tv review

Big crimes, small screen; true crime television series and TV documentaries that recreate and reexamine some of the mystifying and grisliest cases in history.

"Man Suspected of Attempting Murder After Driving Into Crowd at Liverpool FC Parade"
A tragic incident unfolded in Liverpool on May 26, 2025, when a 53-year-old man drove a minivan into a crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League victory. The collision occurred on Water Street, shortly after the team's open-top bus parade had passed through the area. The driver, who was arrested at the scene, is facing charges of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of drugs.
By Kazi Abir Ahmedabout a year ago in Criminal
Russia and Ukraine Trade Drone Strikes After Trump Rebuke
**Russia and Ukraine Trade Drone Strikes After Trump Rebuke** Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated sharply following a barrage of drone and missile attacks by both sides, just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the leadership of both nations. One of the most intense aerial confrontations in recent months has resulted in the deployment of dozens of drones, the destruction of important infrastructure, and renewed calls for diplomatic intervention. Over 350 Iranian-made Shahed drones and a number of cruise missiles, according to Ukrainian military sources, were launched by Russia against important Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv. Ukrainian air defense systems were activated immediately and reportedly intercepted a majority of the drones, though significant damage was still sustained in various areas. The primary targets included civil buildings, energy infrastructure, and rail networks. In response, Ukraine launched its own wave of drone attacks, targeting Russian-held military installations and fuel depots in areas of Crimea and Belgorod. Explosions were reported near several key logistical hubs, causing temporary disruptions in Russian military operations. The counterattacks, according to Kyiv, are a "measured response" to Russia's "escalating aggression." This intensification in hostilities came on the heels of a controversial social media post by Donald Trump, who labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin as “crazy” and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being unwilling to compromise for peace. Trump, who had previously made a point of praising his close relationships with both leaders, expressed dissatisfaction over the inability to reach a ceasefire and suggested that both sides were ignoring the larger interests of the world. Trump’s statement triggered reactions across global diplomatic circles. The Kremlin dismissed his remarks as “emotional,” emphasizing that Russia’s military operations are a matter of national security. Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, were more reserved, with a presidential advisor noting that peace cannot be built on “false equivalence” between aggressor and victim.
By GLOBAL NEWSabout a year ago in Criminal
The Manson Family Murders 😢
In the summer of 1969, the United States was shaken by a series of brutal and senseless murders that would leave a permanent scar on the nation’s psyche. These crimes, later known as The Manson Family Murders, were not only horrific in nature but also symbolized the end of the peace-and-love era of the 1960s. At the heart of this nightmare was Charles Manson, a manipulative cult leader who commanded a group of devoted followers into committing some of the most notorious crimes in American history.
By D A R Kabout a year ago in Criminal
Aurora’s Dark Secret
It was a quiet neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado—a place where people left their doors unlocked, kids rode bikes until sunset, and neighbors exchanged baked goods over white picket fences. Linda Foster, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher, had lived on Evergreen Street for over thirty years. She was known for her garden, her cat Muffin, and her habit of renting out her basement to help supplement her pension. In June 2017, she placed an ad online for a new tenant. She had a few applicants, but one stood out: Jeremy Parks. He was polite, soft-spoken, and came with a reference from a church downtown. Jeremy, a 35-year-old with round glasses and a quiet smile, claimed he was in transition between jobs and needed a few months to get back on his feet. Something about his calm demeanor reassured Linda, and she rented the basement to him without hesitation. At first, Jeremy was the perfect tenant. He paid rent on time, kept to himself, and never made a sound. Weeks passed. Then months. Linda rarely saw him, and the only evidence of his presence was the occasional glimpse of his car or a muffled step at night. Then strange things started happening. Linda's mail would be missing. Her cat began acting oddly, hissing at the basement door. And once, when she went down to check on a leaking pipe, she found the basement door locked—something she never allowed. When she confronted Jeremy, he apologized profusely, blaming the lock on “bad habits from a rough neighborhood.” But the unease lingered. One day in late October, a neighbor mentioned seeing a woman crying in Jeremy’s car. Linda was startled. She had no idea he was seeing anyone. When she asked Jeremy about it, he said it was his sister going through a bad breakup. By December, the strange occurrences escalated. A foul smell began wafting through the vents. At first, Linda thought it was a dead animal, but no amount of cleaning helped. When she mentioned it to Jeremy, he claimed he had spilled milk in the fridge. Then, on Christmas morning, Linda's niece, a police officer from Denver visiting for the holidays, noticed something odd: the basement windows were spray-painted black from the inside. That raised a red flag. She urged Linda to call for a welfare check. The next day, the police arrived. Jeremy was calm, even cooperative. He allowed officers into the upstairs entrance to the basement. But what they found behind the door stunned even the most seasoned officers. The basement had been transformed into a makeshift prison. Heavy locks on the inside. Soundproofing