Murdered at First Sight

The story of Matthew Shepard, who accepted a ride home from two men, only to be tortured and left for dead in a hate-fuelled attack

The story of Matthew Shepard, who accepted a ride home from two men, only to be tortured and left for dead in a hate-fuelled attack

Twenty-year-old Tashan Daniel was waiting for a train to take him to a football match when a fateful encounter on the platform changed everything

Twenty-year-old Tashan Daniel was waiting for a train to take him to a football match when a fateful encounter on the platform changed everything

The tragic story of Debbie Buxton, who was walking her dogs at a local beauty spot when she was killed in a frenzied and unprovoked attack by David Bond

The tragic story of Debbie Buxton, who was walking her dogs at a local beauty spot when she was killed in a frenzied and unprovoked attack by David Bond

The story of 19-year-old Celine Figard, who accepted a ride from a lorry driver, but never made it to her destination. Ten days later, her body was found

The story of 19-year-old Celine Figard, who accepted a ride from a lorry driver, but never made it to her destination. Ten days later, her body was found

A bizarre home invasion in 2015 that left 69-year-old pastor Ron Browning dead after he opened his door to 19-year-old Camille Brown, who savagely attacked him

A bizarre home invasion in 2015 that left 69-year-old pastor Ron Browning dead after he opened his door to 19-year-old Camille Brown, who savagely attacked him

A 20-year-old lured into a cab after a night out in Northampton by a stranger promising to get her home safely, only for her body to be found the following day

A 20-year-old lured into a cab after a night out in Northampton by a stranger promising to get her home safely, only for her body to be found the following day

The story of Matthew Shepard, who accepted a ride home from two men, only to be tortured and left for dead in a hate-fuelled attack

The story of Matthew Shepard, who accepted a ride home from two men, only to be tortured and left for dead in a hate-fuelled attack

The shocking case of a woman stabbed more than 70 times by a teenager who who researched murder and serial killers on the internet

The shocking case of a woman stabbed more than 70 times by a teenager who who researched murder and serial killers on the internet

The story of 19-year-old Celine Figard, who accepted a ride from a lorry driver, but never made it to her destination. Ten days later, her body was found

The story of 19-year-old Celine Figard, who accepted a ride from a lorry driver, but never made it to her destination. Ten days later, her body was found

Teenager Hunter Smith starts a new life in order to provide for his young daughter, but his dreams are cruelly dashed while hitchhiking in the US

Teenager Hunter Smith starts a new life in order to provide for his young daughter, but his dreams are cruelly dashed while hitchhiking in the US

A 20-year-old lured into a cab after a night out in Northampton by a stranger promising to get her home safely, only for her body to be found the following day

A 20-year-old lured into a cab after a night out in Northampton by a stranger promising to get her home safely, only for her body to be found the following day

In the year 1984, a twelve‑year‑old girl called Jonelle Matthews was taken back to her house after she had taken part in a Christmas performance. The child, Jonelle, was escorted home following the event. When her father later came back to the house, he discovered that Jonelle was not there. He found that his daughter was missing. The father’s return was met with the realisation that his daughter, who had just been dropped home after the Christmas show, is nowhere to be found. He entered the home and immediately noticed that the young girl was missing. The house, which had just received Jonelle, now seemed empty of her presence. This moment marked the beginning of the mystery surrounding Jonelle’s disappearance.

In the year 1984, a twelve‑year‑old girl called Jonelle Matthews was taken back to her house after she had taken part in a Christmas performance. The child, Jonelle, was escorted home following the event. When her father later came back to the house, he discovered that Jonelle was not there. He found that his daughter was missing. The father’s return was met with the realisation that his daughter, who had just been dropped home after the Christmas show, is nowhere to be found. He entered the home and immediately noticed that the young girl was missing. The house, which had just received Jonelle, now seemed empty of her presence. This moment marked the beginning of the mystery surrounding Jonelle’s disappearance.

After failing to catch the bus she had been waiting for, Yingying Zhang found herself waiting longer at the stop. During this pause a man approached, presenting himself as a police officer and offering to give her a lift. Believing his claim of authority, she accepted his invitation to ride with him. Having missed her scheduled bus left her without any immediate means of travel, so the man's proposal appeared to be a convenient solution. The brief interaction lasted only moments before she entered his vehicle. The seemingly routine act of accepting a ride from someone who appeared to be a law‑enforcement officer turned out to be fatal, as the encounter with the impostor ultimately led to her being murdered.

