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True Crime Inspired Horror 'Wineville' Takes a Stab at Theaters

True Crime Inspired Horror ‘Wineville’ Takes a Stab at Theaters

Dark Star Pictures is releasing the 70s-inspired horror slasher Wineville from director Brande Roderick in select theaters this September. The official trailer offers a glimpse into a mysterious world shrouded in secrets and inspired by a true crime. Set in the 70s, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, a woman is forced to return to the family vineyard when he dies. She discovers that the dark secrets left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, leading to violence and death. The cast includes Carolyn Hennesy ( Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard), and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman, who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater. Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, a true crime inspires Wineville, the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. The murders are one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The crimes ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 22, 2024
A First Look at the Docuseries "The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood"

A First Look at the Docuseries “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood”

Bestselling author Michael Connelly delves into one of Hollywood’s most notorious crimes in his upcoming docuseries, “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood.” The four-part series takes viewers on a gripping journey into the heart of the Wonderland massacre, a gruesome quadruple homicide that shocked the world in 1981. Today, we have the first look at this chilling docuseries. As a former crime beat reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Connelly brings a unique perspective to this infamous case. He conducts in-depth interviews with original detectives, prosecutors, and undercover cops. The series paints a vivid picture of the era’s seedy underbelly through their firsthand accounts and rare archival footage. And explores the crime that intertwines sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and murder. The Wonderland murders remain one of Los Angeles’ most notorious unsolved crimes. The massacre saw four members of the Wonderland Gang brutally murdered on July 1, 1981, bludgeoned to death with hammers and pipes in a

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 16, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap' Has Come Home

M. Night Shyamalan Reveals True Crime That Inspired ‘Trap’

M. Night Shyamalan‘s latest movie, Trap, is now playing in theaters. But there’s something interesting you should know about it. The movie was partially based on an incredible true story. The film follows Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a seemingly devoted father who harbors a dark secret. Cooper is a notorious serial killer known as “The Butcher.” In a shocking twist, what’s supposed to be a father-daughter bonding experience at a pop concert turns into a deadly trap. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Shyamalan described the film as “Silence of the Lambs meets a Taylor Swift concert.” While the set-up sounds like pure cinematic fantasy, Trap draws inspiration from a real-life sting operation—”Operation Flagship,” one of the most successful maneuvers in history by the U.S. Marshals Service. In December 1985, the U.S. Marshals Service devised a cunning plan to apprehend a large number of fugitives. The Marshals sent out over 3,000 invitations, disguised as being from a sports channel called Flagship

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 5, 2024
True Crime Thriller 'Man in the White Van' Pulling Up To SDCC

True Crime Inspired Thriller ‘The Man in the White Van’ Pulls Up This Fall

Relativity Media has acquired the chilling thriller The Man in the White Van for a wide theatrical release this Fall. The film, from Garrison Film and the fan-owned entertainment company Legion M, is based on a series of true crimes from the 1970s. The story centers on Annie Williams (Madison Wolfe), a young girl whose life takes a dark turn when a mysterious figure in a white van stalks her. Her parents disbelieve her claims, leading to a terrifying Halloween encounter that forces them to confront the truth. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, “Stranger Things”), Ali Larter (ABC’s The Rookie, Final Destination), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2), and Brec Bassinger (CW’s “Stargirl”). Gavin Warren (Night Swim) and Skai Jackson (Jessie) round out the cast. The Man in the White Van is described as a “gripping exploration of terror, paranoia, and the fragility of security.” It delves into the unsettling reality

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jul 18, 2024
Michael Chernus To Play John Wayne Gacy in New Peacock Series

Michael Chernus To Play John Wayne Gacy in New Peacock Series

The true-crime boom continues on streaming services, with Peacock entering the fray with a new series based on the serial Killer John Wayne Gacy. The series promises a different approach than past portrayals of notorious killers, with the focus shifting away from Gacy himself and towards his victims. Actor Michael Chernus, known for supporting roles in dark projects like “Severance” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” will portray Gacy. Chernus acknowledges the gravity of the role. I’m both excited and humbled by this opportunity. The direction that the writers are taking with this project is important, focusing on the victims and their families as well as those who finally brought John Wayne Gacy to justice. While Gacy was the perpetrator of these horrific crimes, I’m relieved that he won’t be the main focus of the series. It’s heartbreaking for me to think of what his victims (all young men and boys) could have done with their lives had the system not failed them

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 25, 2024
"Unsolved Mysteries: Chapter 4" Coming This Summer