foam stapled to the walls. Chains. A cot. And blood—dried pools of it in the corner near a bucket. In a locked chest, they found women's clothing, IDs, and personal effects belonging to two local women reported missing months earlier. Jeremy was immediately arrested. A deeper investigation uncovered the horrifying truth. Jeremy Parks was not who he said he was. His real name was Jeremy Price, and he had a record stretching back to his teens. Kidnapping. Assault. But he'd vanished from the system five years earlier, assumed dead or off-grid. In reality, he had been drifting through small towns, targeting women, and disappearing before anyone caught on. In the Aurora case, it was later discovered that Jeremy had kidnapped two women: a waitress named Kelly Downs and a college student named Maria Soto. He had held them captive in the basement—undetected—using threats and manipulation to keep them quiet. Kelly was found alive, though barely, hidden in a compartment behind a false wall. Maria's remains were later discovered buried in the woods behind a nearby park. The revelation shattered the neighborhood. How could such horror happen in plain sight? During interrogation, Jeremy confessed without remorse. He said he was “teaching the world a lesson” and considered himself a “hunter of lies.” Psychologists later diagnosed him with severe antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic delusions. Linda, devastated by the truth, fell into deep depression. She had unknowingly housed a monster. The guilt was unbearable, despite reassurances that she had no way of knowing. She eventually moved away, unable to bear the memories of Evergreen Street. Jeremy Price was convicted on multiple counts of kidnapping, murder, and unlawful imprisonment. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. His case became a textbook example of the dangers of superficial vetting in tenant relationships and prompted several changes to local rental laws regarding background checks and landlord safety training. The story of “The Quiet Tenant” remains one of the most chilling true crime cases in Colorado’s recent history—not because it was the most violent, but because of how easily it blended into the ordinary. Behind a calm smile and rented basement door, the face of evil had been living among kind neighbors, unnoticed—until it was almost too late.
By D A R Kabout a year ago in Criminal
Review of 'Law & Order' 24.16 and 24.22
Law & Order has been at the top of my must-watch television since it debuted on NBC in 1990. Here are my reviews of my two favorite episodes of its just concluded 24th season:
By Paul Levinsonabout a year ago in Criminal
A Day Never Forgotten
On the morning of September 11, 2001, the United States experienced the deadliest terrorist attack in its history—a tragedy that reshaped global politics, security, and the psyche of a nation. Often referred to simply as "9/11," this catastrophic event was more than just a day of destruction; it marked a profound turning point in the 21st century. The attacks not only shattered the lives of thousands of innocent people but also set into motion a chain of events that continue to reverberate around the world. The Morning of Terror It was a clear, late-summer Tuesday morning in New York City. Commuters were making their way to work, children were settling into their classrooms, and the world seemed to be going about its regular business. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, ripping a fiery hole into the building and shocking the world. Just 17 minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. The second impact confirmed what millions feared—this was no accident. America was under attack. At 9:37 a.m., a third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, further fueling panic. And at 10:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The passengers, having learned about the earlier attacks, fought to take back the plane from the hijackers. Their bravery likely prevented another catastrophic strike, possibly aimed at the White House or U.S. Capitol. The Toll The destruction was unimaginable. Both towers of the World Trade Center collapsed within 90 minutes of being hit, sending massive clouds of dust and debris through the streets of Lower Manhattan. Thousands of emergency responders rushed to the scene, many of whom would lose their lives in the effort to save others. In total, 2,977 victims died as a result of the 9/11 attacks, including citizens from over 90 countries. The death toll included 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 EMTs. The emotional, psychological, and physical scars left on survivors, families, and rescue workers are still felt decades later. Who Was Behind the Attack? The attacks were carried out by 19 terrorists affiliated with the extremist Islamic group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The hijackers had spent months, even years, planning and training for the mission, exploiting gaps in airport security and immigration systems. Al-Qaeda’s motivations were rooted in anti-American sentiment, fueled by U.S. military presence in the Middle East, support for Israel, and perceived oppression of Muslims. While these ideological motivations were not new, the scale and audacity of the 9/11 attacks brought them into terrifying focus. America Responds Within hours of the attacks, the United States was on high alert. President George W. Bush, addressing the nation from a secure location, declared that America would not rest until justice was served. The following days saw a massive outpouring of grief and unity across the country and the globe. Flags flew at half-staff, candlelight vigils were held, and strangers comforted one another in shared sorrow. On September 14, 2001, President Bush stood atop the rubble of Ground Zero with a bullhorn and proclaimed to the rescue workers, "I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon." His words became a rallying cry for a nation determined to respond with strength. Soon after, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which gave the president broad authority to use military force against those responsible. This led to the invasion of Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, where the Taliban regime, accused of harboring bin Laden, was quickly overthrown. The War on Terror The aftermath of 9/11 ushered in a new era—the Global War on Terror. Over the next two decades, the U.S. engaged in prolonged military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. While the Taliban was toppled quickly, the war evolved into a long and complex conflict. In 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, bringing some closure to the families of 9/11 victims. Domestically, the U.S. overhauled its security infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security was established, and sweeping legislation like the USA PATRIOT Act was passed to bolster surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. Airport security became far more stringent, and intelligence agencies began sharing information more aggressively. Cultural and Social Impact The 9/11 attacks left deep emotional wounds on American society. Memorials were created to honor the victims, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero, where two massive reflecting pools now stand in the footprints of the fallen towers. Art, literature, and cinema began to reflect the new reality. The attacks challenged perceptions of safety and forced Americans to confront global terrorism and religious extremism more directly. Unfortunately, this also led to a rise in Islamophobia and xenophobia, as some equated the actions of extremists with the broader Muslim community—a stereotype still challenged today. Global Ripples The effects of 9/11 were not confined to the U.S. The attacks led to the redefinition of global security policies. Countries worldwide tightened their own border controls and expanded counterterrorism efforts. International alliances like NATO invoked Article 5, treating the attacks as an attack on all member states—an unprecedented move. Yet, the legacy of 9/11 is mixed. While al-Qaeda was severely weakened and many terror plots thwarted, new extremist groups such as ISIS emerged. The wars in the Middle East resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and long-term instability in the region. A Day Never Forgotten More than two decades later, the shadow of 9/11 still lingers. Annual memorial ceremonies are held, bells toll at 8:46 a.m., and the names of the victims are solemnly read aloud. For many, the day serves not just as a remembrance of loss, but as a reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring fight against hatred. Though time has passed, the legacy of that day remains etched in the minds of millions. September 11, 2001, was not just a day of horror—it was a defining moment in modern history that changed the course of nations, challenged the strength of democracy, and reminded the world of both the worst and best of humanity.
By D A R Kabout a year ago in Criminal
The Final War Between India and Pakistan
In May 2025, tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan reached a perilous peak, marking the most severe military confrontation in decades. The conflict, ignited by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, rapidly escalated into a full-scale exchange of missile strikes, air engagements, and drone warfare, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.
By Masood Zahidabout a year ago in Criminal
Operation Sindoor
The precision strikes were carried out using niche technology weapons with careful selection of warheads, said the officers.
By Tasnimul Tononabout a year ago in Criminal
India–Pakistan Tensions Rise
A deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has reignited long-standing tensions between South Asia’s two nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. The incident, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—mostly Hindus—has triggered a new wave of diplomatic, military, and geopolitical unease in the region.
By Masood Zahidabout a year ago in Criminal
Understanding the Israel-Palestine War
The Israel-Palestine war is one of the most talked-about conflicts in the world. It has been going on for many years and affects millions of people, especially in a small region called Gaza and the West Bank. To truly understand this war, we need to learn more about the people living through it — including the Palestinians — and see their hopes, struggles, and dreams.
By Masood Zahidabout a year ago in Criminal
McDonald’s Faces Sales Slump: Worst Quarter Since Pandemic Highlights Challenges
McDonald’s, the world’s largest burger chain, last week said it delivered its weakest sales since the height of COVID, as inflation, changing tastes and war take their toll. In the first quarter of 2024, the company’s worldwide comparable sales increased by 1.9 per cent, an almost trend from last year’s first-quarter growth of 129 per cent. Sales within its International Developmental Licensed Markets segment which includes the Middle East and China fell 0.2% down, marking its first decline since late 2020. This slowdown raised doubts over McDonald’s ability to adapt to the rapidly changing economy and competition. A sustained inflationary environment is compromising the budgets of consumers, hurting McDonald’s sales. The company has raised menu prices about 10% in last one year for covering their rising labor and ingredient costs but it has alienated core lower-income customers. CFO Ian Borden said consumers “are becoming more discerning with every dollar they spend,” which has affected traffic, in particular among those households earning less than $45,000 a year. As grocery prices steady, many diners on a budget would rather eat at home than pay for fast food. This contrasts higher-income customers whose mainstay has become better-quality fast-casual chains like Chipotle or Sweetgreen.
By Lindelani Njoloabout a year ago in Criminal
The Murder Suspicion
It was a cold winter evening when the peace of Ridgewood Town was shattered. In a small house at the edge of the forest, a man named Mr. Saeed was found dead. He was a quiet, wealthy writer who mostly kept to himself. People respected him but didn’t know much about his personal life.
By Muhammad Hayatabout a year ago in Criminal