Crime rates might be on the decline in the United States, but interest in true crime is increasing. This fall, enthusiasts have many options to choose from, with content available on streaming platforms, podcasts, TV shows, and films. Popular options include Netflix’s “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story”, the “Crime Junkie” podcast, CBS’s “48 Hours”, the movie “By Any Means”, and even Court TV.
The appeal isn’t new. Many attribute the genre’s popularity to Truman Capote’s 1966 book “In Cold Blood”, about the Clutter family murder in Kansas. Jean Murley, a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, notes, “I read “In Cold Blood” at 17 or 18, and it fascinated me as nothing else had before.” Murley explains that the real and dramatic nature of these stories captivate audiences.
Historical Cases and Their Appeal
An infamous case is the 1892 hatchet murders linked to Lizzie Borden, occurring in the Massachusetts home where Murley was interviewed. Despite its high profile, nobody has been convicted, leaving it a cold case. “It’s an open case,” Murley mentioned, emphasizing its continued allure.
Understanding the Attraction
Murley believes people are drawn to these stories due to their exploration of intense human emotions and high stakes. “True crime deals with facing mortality and violence,” she said. For Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, hosts of the “My Favorite Murder” podcast, true crime holds a strong draw. Originally starting as a casual hobby, their podcast now boasts over two billion downloads and live shows.
The Role of True Crime in Society
However, Kilgariff ponders the morality of profiting from stories of death. Their listeners, affectionately called “murderinos,” actively engage in these narratives with genuine care. Hardstark emphasizes the importance of respecting victims’ stories and learning from the content rather than being entertained by it.
CrimeCon: An Annual Gathering
CrimeCon, an annual event that took place this year in Las Vegas, draws true crime enthusiasts and creators. Erin Moriarty of CBS News attended with reservations about the event becoming a spectacle but found that it offered a platform for voices affected by these cases, including victims and wrongly convicted individuals.
Many attendees use internet resources to pursue unsolved crimes. Some internet sleuths contribute helpful insights, while others risk pointing fingers at the innocent, as happened in the Bryan Kohberger case.
Victims’ Families and True Crime
Steve and Kristi Goncalves, whose daughter Kaylee was a victim of a 2022 murder in Idaho, attended to honor her memory. They founded Murder Has a Name to aid unsolved investigations and hope to help other families find closure.
Kaylee and her family enjoyed true crime shows, but her death changed their perspective. “Now, my daughter is the story,” Kristi mentioned. Steve agreed, noting, “You understand the pain families feel when they appear on these shows.”
Back at the Lizzie Borden House, now a bed and breakfast with themed experiences, Jean Murley concludes that engaging with true crime should remind us of its real impact. She believes most people are inherently good and violence is unfathomable to them. Considering real individuals in these stories is key to maintaining empathy.
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