Since there’s no indication that Ryan Murphy and Netflix are slowing down on their true crime obsession, there are several infamous cases they should consider covering next.
Ryan Murphy’s true crime portfolio isn’t quite what it once was. After an impressive start with critically acclaimed titles like The People v. O. J. Simpson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Murphy initially brought fresh perspectives to the criminal genre with an infectious enthusiasm.
However, the shock value has increasingly become the focal point of this particular brand of storytelling. Monster Season 2, for instance, has faced considerable backlash, and it has recently been announced that Murphy’s Monster Season 3 is set to delve into the gruesome crimes of Ed Gein, which further suggests that Netflix might be mismanaging its true crime narrative.
With this in mind, taking into account Murphy’s notably specific and dramatic approach to the genre, here are five true crime cases that we believe would fit seamlessly into his vision. (Warning: disturbing content ahead.)
The Black Dahlia
Elizabeth Short as depicted in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story
If you’re under the impression that Ryan Murphy has already tackled the Black Dahlia case, you’re partially correct. The creator did touch on this story in American Horror Story Season 1, transforming the tragic tale of Elizabeth Short into a sexualized, ghostly subplot. Given that he has already explored this case, it’s logical to revisit it and share all that he didn’t convey in AHS.
The Black Dahlia case is often regarded as one of the most infamous true crime stories in history, due to its shocking details and the fact that it remains unsolved.
On January 15, 1947, the body of Elizabeth Short was discovered horrifically mutilated in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. The ghastly details surrounding her death are unsettling, compounded by the reality that her murderer was never identified.
So, why should the Murphy-Netflix true crime collaboration dive into this specific case? The answer lies in the ’40s Los Angeles backdrop, the air of mystery and scandal swirling around post-war Hollywood, and a compelling case that baffled law enforcement for years. A thoughtfully executed murder mystery with a grim resolution seems like fertile ground for potential, aligning perfectly with Murphy’s artistic direction.
Natalie Wood
While the Black Dahlia murder resonates within the Hollywood landscape, the tragic demise of Natalie Wood would undoubtedly cater to Murphy’s flair for dramatic storytelling. Although he has previously addressed themes from this era (see Hollywood and his Feud anthology), this could emerge as one of his most fascinating cases—one that remains comparatively untapped.
Natalie Wood died on a weekend boating trip in 1981, accompanied by her husband, Robert Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken. Though authorities initially ruled her death as accidental, with many speculating she had simply fallen overboard during the night, various factors cast doubt on this conclusion.
Most troubling was Wood’s documented fear of water, coupled with witness reports suggesting an argument between her and Wagner prior to the incident. These unsettling elements have led many to question the true circumstances of her death.
Here we have a Hollywood starlet grappling with a complicated legacy and dwindling fame, a weekend getaway marked by conflicting testimonies, and a death shrouded in inconsistency—it’s a narrative that has Murphy’s name written all over it.
JonBenét Ramsey
The JonBenét Ramsey case has been extensively covered across various media platforms—video essays, documentaries, and soon, a Paramount+ drama. This could potentially be one of the rare instances where Murphy’s signature style adds substantial depth to this particular narrative.
JonBenét Ramsey, a six-year-old girl, was tragically found dead in her home on December 29, 1996. Her body was discovered in the basement of the Ramsey family mansion and it was determined that she had been strangled and suffered a skull fracture. Her shocking death captivated the nation, especially due to the peculiar circumstances surrounding Ramsey and her family.
A child pageant star, a well-off family, and a suspicious ransom note—every aspect of JonBenét Ramsey’s murder is shrouded in enigma, leading to public obsession surrounding the truth behind her demise.
Given the intricacies of the case, set against the bizarre and glittering backdrop of child pageantry during the holidays, few stories evoke such a disturbing atmosphere. Murphy’s trademark blend of glamour and intrigue would beautifully underscore the unsettling, seemingly invulnerable nature of the Ramsey household.
John List
Often, true crime dramas focus primarily on the most notorious serial killers. And if there’s one thread running through Ryan Murphy’s work, it’s his penchant for spotlighting pure evil (often featuring attractive actors in the process).
However, to keep the genre vibrant and to illustrate its breadth beyond the likes of Ted Bundy, it would be worthwhile to direct attention toward lesser-known yet equally horrifying cases, such as the List family murders.
On November 9, 1971, John List brutally murdered his wife, mother, and three children in their Westfield, New Jersey home using a handgun. Following this heinous act, List vanished for 17 years, adopting a new identity until he was eventually apprehended.
This case, with its deeply unsettling details, has faded into obscurity amid more infamous crimes. Nonetheless, it stands as one of the most depraved examples of family annihilation, filled with twists and chilling imagery.
The manhunt aspect of this case parallels themes Murphy explored in The Assassination of Gianni Versace, as John List’s escape from justice similarly resides on the edge of believability.
If Murphy can steer away from excessive gore (although there would be ample cause for it in this case) and focus on the unfolding drama in the aftermath of such horrific acts, he could elevate his true crime dramatizations to an entirely new level.
Chicago Tylenol Murders
One of Ryan Murphy’s crowning achievements was his adaptation of the O. J. Simpson murder trial. While the trial and media circus surrounding it are undoubtedly captivating, Murphy excelled by portraying the case from multifaceted perspectives.
From the defense to the prosecution and the bystanders caught in the melee, the inaugural season of American Crime Story presented true crime through various well-developed characters, and the Chicago Tylenol Murders case is set for similar exploration.
From September 28-29, 1982, seven individuals lost their lives in the Chicago metropolitan area due to tampered Tylenol capsules. The victims, aged 12 to 32, were simply going about their daily routines and took Tylenol for headaches or other mild ailments, only to suddenly collapse and die shortly after consumption.
This horrifying incident represents one of the most infamous cases of mass poisoning in recorded history, as someone had insidiously contaminated the capsules with cyanide.
To this day, the perpetrator remains unidentified. However, thanks to the diligence of medical personnel, the seemingly unrelated fatalities were correlated, resulting in widespread public health measures. Although the scale of the Chicago Tylenol Murders may initially appear limited, the implications it had on medication manufacturing and distribution were profound.
This case altered public perception and practices significantly, making it ripe for a thorough examination from multiple viewpoints regarding the aftermath and lingering consequences.
Even after the fact, the repercussions of the poisonings continued to resonate, suggesting this could develop into one of the most investigative collaborations between Ryan Murphy and Netflix, steering him away from his typical shock-gore narrative.
For more information on related topics, explore the disturbing details surrounding the Menendez case. You can also check out the 10 movies and TV shows to watch following Baby Reindeer and learn more about Netflix’s Mr. McMahon documentary.
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