Hernarrative is undeniably chilling.

Global spotlight was cast on the Amanda Knox murder case. What attributes make this crime investigation peculiar and captivating?

, and ASMedia

2025 September 17 . 6:22 PM

2 min read

Hernarrative is undeniably chilling.

In the realm of true crime, several captivating stories have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Here, we delve into four such cases that have sparked global interest and debate.

Firstly, the Jeffrey Dahmer series on Netflix sheds light on the chilling true story of Jeffrey Dahmer, a serial killer who terrorised Milwaukee in the 1990s.

Moving on to another chilling case, almost 30 years ago, JonBenét Ramsey, a six-year-old beauty pageant queen, disappeared and was later found lifeless in her parents' home. A Netflix documentary explores the shocking nature of this murder case.

The Amanda Knox case, another sensational story, unfolded in Italy in 2007. Knox, an American exchange student, was accused of the murder of her British flatmate, Meredith Kercher. The case raised questions about the role of authorities and journalists in influencing public opinion, as an Italian journalist published a book about the case before the trial began, citing non-public and allegedly leaked documents.

The portrayal of Knox in the media as a femme fatale melodrama undermines trust in legal principles such as the presumption of innocence, the objectivity of investigations, or the right to a fair trial. Despite being initially suspected and accused, Knox was ultimately acquitted after several trials and appeals. No forensic evidence was found that either Knox or her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, had ever entered the victim's room. A small trace of Sollecito's DNA was found on Kercher's bra clasp, but its reliability has been called into question by independent experts.

The case serves as a reminder that being in the wrong place at the wrong time and not fitting societal expectations can lead to guilt without ever being truly guilty. The international tabloid press also sensationalised the crime, spreading unverified information and details from Knox's private life.

Lastly, Nordic Noir offers 28 of the best crime series from Scandinavia, while the "Good American Family" series on Disney+ is based on a grim true case. The true-crime series "The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" is divisive among audiences.

Each of these cases offers a unique insight into the complexities of the criminal justice system, the role of media, and the human capacity for both evil and injustice.