A new six-part series called Faces of Evil has been commissioned by A+E Networks EMEA. The series, produced by Woodcut Media, will focus on flawed investigations into notorious killers from the U.S. and UK. Through this series, viewers will be taken on a journey exploring the twists-and-turns of these flawed investigations that allowed killers like Dorothea Puente and Robert Berdella Jr. to slip through the cracks of the legal system.
One of the cases that will be covered in the series is that of Dorothea Puente, also known as the ‘Death House Landlady’. Puente managed to deceive everyone into thinking she was a harmless old lady for over a decade before being charged with nine counts of murder in California. Another case that will be featured is that of Robert Berdella Jr., the ‘Kansas City Butcher’, who kidnapped, raped, and murdered at least six young men in the 1980s before being apprehended by law enforcement.
The series will delve into the missteps and flawed procedures that led to these killers evading capture and conviction for so long. It will shed light on the courage and persistence of those who refused to accept defeat in their quest for justice. By examining these cases in-depth, the series aims to showcase the importance of ensuring justice is served and highlight the advancements in forensic science that have led to quicker resolutions of crimes.
Woodcut International will be handling worldwide sales of the series and will present it to international buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM market. Executive producers Matthew Gordon and Koulla Anastasi are spearheading the project, with Tracey Moore serving as the series producer. A+E Networks EMEA has shown its commitment to the series by ordering it for production, with Dan Korn and Diana Carter overseeing the project.
This new series comes at a time when the true crime industry in the UK has been shaken by tragic events, such as the untimely death of producer John Balson earlier this year. In response to these events, a TV and film welfare association was launched to provide support to those in the industry. Woodcut founder Kate Beal, who is also the founder of the UK’s Association of True Crime Producers, has been vocal about the importance of addressing the dark side of crime and the impact it has on society.
Faces of Evil promises to be a thought-provoking and gripping series that delves deep into the dark world of flawed investigations and the chilling crimes that result. By shining a light on these cases, the series aims to bring awareness to the importance of justice and the tireless efforts of those who work to ensure that the guilty are held accountable for their actions.