We cover a lot of stories here at TrulyDisturbing, and some of them stick with us like a bad dream. There are tales so disturbing that we sometimes question whether they should even be published, especially when the details are particularly gruesome. HBO, however, has always been willing to venture into the darker corners of true crime and tell stories that get under your skin.
Now, HBO is taking us into another case where the deeper you dig, the harder it becomes to determine where the truth actually lies.
The HBO Original three part documentary series A KILLER STORY, from director Matthew Galkin (Kevorkian, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders) and executive producer Joshua Levine (Maternal Instinct, Murder in the Bayou), premieres Thursday, September 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes will debut each Thursday at the same time.
The series follows a murder case that has remained deeply controversial for more than two decades and became a national true crime obsession. At the center of the story is Dana Chandler, who was accused of murdering her ex-husband and his girlfriend in 2002.
Investigative journalist Joe Sexton, whose work has appeared in The New York Times and ProPublica, became involved after receiving thousands of emails from Eileen Umbehr, a homemaker turned citizen sleuth who, along with her husband Keen, became convinced that Chandler was innocent.
The Umbehrs dedicated years of their lives to fighting for Chandler and eventually brought Sexton into their investigation. What begins as an attempt to uncover whether Chandler was wrongly convicted soon becomes something far more complicated.
With little forensic evidence in the case, the murders would ultimately lead to three difficult trials, each bringing new questions about the investigation and the people involved. Family conflicts, betrayal, alleged prosecutorial misconduct, competing narratives and confirmation bias all become part of a case where everyone seems to have their own version of what happened.
Filmed over the course of six years, A KILLER STORY follows Sexton as he attempts to navigate the legal maze surrounding the case while the answers he is looking for seem to become more elusive.
WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “A KILLER STORY” BELOW
This isn’t simply another murder mystery asking us to figure out who did it. The series also examines the obsession surrounding true crime and what can happen when people become so convinced of one version of events that they can no longer see anything else.
CHAPTER 1: “WELCOME TO TOPEKA”
Debuts Thursday, September 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
True crime enthusiasts Eileen and Keen Umbehr enlist veteran journalist Joe Sexton to investigate the case of Dana Chandler, who was arrested and convicted for the 2002 murders of her ex husband and his girlfriend.
The case initially follows the familiar narrative of a jealous and vengeful ex wife. Chandler’s conviction is eventually overturned on appeal with the help of the Umbehrs.
CHAPTER 2: “PERSON OF INTEREST”
Debuts Thursday, September 17, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
During the retrial, the Umbehrs continue fighting for Chandler’s innocence and point to a person of interest they believe could be responsible for the murders.
The prosecution maintains that Chandler had a motive, while the search for clarity becomes increasingly complicated. Then a surprise witness emerges and shifts the case in the prosecution’s favor.
CHAPTER 3: “A DANGEROUS NOTION”
Debuts Thursday, September 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The retrial ends with a hung jury, forcing the state to try Chandler for a third time. In an unexpected move, Chandler dismisses her legal team and decides to represent herself.
The third trial eventually brings a legal verdict and an ending to the courtroom battle, but whether it provides the truth is another question entirely. Featured participants include investigative journalist Joe Sexton, true crime advocates Eileen and Keen Umbehr, witness Terri Anderson, jurors and others.
A KILLER STORY is presented by HBO Documentary Films and produced by Story Syndicate in association with Concordia Studio and Fairhaven. The series is directed and executive produced by Matthew Galkin, with Joe Sexton serving as producer. Executive producers include Joshua Levine, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, Kate Barry, Julie Gaither, Davis Guggenheim, Jonathan Silberberg and Nicole Stott. For HBO, executive producers are Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller and Tina Nguyen.