Series synopsis
An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase is an American documentary crime television series that premiered on Investigation Discovery on April 8, 2018. It ended on April 10, 2018. It stars Diane Dimond and Diane Fanning.
Novelist Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen are the toast of Durham, North Carolina. But that all changes on December 9, 2001, when Kathleen is found dead in her home at the bottom of a staircase. Michael claims it was a tragic, accidental fall. But was she murdered? In this three-part series, we investigate the shocking details of the case through the people closest to it. We'll also reveal a 16-year-old secret and examine one of the most dramatic trials in recent history.
Premise
Novelist Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen are the toast of Durham, North Carolina. But that all changes on December 9, 2001, when Kathleen is found dead in her home at the bottom of a staircase. Michael claims it was a tragic, accidental fall. But was she murdered? In this three-part series, we investigate the shocking details of the case through the people closest to it. We'll also reveal a 16-year-old secret and examine one of the most dramatic trials in recent history.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Diane Dimond as Self - Crime Journalist
- Diane Fanning as Self - True Crime Author
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 3 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 3 | April 8, 2018 | April 10, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
I Whispered Her Name Investigators discover novelist Michael Peterson clutching his dead wife Kathleen, in a pool of blood at the bottom of their back staircase. Michael insists that her death is the result of a tragic fall, but investigators believe otherwise. |
April 8, 2018 |
| 2 |
Lightning Strikes Twice Investigators are stunned to discover that sixteen years ago, Michael Peterson's good friend Liz Ratliff also died at the bottom of a staircase, lying in a pool of blood. The trial begins and experts battle over the interpretation of blood spatter. |
April 8, 2018 |
| 3 |
Reversal of Fortune The defense unveils what they claim is a long sought-after piece of evidence. The prosecution is caught off guard. Then, bombshell revelations about an expert witness threaten to unravel the entire case and give Michael Peterson a shot at freedom. Conclusion. |
April 10, 2018 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Investigation Discovery |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 8, 2018 |
| Last aired | April 10, 2018 |
| Runtime | 42 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday at 21:00:00 |