Exposed). Newcomer JoHannah James also joins the cast. Behind the Camera Primetime Emmy nominee Marc Henry Johnson (HBO’s The Deuce, The Awful Truth) produces with Emmy winner Travis LaBella serving as cinematographer. Nicastro’s proof-of-concept short film, Hell’s Half-Acre: Sojourn, won Best Indie Short at the LA Indie Shorts Festival, Best Narrative at the Toronto Indie Shorts, an Award of Merit at the IndieFEST Film Awards, and the UK’s Freewheeling Film Award. It
Continue reading →
ForeignMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
The horrific human experimentation conducted by Japan’s covert biological warfare division during World War II remains one of the darkest, most brutal chapters in human history. Shifting away from standard Hollywood blockbusters, Well Go USA Entertainment is bringing this crucial, harrowing, horrific history to home video with the release of 731. Written and directed by Zhao Linshan (The Assassins), the Chinese film anchors its massive historical scope in a deeply intimate, human perspective. The cast features Wu Jiang (Dragon, A Touch of Sin), Zhiwen Wang (Battle of the Warriors), and Naiwen Li (The Adventure). Qian Sun (Three Weddings) and Ziye Lin (My Blue Summer) round out the cast. Suffering and Survival Behind the Wire Set inside the notorious, hidden complex of the Japanese Imperial Army’s Unit 731, the film confronts the reality of prisoners. Victims were held captive and subjected to torturous medical experiments aimed at developing advanced biological and chemical weaponry. At the center of this nightmare is Wang
Continue reading →
DocumentariesMoviesNewsTrue Crime
Move over, armchair detectives. One of America’s most infamous, deeply haunted Hollywood mysteries might finally be solved: the Black Dahlia murder. Global production company Talestorm has officially announced Deconstructing Dahlia, a true-crime docuseries that tracks a five-year investigation into the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short—better known as the Black Dahlia. The production team claims they aren’t just recycling old theories. They have uncovered startling new leads, identified a primary suspect, located the definitive crime scene, and are currently leaning hard on the Los Angeles Police Department to hand over secrets they’ve kept under lock and key for nearly 80 years. The Avengers of True Crime This isn’t a couple of podcasters with a microphone. The docuseries follows a heavyweight squad of filmmakers, seasoned investigators, and retired law enforcement royalty who have been living and breathing this case for half a decade. The investigative roster includes: -Steve Cooley (Former Los Angeles County District Attorney) -Lenny DePaul (Retired US Marshal Commander; Hunting
Continue reading →
DocumentariesNewsParamount+Streaming TVTrue Crime
Most family disagreements involve politics or who forgot to wash the dishes. For the Studey family, the debate is a little more intense: namely, whether or not dear old Dad was a prolific serial killer. Paramount+ is set to explore this deeply unsettling game of “he said, she said” with its new documentary series, My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders. The docuseries aims to posthumously unmask the rumored “Monster of Green Hollow,” a man some believe murdered dozens of people decades ago. But did he? The Well of Horrors vs. The “Big, Fat Lie” The spine of the series rests on a bizarre debate between two sisters regarding their late father, Donald Studey: The Accuser: Lucy Studey claims she doesn’t just suspect her father was a monster. She alleges she was an eyewitness. Lucy maintains that Don dumped dozens of victims into a stone water well on their property. She even claims she helped him cover the bodies in
Continue reading →
IDNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Water has a way of hiding things—until it doesn’t. This summer, Investigation Discovery (ID) is leaning into the eerie chill of the deep with its new six-part series, “Bodies in the Water.” Premiering Wednesday, June 2 at 10/9c, the show explores how rivers, lakes, and coastlines serve as both a killer’s accomplice and a detective’s greatest witness. From digital trails in Michigan to gruesome discoveries in Seattle suitcases, the series proves that even the most “peaceful” waters eventually surrender their secrets. The Season Premiere: “The Deep End of Envy” Airs: Wednesday, June 2 at 10/9c In Pontiac, Michigan, a quiet summer day is shattered when two teens find a blood-soaked dock. When the body of a beloved former high school athlete is pulled from the water, investigators must sift through a “digital breadcrumb” trail. A secret group of friends and a cryptic late-night text suggest that someone close to him was hiding a motive as deep as the lake itself.
Continue reading →
IDNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
The leading true crime network Investigation Discovery has just announced the premiere of three new true crime series: “Operation Undercover,” “Before They Kill Again,” and “Feuds Turned Fatal.” The series joins “Fear Thy Neighbor,” which is back with an all-new season. OPERATION UNDERCOVER New Series Premieres Tuesday, November 12 at 10/9c on ID & Streaming on Max “Operation Undercover” is an adrenaline-fueled new series that takes viewers inside real-life, discreet operations run by police to keep communities across the country safe. Led by former undercover agent Lou Valoze, this six-episode series offers exclusive, unprecedented access to undercover stings targeting arms dealers, drug suppliers, human traffickers, and various criminal enterprises. With a 26-year career as an undercover agent, Valoze has faced the Chicago mob, outlaw biker gangs, and domestic terrorists. Now, he brings his expertise to other agents leading high-stakes operations. . . FEAR THY NEIGHBOR New Season Premieres Wednesday, October 23 at 9/8c on ID & Streaming on Max “Fear
Continue reading →
MoviesNetflixNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Pitch Perfect star and Emmy nominee Anna Kendrick is making her future directorial debut with the true-crime-inspired serial killer thriller Woman of the Hour, whose teaser trailer has debuted following its acquisition by Netflix. Kendrick pulls double duty with the film, both directing and starring in it. Kendrick stars as Sheryl Bradshaw. In the trailer, she sits at a 1970s tropical-themed bar with her date, whom she met on “The Dating Game” (Daniel Zovatto). He makes her increasingly uneasy, though she’s not exactly sure why. What she doesn’t know yet is that the man sitting across from her is none other than serial killer Rodney Alcala. While the plot sounds like something out of a movie, it did happen in 1978. Woman of the Hour reportedly aims to turn the serial killer genre on its head and is on a mission to share not only Sheryl’s story but also the stories of Alacala’s victims, including those he murdered (he was
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVTrailersTrue Crime
Charlie Hunnam, best known for “Sons of Anarchy,” will portray the infamous killer Ed Gein in season three of Netflix’s Emmy-winning true-crime anthology series “Monster.” Co-creator Ryan Murphy shared the news of Humman’s casting during an event for the second season, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Gein became notorious in the 1950s. Not only was he a killer, but he also dug up bodies in the cemetery. He brought the bodies home and used them to create macabre household items such as lampshades, bowls, and a body suit. Gein’s crimes had a significant impact on pop culture. He inspired characters like Norman Bates in Psycho, Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs, and Leatherface. The first season of “Monster” was a major hit. It delved into the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, played by Evan Peters. Season two will explore the case of the Menendez brothers. The brothers became infamous after they murdered their parents. The premiere
Continue reading →
ForeignIndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailersTrue Crime
Utopia’s critically acclaimed psychological cyber-horror movie Red Rooms is now in select theaters. Writer-director Pascal Plante calls the film “true-crime meets genre cinema.” He promises an exploration of our fascination with serial killers, murderers, and the dangers lurking in the dark corners of the internet. Inspired by the unsettling true crimes of “red rooms“—online spaces that host dark and violent content—the film delves into the disturbing phenomenon of serial killer fandom. Plante further grounds the movie in the reality of today’s cybersecurity threats, creating a terrifying killer born in the digital age. More than just a horror film, Red Rooms offers a nuanced commentary on our relationship with technology. The movie doesn’t rely on graphic violence to be chilling. Instead, it focuses on the psychological impact of exposure to such darkness. Plante uses the central character to explore how technology can fuel loneliness and isolation, driving individuals toward dark obsessions. In the film, Kelly-Anne becomes enthralled by the trial of
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue Crime
Fans of Beetlejuice heading to theaters may wonder why Tim Burton killed off the character of Charles Deetz, the father of Wynona Ryder’s character Lydia’s father, played by Jeffrey Jones. Well, the truth is darker than you would expect. It’s not about the actor’s availability or budget restraints. It’s because Jones’ is a terrible human being with whom no one wanted to be associated. Jones’ Heinous Crimes Jeffrey Jones may have played the beloved character in the 1988 original, but he’s a villain in real life. In 2003, the actor found himself in hot water. Jones was charged as a pedophile after soliciting a minor to pose for nude photos and child pornography after getting the 14-year-old boy to take pictures multiple times throughout 2000 and 2001, reportedly. Jones made a deal and pleaded no contest, for which the child pornography charge was dropped. He was sentenced to probation but was required to register as a sex offender. Since his
Continue reading →