After failing to catch the bus she had been waiting for, Yingying Zhang found herself waiting longer at the stop. During this pause a man approached, presenting himself as a police officer and offering to give her a lift. Believing his claim of authority, she accepted his invitation to ride with him. Having missed her scheduled bus left her without any immediate means of travel, so the man's proposal appeared to be a convenient solution. The brief interaction lasted only moments before she entered his vehicle. The seemingly routine act of accepting a ride from someone who appeared to be a law‑enforcement officer turned out to be fatal, as the encounter with the impostor ultimately led to her being murdered.

The episode centres on 27‑year‑old Michael Hoolickin, who finds himself compelled to intervene when a woman becomes the target of an attack from her own brother. Determined to shield her from the assault, he steps into the fray, placing himself directly between the aggressor and his intended victim. Unfortunately, his well‑meaning interference doesn't avert disaster; instead, the confrontation escalates and culminates in a tragic conclusion. Michael’s attempt to protect the woman ultimately ends in sorrow, with the episode closing on a grim and heartbreaking outcome rather than any form of resolution. The loss underscores the futility of his courageous but ultimately doomed effort.

The episode centres on 27‑year‑old Michael Hoolickin, who finds himself compelled to intervene when a woman becomes the target of an attack from her own brother. Determined to shield her from the assault, he steps into the fray, placing himself directly between the aggressor and his intended victim. Unfortunately, his well‑meaning interference doesn't avert disaster; instead, the confrontation escalates and culminates in a tragic conclusion. Michael’s attempt to protect the woman ultimately ends in sorrow, with the episode closing on a grim and heartbreaking outcome rather than any form of resolution. The loss underscores the futility of his courageous but ultimately doomed effort.

The episode centres on 27‑year‑old Michael Hoolickin, who finds himself compelled to intervene when a woman becomes the target of an attack from her own brother. Determined to shield her from the assault, he steps into the fray, placing himself directly between the aggressor and his intended victim. Unfortunately, his well‑meaning interference doesn't avert disaster; instead, the confrontation escalates and culminates in a tragic conclusion. Michael’s attempt to protect the woman ultimately ends in sorrow, with the episode closing on a grim and heartbreaking outcome rather than any form of resolution. The loss underscores the futility of his courageous but ultimately doomed effort.

The episode centres on 27‑year‑old Michael Hoolickin, who finds himself compelled to intervene when a woman becomes the target of an attack from her own brother. Determined to shield her from the assault, he steps into the fray, placing himself directly between the aggressor and his intended victim. Unfortunately, his well‑meaning interference doesn't avert disaster; instead, the confrontation escalates and culminates in a tragic conclusion. Michael’s attempt to protect the woman ultimately ends in sorrow, with the episode closing on a grim and heartbreaking outcome rather than any form of resolution. The loss underscores the futility of his courageous but ultimately doomed effort.

A Senseless Act: Lauren Landavazo is a programme episode that centres on a chilling confrontation. The story follows thirteen‑year‑old Lauren Landavazo as she walks home from school, her routine journey becoming the backdrop for the unfolding threat. At the same time, a solitary twenty‑two‑year‑old man is preparing to act on a twisted resolve – if he can’t have her, he intends that nobody else can. The lone figure’s preparation is marked by a grim determination, underscoring the peril that awaits. The narrative builds tension as the two characters’ paths converge, highlighting the stark age gap and the loner’s dangerous resolve, painting a stark picture of vulnerability and menace.

A Senseless Act: Lauren Landavazo is a programme episode that centres on a chilling confrontation. The story follows thirteen‑year‑old Lauren Landavazo as she walks home from school, her routine journey becoming the backdrop for the unfolding threat. At the same time, a solitary twenty‑two‑year‑old man is preparing to act on a twisted resolve – if he can’t have her, he intends that nobody else can. The lone figure’s preparation is marked by a grim determination, underscoring the peril that awaits. The narrative builds tension as the two characters’ paths converge, highlighting the stark age gap and the loner’s dangerous resolve, painting a stark picture of vulnerability and menace.

‘A History of Violence: Conner Marshall’ tells the grim story of an 18‑year‑old who was killed while on holiday with his friends. The young man, Conner, was enjoying a break away from everyday life when, late at night, a stranger approached him. That unexpected meeting turned deadly, ending in Conner’s murder. The episode follows the sequence of events from the carefree holiday atmosphere to the fatal encounter, highlighting how a night out with companions was abruptly shattered by the appearance of an unknown person. It concentrates solely on the circumstances of the attack and the loss of the teenager itself.

‘A History of Violence: Conner Marshall’ tells the grim story of an 18‑year‑old who was killed while on holiday with his friends. The young man, Conner, was enjoying a break away from everyday life when, late at night, a stranger approached him. That unexpected meeting turned deadly, ending in Conner’s murder. The episode follows the sequence of events from the carefree holiday atmosphere to the fatal encounter, highlighting how a night out with companions was abruptly shattered by the appearance of an unknown person. It concentrates solely on the circumstances of the attack and the loss of the teenager itself.

