Netflix premiered “Monstruos,” the story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez, on September 19, exploring the infamous murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, committed on August 20, 1989, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. The shocking nature of this crime captivated the public and has quickly made the series, consisting of nine episodes, a hit on the platform. If you’ve already watched it, here are five more true crime documentaries and series you shouldn’t miss:
1. Entre llamas: La hija perdida
Produced by Charlize Theron, this two-part documentary (each about an hour and 15 minutes long) tells the story of Alexis Miranda Badger, the daughter of Cathy Terkanian. At 16, Cathy gave birth under difficult social circumstances and decided to give Alexis up for adoption. Adopted by Brenda and Dennis Bowman, Alexis, renamed Aundria, faced horrific abuse from her father. After Aundria reported the abuse in 1988, the family moved to Allegan to evade scrutiny. Tragically, Aundria was later murdered, and in 2020, Dennis was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his crimes.
2. Monstruo: la historia de Jeffrey Dahmer
This ten-episode series, released in 2022, delves into the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who brutally murdered 17 people between 1978 and 1991 in the U.S. Known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” Dahmer’s gruesome methods shocked the nation. The series explores his troubled childhood and adolescence leading up to his capture and conviction for multiple homicides in 1991.
3. 42 días en la oscuridad
This six-episode miniseries, each episode lasting between 40 to 50 minutes, dramatizes one of the most shocking disappearances in Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Inspired by the real case of Viviana, the wife of a businessman, the series follows her husband’s frantic search after she goes missing on June 29, 2010. After 42 days of searching, her body was found, and José Pérez Mancilla was identified as her killer.
4. Lost Girls (Chicas perdidas)
Starring Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert, this film chronicles a mother’s relentless search for her missing daughter, Shannan. Faced with government inaction, Mari conducts her own investigation, uncovering a disturbing pattern of disappearances of other young women on Long Island, New York. The film is based on the book “Lost Girls: An Unresolved American Mystery,” published in 2013, and debuted on streaming in February 2024.
5. La víctima invisible: El caso de Eliza Samudio
This film recounts the gruesome murder of Brazilian model Eliza Samudio, who disappeared in 2010 after having a child with soccer player Bruno Fernandes. The film depicts the discovery of her dismembered body and the suspects involved, including her ex-partner. To this day, the case remains unresolved, and the true perpetrator of the crime has not been definitively identified.
These titles not only entertain but also reflect on the dark realities of human nature and societal issues. Enjoy your viewing!
Por: Francisco Núñez, franciscoeditordigital@gmail.com
