Enduring Fascination with True Crime: A Deep Dive
Crime rates might be decreasing in the United States, but interest in true crime remains high. This fall, enthusiasts have a wide range of choices, from streaming (“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” on Netflix) to podcasts like “Crime Junkie,” and TV series such as CBS News’ “48 Hours.” Films like “By Any Means” and Court TV also contribute to the genre’s continuing popularity.
The fascination with true crime is not new. Many attribute its widespread appeal to the 1960s, when Truman Capote published “In Cold Blood,” detailing the murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. Jean Murley, a professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, recalls reading Capote’s work as a teenager and finding it deeply impactful. Murley explores the genre’s allure, especially its dramatic and real nature.
One notable true crime story is the 1892 murders associated with Lizzie Borden. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, no one was convicted. This unsolved double murder continues to intrigue audiences. Murley explains that these stories tap into fundamental human emotions related to violence and mortality, elements that attract many women to the genre.
Popular podcast “My Favorite Murder,” hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, exemplifies the true crime craze. What began as a casual conversation between friends in a small apartment grew into a sensation with over two billion downloads and a dedicated fanbase. Kilgariff and Hardstark stress the importance of focusing on victims while also acknowledging the risks of building entertainment on sensitive subjects. Their audience, known as “murderinos,” seeks to engage with true crime through compassion and awareness.
CrimeCon, an annual event in Las Vegas, attracts both fans and creators of true crime content. Erin Moriarty, a correspondent for “48 Hours,” expressed initial reservations about attending due to concerns about trivializing serious cases. However, many CrimeCon participants use their passion to aid investigations. Murley notes that some online sleuths effectively contribute to solving crimes, although there’s a risk of misidentifying innocent individuals.
Steve and Kristi Goncalves, whose daughter Kaylee was one of four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022, attended CrimeCon to support their foundation, Murder Has a Name. Their organization funds investigations into unsolved murders, aiming to bring closure to families. The Goncalves family used to enjoy true crime shows together, but their perspective changed following their daughter’s death, now featured on various true crime programs.
At the Lizzie Borden House, now a bed and breakfast, Jean Murley reflects on engaging with true crime responsibly. She believes most people are inherently good and that violence is unimaginable for many. She advises keeping in mind the real human aspect of true crime stories to avoid becoming desensitized.