“Unsolved Mysteries: Chapter 4” Coming This Summer

It’s been two years. Now, the wait for another gripping season of “Unsolved Mysteries” is nearly over. Netflix has now announced that the much-anticipated “Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4” will be released this July. Season four adds to the previous seasons, which include 21 episodes already available on Netflix. “Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4” delves deeper into the unknown. From chilling murder cases to perplexing disappearances to things that go bump in the night, the series explores a variety of mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and the public alike. The original series first debuted in 1988, leaving viewers chilled to the bone as host Robert Stack revealed shocking events. Now, the series revival from the producers of “Stranger Things” continues to hook true-crime enthusiasts, igniting a passion for solving real-life puzzles. “Someone, somewhere, knows the truth.” This powerful statement remains the core of the series. “Unsolved Mysteries” showcases new unsolved cases, hoping that someone will come forward with any information that

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 21, 2024
Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison Attack

Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison Attack

Robert Pickton, the Canadian serial killer who terrorized British Columbia, is dead. Pickton, 74, succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal prison assault on May 19. Pickton was attacked by a fellow inmate at the Port-Cartier Institution, a maximum-security facility in Quebec. The attack, which involved a broken broom handle used as a weapon, left Pickton in critical condition. He clung to life for nearly two weeks before succumbing to his injuries. Over the years, Pickton has inspired multiple horror films. Those include the recently released films Pig Killer, starring Jake Busey and Squealer, whose filmmakers we interviewed. Born in 1949, Robert Pickton began his reign of terror in the 1980s after inheriting the family pig farm. He would rape and murder his victims before chopping them up and feeding them to his pigs, sometimes eating the meat himself or serving it to unsuspecting visitors. He and his brother often held parties at the farm, which they registered as part

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 2, 2024
Mel Gibson, "50 Cent" Star in True Crime Inspired Thriller 'Boneyard'

Mel Gibson, “50 Cent” Star in True Crime Inspired Thriller ‘Boneyard’

Mel Gibson stars alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Brian Van Holt in Boneyard—an indie crime-thriller based on the horrific true crimes of a serial killer. In the chilling film, the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert. Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) join a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer, known as the “Bone Collector”. Suspicion forms that someone from their own department may be involved. Asif Akbar (Skeletons in the Closet) directs from the script he penned with Hank Byrd, Vincent E. McDaniel, and Koji Steven Sakai. The film is based on the events surrounding the West Mesa Bone Collector. In February 2009, a woman walking her dog made a grim discovery: human remains. Eleven bodies in all were discovered, all women between the ages of 15 and 32. Several suspects have been pursued. However, no one

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 8, 2024
True Crime Serial Thriller 'The Execution' Slashes Its Way onto Digital

True Crime Serial Thriller ‘The Execution’ Slashes Its Way onto Digital

4Digital Media has announced the US premiere of the chilling true-crime thriller The Execution. Directed by Lado Kvataniya in his feature film debut, the film is inspired by the horrific crimes of Andrei Chikatilo, known as the “Butcher of Rostov.” For a decade, a sadistic serial killer has cast a dark shadow over Russia. In the film, he has evaded capture, leaving a trail of victims and a nation gripped by fear. Finally, the authorities apprehend a suspect. However, securing a conviction proves to be a frustrating and seemingly impossible task. As the investigation stalls, the lead detective becomes increasingly fixated on his quarry. The line between determination and obsession blurs as the pursuit takes a personal turn, exploring the psychological toll a relentless hunt for justice can take on those determined to stop a monster. Andrei Chikatilo is one of the most infamous serial killers ever to have walked the earth. This monster brutally sexually assaulted and murdered at

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 3, 2024
ID Announces Eight True Crime Series' Premiere Dates

ID Announces Eight True Crime Series’ Premiere Dates

True crime fans, get ready. Investigation Discovery (ID) is gearing up to take a stab at keeping you entertained this Summer. It is about to unleash eight true crime series premieres, and we’ve got the details! This May and June, leading true crime network ID will be bringing back eight returning series, including IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH, HIGH SPEED CHASE, LATE NIGHT LOCKUP, HOMICIDE HUNTER: AMERICAN DETECTIVE, AMERICAN MONSTER, CRIMES GONE VIRAL, SIGNS OF A PSYCHOPATH, and FEAR THY NEIGHBOR. IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH returns to continue pursuing justice for victims across the country with legendary victims’ rights advocate John Walsh and his son Callahan Walsh. Over the show, this crime-fighting team has aided in the capture and identification of over 50 fugitives and led to the recovery of dozens of missing children. Following the premiere of IN PURSUIT, new seasons of several returning series, from the adrenaline-pumping second season of the hit series HIGH-SPEED CHASE to new

