Why True Crime Is Truly Criminal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why True Crime Is Truly Criminal

Putting the judges and juries on trial.

11
Why True Crime Is Truly Criminal

Yes, I'm going to write about what everyone else is writing about: "Making A Murderer." Most of us will remember Christmas 2015 as the Christmas we spent huddled under blankets, filled with rage as we binged 10 hours of footage dedicated to a heinous crime committed over a decade ago.

Netflix's new docuseries follows the case of Steven Avery, a simple man from Manitowac County, Wisconsin, who was tried and convicted of a crime he didn't commit in 1985. After 18 years in prison, new DNA evidence revealed his innocence and he was released. Just two years later, he finds himself yet again accused of a crime, but this time it's the murder of local photographer, Teresa Halbach.

The series leads the audience to believe Steven Avery and his nephew, Brendan Dassey, his alleged accomplice, are completely innocent of Ms. Halbach's murder and has fueled outrage among viewers and stirred up quite a storm in Mantiowac County. There are online petitions pleading with President Obama to grant these men presidential pardons and to end this horror show at once. But here's the thing: this isn't the only horror show. Not even close.

This brings me to "The Jinx." The six-part HBO documentary series tells the wild story of wealthy businessman, Robert Durst. In 1982, his wife, Kathleen Durst, mysteriously disappeared and was never found. And Robert was never investigated. In 2000, Robert Durst's best friend and confidant, Susan Berman, was found dead in her home in Los Angeles. And Robert was never investigated. Finally in 2001, he was caught after murdering and dismembering his neighbor and dumping the remains in the Galveston Bay. But somehow he was acquitted. Because I guess you can get away with anything in Texas.


This story is different. Robert Durst isn't an innocent guy we can sympathize with, nor is he the anti-hero that we pull for despite knowing he's done some shady business. No, Robert Durst is guilty. He all but admits it. And yet, he's gotten away with these crimes for more than 30 years.

After watching "The Jinx," I needed more. So I turned to "Serial,: a popular podcast produced by "This American Life" staffers. The first season is comprised of 12 episodes hosted by Sarah Koening as she recounts her investigation of a murder case that took place on January 13, 1999, in Baltimore, Maryland. Hae Min Lee was found dead in Leakin Park on February 9, 1999. The only suspect? Ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed. Adnan was found guilty of the murder and was given a life sentence plus 30 years. It's clear that there was little evidence linking Adnan to the crime and that the investigators just needed someone to convict. Koening masterfully weaves the story of what happened over the course of just 21 minutes in the winter of '99.

Don't fret; there is good news! Three weeks after the first season ended, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals filed a decision to allow Adnan to appeal his conviction. Hurray! Liberty and justice for all.

But the bad news is that there isn't. There isn't liberty and justice for all. And I don't know if there ever will be. With each of these shows, the justice system fails and it fails those who it is designed to protect: the innocent. While Serial and "Making a Murderer"depict how horrifically the justice system fails those falsely accused, "The Jinx" depicts how the system just as easily fails in putting those who are so clearly guilty behind bars.

But where the justice system fails, there is room for others to succeed. It's up to us — the viewers, the community — to speak out, to blow the whistle, to demand the liberty and justice we all deserve.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

682
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3445
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17691
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments