A gripping six-part series is in the works by A+E Networks EMEA, focusing on flawed investigations into notorious killers from both the U.S. and the UK. Woodcut Media has been tasked with creating Faces of Evil for the Crime + Investigation channel. The series will delve into the intricacies of investigations that went wrong, leading to the evasion of capture and conviction by killers such as Dorothea Puente and Robert Berdella Jr.
Cases like the ‘Death House Landlady’ Dorothea Puente, who managed to deceive everyone into believing she was a harmless old lady for years before facing murder charges, and the ‘Kansas City Butcher’ Robert Berdella Jr., who committed heinous crimes before being apprehended, are at the forefront of this series. The show will also examine the escapades of Billy Dunlop and Russell Bishop from the UK, who were initially acquitted of murders but were later brought to justice after years of eluding the law.
The objective of Faces of Evil is to shed light on the missteps and flawed procedures that allowed these criminals to evade the consequences of their actions. The series will showcase the resilience and determination of those unwilling to accept defeat in the pursuit of justice. Each episode will unravel the details of how these killers slipped through the cracks, evading capture and conviction for an extended period.
Woodcut International is set to handle worldwide sales of the series and will be presenting it to international buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM market. The executive producers, Matthew Gordon and Koulla Anastasi, along with series producer Tracey Moore, are spearheading this compelling project. A+E Networks EMEA’s Dan Korn and Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor and Head of Talent, played a vital role in bringing this series to fruition.
The true crime industry in the UK faced a significant loss with the passing of producer John Balson earlier this year. In response, a TV and film welfare association was established to provide support to those in the industry. Woodcut founder Kate Beal’s initiatives, such as the UK’s Association of True Crime Producers, serve as crucial efforts to navigate and address the challenges within the industry.
Faces of Evil promises to be a riveting exploration of flawed investigations that allowed notorious killers to roam free. The series aims to highlight the advancements in forensics and the relentless pursuit of justice by those affected by these tragedies. With an impactful narrative and dedicated team behind it, this series is set to captivate audiences and shed light on the importance of diligence in solving crimes that often go unnoticed.