An American Crime, a 2007 film, is a disturbingly accurate adaptation of the horrific real-life murder of Sylvia Likens in 1965. The movie depicts the brutal torture inflicted upon Likens by Gertrude Baniszewski and others, but even the film toned down the true extent of the abuse. The true story reveals a shocking failure of intervention by numerous adults and children, who either participated, witnessed the abuse without acting, or remained silent due to fear or a code of silence. The trial that followed resulted in various convictions and sentences, though some perpetrators received relatively lenient punishments, and Gertrude Baniszewski was eventually paroled before her death. The sources explore both the film's depiction and the harrowing details of the actual crime, highlighting the devastating consequences of systemic abuse and the failure to protect a vulnerable child.

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Forty-five years after 17-year-old Esther Gonzalez was murdered in California, authorities used advanced DNA technology and forensic genealogy to identify her killer, Lewis Randolph "Randy" Williamson, who had initially been a person of interest but was cleared in 1979 due to limitations in forensic science at that time. Williamson, who died in 2014, passed a polygraph test in 1979, but a post-mortem blood sample yielded a DNA match to semen found at the crime scene. This breakthrough provided the Gonzalez family with long-awaited closure, although their relief is tempered by Williamson's death. The case highlights the power of modern forensic techniques in solving decades-old cold cases.

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The episode details the unsolved 1971 murder of an unidentified young woman, dubbed "Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee," found in Florida. Multiple forensic examinations, including facial reconstructions in 1971 and 2012, and isotopic analysis of her teeth, revealed she was likely of European descent and spent her childhood near Laurium, Greece. Further investigation, spurred by appearances on "Unsolved Mysteries" and a Greek crime show, yielded a potential lead connecting the victim to a woman named Konstantina who emigrated to the US around the same time. Despite these efforts, the case remains unsolved.

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Peacock's docuseries, Making Manson, presents new interviews with former Manson Family members Dianne Lake and Catherine Share. They recount their experiences living at Spahn Ranch after the Tate-LaBianca murders, describing the Family's actions following the killings, including their attempts to cover up the crimes and Manson's increasingly erratic and threatening behavior. The series also includes rare prison recordings of Manson himself. Lake and Share detail how they initially remained loyal to Manson out of fear, but eventually left the group after his arrest and the subsequent convictions. Their testimonies offer a compelling perspective on the aftermath of the infamous murders and the psychological manipulation within the Manson Family.

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The episode details the 50-year-old unsolved murder of Ruth Marie Terry, nicknamed the "Lady of the Dunes," whose body was found on a Cape Cod beach. A theory emerged suggesting Terry might have been an extra in the movie Jaws, filmed nearby, but this was ultimately unsubstantiated. Recently, investigators identified her killer as her husband, Guy Muldavin, who died in 2002. Muldavin was a suspect in other violent crimes, and his book contained a disturbing "recipe" with eerie parallels to Terry's murder. The case is now officially closed.

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A new Netflix docuseries, Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?, reexamines the 1996 murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey. The documentary revisits the investigation, including the initial response, the controversial ransom note, and the DNA evidence that ultimately cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey. John Ramsey, appearing on the TODAY show, expresses continued hope for solving the case and advocates for outside assistance from law enforcement. The series aims to present a fresh perspective on the case, addressing lingering questions and conspiracy theories while highlighting the family's long-standing desire for closure. Despite the passage of time, the case continues to capture public interest and generate renewed attempts to identify JonBenét's killer.

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Lonnie Franklin Jr., also known as the Grim Sleeper, was a serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles for decades, targeting primarily Black women, often involved in prostitution or drug addiction. He was convicted in 2016 for the deaths of 10 women and a teenage girl, and the evidence suggested he may have been responsible for many more murders. Franklin's crimes went unpunished for years due to police indifference and the assumption that his victims were vulnerable and often overlooked by authorities. While Franklin was convicted and sentenced to death, he died in prison before his sentence could be carried out. Despite his death, investigations are ongoing, and authorities believe there may be many more victims yet to be identified.

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Thirty years after Susan Smith drowned her two young sons, she was denied parole by the South Carolina parole board. Despite expressing remorse and claiming she was in a troubled state of mind, her ex-husband and the prosecutor argued against her release, emphasizing the devastating impact of her actions on her family and the community. Smith's defense argued for her parole based on her mental health and lack of prior criminal history. However, the board ultimately decided to keep her incarcerated, denying her release after 30 years in prison.

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Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old aspiring photographer from Hawaii, has been missing since she landed in Los Angeles on November 8. Her family is increasingly concerned about her safety after receiving alarming text messages from her that indicate she was scared and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity. Kobayashi's phone last pinged at LAX on November 11, and despite attempts to reach her, her phone has gone dead and communication has been cut off. The Los Angeles Police Department has filed a missing persons report and is investigating her disappearance.

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The sources recount the horrifying story of the “Kensington Strangler,” a serial killer who terrorized Philadelphia in 2010. The narrative chronicles the murders of three young women, Elaine Goldberg, Nicole Piacentini, and Casey Mahoney, detailing their deaths, the investigation, and the eventual capture of the killer, Antonio Rodriguez. Through witness accounts, autopsy reports, and police investigations, the episode sheds light on the chilling crimes and the determination of law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.

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