Mikey Rainsford is getting himself ready for a date with his girlfriend, unaware that two unknown figures are hiding in the shadows outside, biding their time with a grudge. While he busies himself with the anticipation of the evening, the two strangers linger unseen, their presence driven by a desire for revenge, unknown to Mikey. He checks his watch, smooths his shirt, and rehearses what he'll say, while the night outside remains silent, streetlights casting faint pools of light that do little to reveal the threat. The two strangers, cloaked by the gloom, watch patiently, their motive clear: they seek vengeance and wait for a moment to act, unaware that Mikey is in the dark about their presence.

Mikey Rainsford is getting himself ready for a date with his girlfriend, unaware that two unknown figures are hiding in the shadows outside, biding their time with a grudge. While he busies himself with the anticipation of the evening, the two strangers linger unseen, their presence driven by a desire for revenge, unknown to Mikey. He checks his watch, smooths his shirt, and rehearses what he'll say, while the night outside remains silent, streetlights casting faint pools of light that do little to reveal the threat. The two strangers, cloaked by the gloom, watch patiently, their motive clear: they seek vengeance and wait for a moment to act, unaware that Mikey is in the dark about their presence.

The episode examines the tragic case of Jeralee Underwood, an eleven‑year‑old who was coaxed into the car of James Edward Wood. Wood is depicted as a man who, despite having no apparent reason to cause harm, harboured an intense urge to kill. The programme follows how Jeralee, unaware of the danger, entered Wood’s vehicle and details the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter. It underscores the unsettling contrast between Wood’s lack of any rational motive and his overwhelming desire to commit murder, keeping the focus tightly on these stark, disturbing elements. The narrative remains confined to these facts, offering a concise yet chilling portrait of the incident.

The episode examines the tragic case of Jeralee Underwood, an eleven‑year‑old who was coaxed into the car of James Edward Wood. Wood is depicted as a man who, despite having no apparent reason to cause harm, harboured an intense urge to kill. The programme follows how Jeralee, unaware of the danger, entered Wood’s vehicle and details the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter. It underscores the unsettling contrast between Wood’s lack of any rational motive and his overwhelming desire to commit murder, keeping the focus tightly on these stark, disturbing elements. The narrative remains confined to these facts, offering a concise yet chilling portrait of the incident.

This factual crime documentary delves into the chilling accounts, in each case, of individuals who have taken the lives of complete strangers. By presenting each murderer’s story in stark detail, the programme highlights the unsettling reality that these killings were committed against people the perpetrators had never previously encountered. The series continually asks viewers to consider what forces or circumstances might compel someone to commit such an extreme act against an unknown victim. Through a series of investigative segments, it seeks to uncover the psychological or situational triggers that led these killers to target people they did not know. The focus stays firmly on factual investigation without speculation.

This factual crime documentary delves into the chilling accounts, in each case, of individuals who have taken the lives of complete strangers. By presenting each murderer’s story in stark detail, the programme highlights the unsettling reality that these killings were committed against people the perpetrators had never previously encountered. The series continually asks viewers to consider what forces or circumstances might compel someone to commit such an extreme act against an unknown victim. Through a series of investigative segments, it seeks to uncover the psychological or situational triggers that led these killers to target people they did not know. The focus stays firmly on factual investigation without speculation.

The episode follows two teenage girls, played by Amber Debois and Chelsea King, who, a year apart, each happen to cross paths with a cold‑blooded killer. Their stories are presented in turn, showing how the same murderous threat re‑emerges in the lives of two otherwise unrelated youngsters. Though the encounters occur twelve months apart, the girls share the same misfortune of meeting the ruthless predator, and the narrative tracks the unsettling ripple effect this has on each of them. The programme builds tension by juxtaposing their experiences, underscoring the chilling coincidence that binds them together. It presents a stark look at how a single violent presence can echo through time, leaving both girls to confront the same terrifying reality.

The episode follows two teenage girls, played by Amber Debois and Chelsea King, who, a year apart, each happen to cross paths with a cold‑blooded killer. Their stories are presented in turn, showing how the same murderous threat re‑emerges in the lives of two otherwise unrelated youngsters. Though the encounters occur twelve months apart, the girls share the same misfortune of meeting the ruthless predator, and the narrative tracks the unsettling ripple effect this has on each of them. The programme builds tension by juxtaposing their experiences, underscoring the chilling coincidence that binds them together. It presents a stark look at how a single violent presence can echo through time, leaving both girls to confront the same terrifying reality.