5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

As a seasoned true-crime enthusiast with a penchant for unraveling the darkest corners of humanity, I find these cases intriguing and ripe for exploration by the masterful storyteller that is Ryan Murphy.


Given that Ryan Murphy and Netflix continue to show no signs of abating their fascination with true crime stories, it’s worth considering which lesser-told but notorious cases they might decide to explore next.

Ryan Murphy’s true-crime dominion doesn’t hold the same power as it once did. Initially, he captivated audiences with series like The People v. O. J. Simpson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace, delving into the criminal realm while offering fresh viewpoints with an invigorating zest.

Regrettably, sensationalism seems to be at the heart of this specific type of drama series. The second season of Monster has drawn a lot of negative feedback, and it’s been confirmed that Murphy’s Monster Season 3 will focus on the gruesome crimes committed by Ed Gein – another instance suggesting Netflix may struggle with true crime productions.

Considering this, given our understanding of Murphy’s unique, often dramatic style within the genre, here are five true crime cases that we believe could potentially work well for him. [Please note: the following content may be distressing.]

The Black Dahlia

5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

As a fan, I’ve pondered over the fact that Ryan Murphy has previously explored the Black Dahlia case. However, what I find intriguing is how he only touched upon it briefly in American Horror Story Season 1, transforming Elizabeth Short’s tragic tale into a sensual supernatural subplot. Given his past engagement with this case, it seems plausible that he wishes to revisit and fully unfold the untold aspects of the story that were left unaddressed in AHS.

Over the years, the unsolved mystery surrounding the Black Dahlia case has earned a reputation as one of the most notorious true crime investigations in history. Its haunting details have captivated people due to its grisly nature and the fact that justice remains elusive.

1947, on a frosty January 15th morning in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park, the disfigured body of Elizabeth Short was discovered. The gruesome details of her mutilation are nightmarishly haunting, and what added to the horror was that her murderer remained elusive.

What makes this specific case an ideal fit for the Murphy-Netflix true crime collaboration? The allure lies in its 1940s Los Angeles backdrop, the enigma surrounding post-war Hollywood, and a confounding case that left authorities stumped for years. With its intriguing plot twists, somber ending, and tragic undertones, it presents a compelling murder mystery that aligns perfectly with Murphy’s creative vision.

Natalie Wood

5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

The Black Dahlia case resonates with the glamorous backdrop of Hollywood, while the death of Natalie Wood might ignite Murphy’s flair for dramatic storytelling. Though he has previously explored topics from this period (as seen in his Feud anthology), this could potentially become his most captivating mystery yet – one that remains largely unexplored by many.

1981 saw the tragic demise of Natalie Wood on a weekend voyage aboard a boat, accompanied by her spouse, Robert Wagner, and Christopher Walken. At first, her death was deemed an accident, with some assuming she accidentally slipped from the boat during the night. However, several circumstances lend credence to suspicions.

It’s possible that one of the most striking and unexpected pieces of information was that Wood had a significant and well-known phobia of water. Additionally, testimonies indicate that they had a dispute that night. This evidence has left many people questioning the truth behind the incident.

A once-famous actress with a murky history and fading popularity? An enigmatic weekend getaway filled with conflicting stories and mysterious inconsistencies? A demise shrouded in questionable circumstances? That’s got the mark of Murphy on it. (Paraphrased, keeping the same meaning and style)

JonBenét Ramsey

5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

The JonBenét Ramsey case has been covered by most media forms: video essays, documentaries, and soon, a Paramount+ drama. But this might be one of the few instances where Murphy’s signature style could actually serve as a benefit to telling this particular story.

Six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was tragically found deceased in her home on December 29, 1996. Her lifeless body was discovered in the basement of the luxurious Ramsey residence, and it was ascertained that she had met her untimely end through strangulation and a fractured skull. The news of her passing sent shockwaves across the nation, but it was the peculiar circumstances surrounding JonBenét and her family that made this case notorious.

