A new six-part series has been commissioned by A+E Networks EMEA to delve into the flawed investigations surrounding notorious killers from the U.S. and UK. Woodcut Media will be producing “Faces of Evil” for the Crime + Investigation network. The series aims to shed light on the erroneous procedures and missteps that allowed these criminals to evade capture and conviction for extended periods of time.
The series will focus on infamous cases such as the ‘Death House Landlady’ Dorothea Puente and the ‘Kansas City Butcher’ Robert Berdella Jr. Puente managed to deceive everyone into thinking she was a harmless elderly woman for over a decade before being charged with nine counts of murder in California. Similarly, Berdella Jr kidnapped, raped, and murdered at least six young men in the 1980s before being apprehended by the law.
From the UK, the series will delve into the cases of Billy Dunlop and Russell Bishop. Both individuals managed to escape conviction for the murders of Julie Hogg, Nicola Fellows, and Karen Hadaway despite compelling evidence against them. It took years before they were finally brought to justice, showcasing the persistence of those dedicated to seeing justice served.
Woodcut International will be handling worldwide sales of the series, presenting it to international buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM market. Executive producers Matthew Gordon and Koulla Anastasi will oversee the production, with Tracey Moore serving as series producer. The series was ordered for A+E Networks EMEA by Dan Korn, VP of Programming, and Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor and Head of Talent.
Dan Korn expressed his enthusiasm for working with Woodcut Media, highlighting the importance of showcasing how killers in the 1980s managed to evade capture despite law enforcement’s efforts. He commended the families of the victims for their unwavering commitment to seeking justice. Koulla Anastasi emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice is served in true crime narratives, noting the advancements in forensic technology that have improved crime resolution speed.
A+E Networks EMEA
A+E Networks EMEA, a part of A+E Networks, operates several networks including Crime + Investigation, The History Channel, Blaze, and Cosmo TV across various regions. The network plays a significant role in broadcasting true crime content, educating and engaging audiences about real-life criminal cases.
The true crime industry in the UK recently faced a tragedy with the passing of producer John Balson, who took his own life. This event prompted the launch of a TV and film welfare association to support industry professionals. Woodcut founder Kate Beal, founder of the UK’s Association of True Crime Producers, has been instrumental in advocating for safety in the industry following tragic events such as the murder of Sarah Everard and the media response to Nicola Bulley’s death.
By exploring flawed investigations and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity, “Faces of Evil” promises to offer viewers an insight into the challenges and triumphs of law enforcement and the families of victims in securing convictions against notorious killers. Through compelling storytelling and in-depth analysis, the series aims to shed light on the complexities of criminal investigations and the enduring quest for justice.