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 2, 2024

More from True Crime

True Crime Inspired Horror 'Wineville' Takes a Stab at Theaters

True Crime Inspired Horror ‘Wineville’ Takes a Stab at Theaters

Dark Star Pictures is releasing the 70s-inspired horror slasher Wineville from director Brande Roderick in select theaters this September. The official trailer offers a glimpse into a mysterious world shrouded in secrets and inspired by a true crime. Set in the 70s, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, a woman is forced to return to the family vineyard when he dies. She discovers that the dark secrets left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, leading to violence and death. The cast includes Carolyn Hennesy ( Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard), and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman, who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater. Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, a true crime inspires Wineville, the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. The murders are one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The crimes ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 22, 2024
A First Look at the Docuseries "The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood"

A First Look at the Docuseries “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood”

Bestselling author Michael Connelly delves into one of Hollywood’s most notorious crimes in his upcoming docuseries, “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood.” The four-part series takes viewers on a gripping journey into the heart of the Wonderland massacre, a gruesome quadruple homicide that shocked the world in 1981. Today, we have the first look at this chilling docuseries. As a former crime beat reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Connelly brings a unique perspective to this infamous case. He conducts in-depth interviews with original detectives, prosecutors, and undercover cops. The series paints a vivid picture of the era’s seedy underbelly through their firsthand accounts and rare archival footage. And explores the crime that intertwines sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and murder. The Wonderland murders remain one of Los Angeles’ most notorious unsolved crimes. The massacre saw four members of the Wonderland Gang brutally murdered on July 1, 1981, bludgeoned to death with hammers and pipes in a

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 16, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap' Has Come Home

M. Night Shyamalan Reveals True Crime That Inspired ‘Trap’

M. Night Shyamalan‘s latest movie, Trap, is now playing in theaters. But there’s something interesting you should know about it. The movie was partially based on an incredible true story. The film follows Cooper (Josh Hartnett), a seemingly devoted father who harbors a dark secret. Cooper is a notorious serial killer known as “The Butcher.” In a shocking twist, what’s supposed to be a father-daughter bonding experience at a pop concert turns into a deadly trap. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Shyamalan described the film as “Silence of the Lambs meets a Taylor Swift concert.” While the set-up sounds like pure cinematic fantasy, Trap draws inspiration from a real-life sting operation—”Operation Flagship,” one of the most successful maneuvers in history by the U.S. Marshals Service. In December 1985, the U.S. Marshals Service devised a cunning plan to apprehend a large number of fugitives. The Marshals sent out over 3,000 invitations, disguised as being from a sports channel called Flagship

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Aug 5, 2024
True Crime Thriller 'Man in the White Van' Pulling Up To SDCC

True Crime Inspired Thriller ‘The Man in the White Van’ Pulls Up This Fall

Relativity Media has acquired the chilling thriller The Man in the White Van for a wide theatrical release this Fall. The film, from Garrison Film and the fan-owned entertainment company Legion M, is based on a series of true crimes from the 1970s. The story centers on Annie Williams (Madison Wolfe), a young girl whose life takes a dark turn when a mysterious figure in a white van stalks her. Her parents disbelieve her claims, leading to a terrifying Halloween encounter that forces them to confront the truth. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, “Stranger Things”), Ali Larter (ABC’s The Rookie, Final Destination), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2), and Brec Bassinger (CW’s “Stargirl”). Gavin Warren (Night Swim) and Skai Jackson (Jessie) round out the cast. The Man in the White Van is described as a “gripping exploration of terror, paranoia, and the fragility of security.” It delves into the unsettling reality

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jul 18, 2024
Michael Chernus To Play John Wayne Gacy in New Peacock Series

Michael Chernus To Play John Wayne Gacy in New Peacock Series

The true-crime boom continues on streaming services, with Peacock entering the fray with a new series based on the serial Killer John Wayne Gacy. The series promises a different approach than past portrayals of notorious killers, with the focus shifting away from Gacy himself and towards his victims. Actor Michael Chernus, known for supporting roles in dark projects like “Severance” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” will portray Gacy. Chernus acknowledges the gravity of the role. I’m both excited and humbled by this opportunity. The direction that the writers are taking with this project is important, focusing on the victims and their families as well as those who finally brought John Wayne Gacy to justice. While Gacy was the perpetrator of these horrific crimes, I’m relieved that he won’t be the main focus of the series. It’s heartbreaking for me to think of what his victims (all young men and boys) could have done with their lives had the system not failed them

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 25, 2024
"Unsolved Mysteries: Chapter 4" Coming This Summer