A child pageant star, a wealthy family, and a suspicious ransom note…from beginning to end, nothing about JonBenét Ramsey’s murder made sense, and the world has since been obsessed with uncovering what really happened to her. A truth which, sadly, we may never know.

In the peculiar and glittering milieu of child beauty pageants, the events unfolding in the affluent Ramsey household during Christmas season create an unsettling ambiance seldom found in stories. The opulence and elegance characteristic of Murphy’s narrative style effectively capture the enigmatic and fundamentally odd essence of the Ramsey residence.

John List

5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

Frequently, grisly true crime series tend to focus on the worst serial killers. Yet, if there’s one thing Ryan Murphy is fond of, it’s portraying the embodiment of wickedness on-screen, and he often selects attractive actors for these roles as well.

Instead of constantly focusing on well-known figures such as Ted Bundy, it’s important to maintain the genre’s vitality by exploring less familiar yet equally chilling cases, such as the List family murders, to demonstrate the depth and variety within this field.

On November 9, 1971, John List brutally killed his wife, mother, two sons, and daughter at their home in Westfield, New Jersey with a handgun. He then abandoned their lifeless bodies and went into hiding for 17 years, adopting a new persona and lifestyle until he was eventually tracked down and apprehended.

The details surrounding this particular incident are both disturbing and lingering in memory. Initially, this case was well-known, but it has since been overshadowed by other more prominent ones. However, there’s no denying that it ranks as one of the most chilling examples of family annihilation, with numerous unexpected turns and gruesome visuals that linger in the mind.

In a previous work, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” Murphy explored the manhunt aspect of the case, which is remarkably similar to the bizarre fugitive story of John List. These events border on the implausible.

If Murphy manages to distance himself from the gruesome aspects of bloodshed, even though they’re abundant in such situations, and instead concentrates on the aftermath aspects of cases similar to these, he could access an entirely new dimension for portraying true crime narratives.

Chicago Tylenol Murders

5 horrifying true crime stories Menendez & Dahmer creators should do next

Among the many impressive feats Ryan Murphy has achieved, one that stands out for me as a fan is his captivating adaptation of the O.J. Simpson murder trial. While the trial itself and the media whirlwind surrounding it are undeniably intriguing, what truly sets his work apart is the way he delves into the case from various viewpoints, offering a multifaceted exploration that keeps audiences hooked.

The inaugural season of “American Crime Story” presented a gripping portrayal of real-life crime events from multiple viewpoints, and it seems that the Chicago Tylenol Poisonings could receive a similar in-depth exploration.

From September 28th to 29th, 1982, within the Chicago metropolitan region, at least seven individuals lost their lives due to tainted Tylenol capsules. These victims, aged between 12 and 32 years old, were engaged in their daily activities and may have taken a Tylenol for headaches or minor complaints, soon after which they suddenly collapsed and passed away.

What had happened is one of the most notorious cases of mass poisoning ever recorded: someone had secretly tainted the capsules with cyanide. 

To this very moment, the perpetrator remains unknown. However, the diligent work of medical professionals linked seemingly disconnected deaths, leading to a comprehensive shutdown. Although the Chicago Tylenol Poisonings may seem minor in size on record, their influence on the pharmaceutical industry’s production and distribution processes is profound and should not be overlooked.

This incident significantly reshaped the global landscape, albeit subtly. A thorough examination is warranted, considering various viewpoints and personal accounts from those who were impacted during the two-day duration.

Despite the resolution of the case, the impact of the poisonings lingered and expanded, suggesting it could become one of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix collaborations with a stronger investigative focus, departing somewhat from his usual gory style.

If you’re interested in learning more, here are some unsettling aspects of the Menendez case you might find intriguing. Additionally, if you’ve just finished Baby Reindeer, consider checking out these 10 films and series that could keep you engaged. Lastly, don’t forget to explore Netflix’s Mr. McMahon documentary for a fascinating watch.

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2024-09-24 18:49