Still a Mystery

The documentary investigates the murders of Eric Cates and Zachary Lamb, focusing on the discovery of Cates' charred remains inside his own pick‑up truck. It outlines the subsequent police inquiries, forensic examinations and legal proceedings that followed both deaths in each case.

The episode titled He Didn't Have to Die is a programme that presents a true‑crime narrative. It's structured as a single instalment rather than a series, focusing on a specific set of events. The format follows the conventions of an investigative documentary, delivering the facts in a straightforward manner. The central focus of the episode is the killings of two men, Eric Cates and Zachary Lamb. Both victims are presented as having fallen prey to violent acts, and the programme outlines the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The investigation into these murders forms the backbone of the story. One of the more striking pieces of evidence highlighted is the discovery of Eric Cates's charred remains. Authorities found his burnt body inside the cab of his own pick‑up truck, a detail that underscores the brutality of the crime. This finding is presented as a key turning point in the investigation. The episode also addresses the murder of Zachary Lamb, treating his case with the same factual approach. While the programme does not disclose the condition of his remains, it confirms that his death is linked to the same series of events. Together, the two cases provide the framework for the episode's examination of the crimes.