“Unsolved Mysteries: Chapter 4” Coming This Summer

It’s been two years. Now, the wait for another gripping season of “Unsolved Mysteries” is nearly over. Netflix has now announced that the much-anticipated “Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4” will be released this July. Season four adds to the previous seasons, which include 21 episodes already available on Netflix. “Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4” delves deeper into the unknown. From chilling murder cases to perplexing disappearances to things that go bump in the night, the series explores a variety of mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and the public alike. The original series first debuted in 1988, leaving viewers chilled to the bone as host Robert Stack revealed shocking events. Now, the series revival from the producers of “Stranger Things” continues to hook true-crime enthusiasts, igniting a passion for solving real-life puzzles. “Someone, somewhere, knows the truth.” This powerful statement remains the core of the series. “Unsolved Mysteries” showcases new unsolved cases, hoping that someone will come forward with any information that

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 21, 2024
Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison Attack

Notorious Serial Killer Dies in Prison Attack

Robert Pickton, the Canadian serial killer who terrorized British Columbia, is dead. Pickton, 74, succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal prison assault on May 19. Pickton was attacked by a fellow inmate at the Port-Cartier Institution, a maximum-security facility in Quebec. The attack, which involved a broken broom handle used as a weapon, left Pickton in critical condition. He clung to life for nearly two weeks before succumbing to his injuries. Over the years, Pickton has inspired multiple horror films. Those include the recently released films Pig Killer, starring Jake Busey and Squealer, whose filmmakers we interviewed. Born in 1949, Robert Pickton began his reign of terror in the 1980s after inheriting the family pig farm. He would rape and murder his victims before chopping them up and feeding them to his pigs, sometimes eating the meat himself or serving it to unsuspecting visitors. He and his brother often held parties at the farm, which they registered as part

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 2, 2024
Mel Gibson, "50 Cent" Star in True Crime Inspired Thriller 'Boneyard'

Mel Gibson, “50 Cent” Star in True Crime Inspired Thriller ‘Boneyard’

Mel Gibson stars alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Brian Van Holt in Boneyard—an indie crime-thriller based on the horrific true crimes of a serial killer. In the chilling film, the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert. Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) join a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer, known as the “Bone Collector”. Suspicion forms that someone from their own department may be involved. Asif Akbar (Skeletons in the Closet) directs from the script he penned with Hank Byrd, Vincent E. McDaniel, and Koji Steven Sakai. The film is based on the events surrounding the West Mesa Bone Collector. In February 2009, a woman walking her dog made a grim discovery: human remains. Eleven bodies in all were discovered, all women between the ages of 15 and 32. Several suspects have been pursued. However, no one

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 8, 2024
True Crime Serial Thriller 'The Execution' Slashes Its Way onto Digital

True Crime Serial Thriller ‘The Execution’ Slashes Its Way onto Digital

4Digital Media has announced the US premiere of the chilling true-crime thriller The Execution. Directed by Lado Kvataniya in his feature film debut, the film is inspired by the horrific crimes of Andrei Chikatilo, known as the “Butcher of Rostov.” For a decade, a sadistic serial killer has cast a dark shadow over Russia. In the film, he has evaded capture, leaving a trail of victims and a nation gripped by fear. Finally, the authorities apprehend a suspect. However, securing a conviction proves to be a frustrating and seemingly impossible task. As the investigation stalls, the lead detective becomes increasingly fixated on his quarry. The line between determination and obsession blurs as the pursuit takes a personal turn, exploring the psychological toll a relentless hunt for justice can take on those determined to stop a monster. Andrei Chikatilo is one of the most infamous serial killers ever to have walked the earth. This monster brutally sexually assaulted and murdered at

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 3, 2024
ID Announces Eight True Crime Series' Premiere Dates

ID Announces Eight True Crime Series’ Premiere Dates

True crime fans, get ready. Investigation Discovery (ID) is gearing up to take a stab at keeping you entertained this Summer. It is about to unleash eight true crime series premieres, and we’ve got the details! This May and June, leading true crime network ID will be bringing back eight returning series, including IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH, HIGH SPEED CHASE, LATE NIGHT LOCKUP, HOMICIDE HUNTER: AMERICAN DETECTIVE, AMERICAN MONSTER, CRIMES GONE VIRAL, SIGNS OF A PSYCHOPATH, and FEAR THY NEIGHBOR. IN PURSUIT WITH JOHN WALSH returns to continue pursuing justice for victims across the country with legendary victims’ rights advocate John Walsh and his son Callahan Walsh. Over the show, this crime-fighting team has aided in the capture and identification of over 50 fugitives and led to the recovery of dozens of missing children. Following the premiere of IN PURSUIT, new seasons of several returning series, from the adrenaline-pumping second season of the hit series HIGH-SPEED CHASE to new

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
May 2, 2024
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