It's About Crime

 A 42-year-old Iraq War veteran is facing aggravated child abuse charges after prosecutors say home surveillance footage captured him violently assaulting his 6-year-old stepson. Zachary Perez, a former U.S. Marine, is accused of repeatedly punching the boy with a closed fist, kicking him, and hurling obscenities at him, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office. Video evidence allegedly shows multiple instances of abuse. In one clip, Perez appears to kick the child while yelling at him. Another reportedly captures him kicking the boy again. The arrest report claims Perez also punched the child in the face several times, leaving visible bruises. Amanda Altman, CEO of child advocacy group Kristi House, called the abuse a nightmare for the young victim. She emphasized that signs of abuse aren’t always physical and often show up in a child's behavior — including acting out, social difficulties, and other age-inappropriate responses. Prosecutors say Perez has a history of...

A suburban Victorian mum is standing trial over allegations she poisoned several of her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms during a home-cooked lunch — an incident that resulted in three deaths and has drawn international attention. The case against 50-year-old Erin Patterson commenced this week in the Supreme Court of Victoria and is expected to run for approximately six weeks. Patterson is accused of serving a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms — among the most toxic in the world — at a lunch held in July 2023 at her home in Leongatha, a small town of fewer than 6,000 residents located roughly 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. Prosecutors allege that Patterson, who was separated from her husband Simon Patterson but reportedly on civil terms with him, invited his parents, as well as his aunt and uncle, to an adults-only lunch under the pretence of discussing her medical issues. Simon declined the invitation. All four guests reportedly began showin...

Crime documentaries have become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with real-life mysteries, investigations, and the intricacies of the criminal mind. Over the years, filmmakers and documentarians have produced exceptional works that delve into the dark underbelly of society, exploring true crime stories that leave a lasting impact. Here, we take a closer look at some of the best crime documentaries of all time, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of criminal behavior. Making a Murderer, Netflix "Making a Murderer" (2015) Directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, "Making a Murderer" is a gripping documentary series that follows the controversial case of Steven Avery. The series explores the flaws in the criminal justice system, raising questions about the reliability of evidence and the possibility of wrongful convictions. The intense scrutiny of the legal process makes it a landmark true crime documentary. The Jinx, HBO "The Jin...