True crime documentaries

True crime fans are eager to learn more about the case explored in Netflix’s The Crash

Netflix fans are still hooked on the chilling case of Mackenzie Shirilla.

The inmate’s story is explored in viral documentary The Crash, which takes viewers through the tragedy that put Mackenzie behind bars.

Mackenzie was just 17 years old when she crashed her car into a brick wall at 100mph. Passengers Dominic Russo, 20, and Davion Flanagan, 19, sadly died at the scene. The driver survived, but she was left seriously injured.

What originally seemed like a devastating accident, though, soon turned into a murder investigation.

During a trial in 2023, prosecutors argued that Mackenzie intentionally crashed the car, ultimately killing her then-boyfriend Dominic and their friend Davion.

The teenager was later found guilty on all counts and received two 15-to-life sentences with the possibility parole.

While the documentary offers an in-depth look at the case and trial, fans have been left wondering when exactly the crime took place.

When did the Mackenzie Shirilla crash happen?

Mackenzie crashed her vehicle into a brick wall in the early hours of July 31, 2022.

Her bench trial, which means a trial ruled by a judge instead of a jury, took place a year later. She was found guilty on all counts on August 14, 2023 and later handed two consecutive 15-year sentences. She will not be eligible for parole until 2037.

The documentary explores Mackenzie’s relationship with the victims, as well as her wider friendship circle. Viewers also hear from her loved ones as they try to paint a picture of the days leading up to the tragedy.

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Netflix’s synospsis states: “A car carrying three young adults slams into a brick building at 100 miles per hour in Strongsville, Ohio, leaving two lives lost and one sole survivor. The driver, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla, was driving her boyfriend, Dom, and his friend, Davion, home from a party when the unthinkable happened.

“But as detectives comb through the wreckage, what first appears to be a tragic accident begins to look like a calculated crime scene. The Crash takes a deep dive into the volatile relationship at the centre, examining the shifting narratives of that fateful night to explore where a fatal mistake ends and cold-blooded murder begins.”

The Crash is streaming on Netflix

True crime fans are urged to check out the Netflix documentary series described as “one of the best” ever made.

A “fascinating” Netflix series with a major twist is the perfect binge watch for fans of true crime documentaries.

The docu-series, which viewers have described as “heartbreaking” and “mindblowing”, first aired back in 2019.

It follows the stranger-than-fiction story of Henry Lee Lucas, who was known as “the most prolific serial killer in the US”.

However, the bizarre case takes an unexpected turn, and the series about his extraordinary life has left viewers stunned.

The synopsis on Netflix reads: “Henry Lee Lucas rose to infamy when he confessed to hundreds of unsolved murders. =

“This documentary series examines the truth – and horrific consequences.”

Titled The Confession Killer, the Netflix series was a hit when it first came out, earning a rare 100% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Audiences took to the review section to share their thoughts on the mini-series, with many praising its detail and calling it a “must watch”.

“Superb, my mind was blown as the story unfolded,” one person wrote, as another agreed: “This is amazing. One of the best, if not the best, true crime doc series of late.”

“Very well described in terms of details and information. Very little bias,” another praised, as a fourth person said: “Henry Lee Lucas is a tragic story where everyone involved was surprised in the end. It’s heartbreaking. You must watch it.”

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Another person reflected: “As someone as complicated as Henry Lee Lucas, this is probably the best and most well put together documentary about him that has ever been made.”

One more viewer observed: “This was fascinating and SO well done. The old footage was terrific as were the interviews with people who are still alive to tell their versions of the story. I was hooked.

“I thought I was just watching a good profile of a serial killer and then everything took a completely different turn. Anyone interested in true crime will find this a compelling documentary. Highly recommended.”

Critics also applauded the documentary, with Mashable noting: For true crime devotees, watching the five-part series will do more than hit the spot.”

The Confession Killer is available to stream now on Netflix.

Viewers have been left horrified by the chilling new documentary that is free to watch.

Channel 5 viewers have been left horrified by a new true crime documentary.

Murder In Shetland: Trial by Jury follows the killing of Claire Leveque, a woman who was found dead at a remote Shetland home.

Claire, from Canada, was 24 years old when she was killed on 11 February 2024.

She was found with a number of serious injuries in a hot tub at a property in the Sandness area, and though emergency services arrived at the scene, she was pronounced dead a short while later.

A new documentary is now revealing the murder trial that followed, as well as sharing the perspective of her grieving family.

The Channel 5 synopsis teases: “Inside the courtroom as a grieving family and an accused partner collide in a murder trial.”

Sharing a clip on social media, Channel 5 warned viewers: “Warning: Some viewers may find the following video distressing.”

They added: “Claire Leveque’s final months reveal a harrowing story of control and abuse. Now, her family cross continents in search of answers, and justice.”

The trailer heard clippings from the trial, with Claire’s family and friends in tears in court.

It also sees testimonies from experts brought in to prove the case, as a person warns: “This is a horror story from the beginning.”

“This was horrific,” one viewer commented to the clip.

Another said: “Horrendous case – can’t imagine how her family & friends coped with that trial.”

Someone else called it “very chilling”, and said “it wasn’t an easy watch”.

“A hard watch,” another agreed, while someone else said: “#MurderinShetland is remarkable television. Do watch it if you can, although it is quite harrowing.”

Ahead of the documentary airing, Gary Davies, consultant editor for commissioning at 5, said: “This thoughtful series gives a deeply human account of an unimaginable tragedy. It shines a light on the justice process and honours the courage of Claire’s family as they seek truth and remembrance.”

Mark Procter, executive producer for Big Little Fish, echoed the sentiment, saying: “We are profoundly grateful to the Judicial Office for Scotland and to everyone who enabled our access to the trial.

“Above all, we are honoured that the Leveque family have entrusted us to document what happened to Claire. We hope this series serves as a respectful tribute – giving her the voice that was so cruelly taken from her.”

Murder in Shetland: Trial by Jury is available to watch on Channel 5.