FAQ About True Crime

True crime is a nonfiction genre in which the author examines an actual crime and details the actions of real people.

Zhang Yingyu's The Book of Swindles (c. 1617) is a late Ming dynasty collection of stories about allegedly true cases of fraud. It’s accepted as the first of many true crime books ever made. 

You can see it in books, movies, television and also podcasts. 

From murders to frauds it can cover too many topics seen as crimes of real people. 

True crime always been a topic that interests people. But nowadays it became more popular because of the new TV shows, also Netflix’s documentaries about these subjects made it way more popular than ever. 

If you already dealing some issues about your mental health it may be bad for you. You start to feel unsafe in your own house, you feel anxious and so many more other unlikely feelings. 

There's so many documentaries about true crime in every media platform. Of course, Netflix won't be left behind. There's Making a Murderer, Wild Wild Country, The Vanishing at Cecil Hotel and Night Stalker: The Hunt For a Serial Killer. Also there's Unsovled Mysteries based on true events.

True crime reflects how unpredictable real life can be, while crime fiction is as formulaic as you can get. But it's possible that two can be used in one case.

Like danger narratives, true crime stories are intended to invoke feelings of horror and shock among their audiences and suggest specific methods, such as law enforcement, vigilantism, imprisonment, or passing of the perpetrator, by which social order may be reestablished.

• Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
• Unsolved Mysteries
• Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich
• Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer
• The Confession Killer

Some popular True Crime podcasts include:

• My Favorite Murder Serial
• Crime Junkie
• Casefile
• Murder in Miami
• Morbid

The most famous true crime case is likely the O.J. Simpson trial, which took place in 1995.

The O.J. Simpson trial was one of the most high-profile and controversial criminal trials in American history. Here are some more details about the case:

Background: In 1994, O.J. Simpson was a retired NFL football player and celebrity who had been accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson had a history of domestic violence towards Nicole, and the prosecution argued that he had killed her in a fit of jealous rage. The trial was highly publicized and lasted for over a year, from January 1995 to October 1995.

Evidence: The prosecution's case relied heavily on DNA evidence, as well as eyewitness accounts and circumstantial evidence. DNA evidence found at the crime scene was matched to Simpson's blood, and bloody footprints matching his shoe size were found outside the victims' house. The prosecution also presented evidence of Simpson's abusive behavior towards Nicole and his history of threatening her.

Defense: Simpson's defense team, which included high-profile lawyers like Robert Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran, argued that the evidence against him was circumstantial and unreliable. They also raised questions about the handling of the evidence by the police and suggested that the LAPD had planted evidence to frame Simpson. The defense team also played up the racial tensions surrounding the case, arguing that Simpson was being unfairly targeted as a black man in a predominantly white criminal justice system.

Verdict: In October 1995, the jury found Simpson not guilty of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The verdict was controversial and divisive, with many people believing that Simpson had been guilty but had gotten away with murder. Simpson himself has maintained his innocence and continued to be a controversial figure in the years since the trial.

Legacy: The O.J. Simpson trial had a significant impact on American culture and the criminal justice system. It highlighted issues of race, class, and gender in the criminal justice system and raised questions about the reliability of DNA evidence. It also contributed to the rise of "trial by media," in which high-profile criminal cases are heavily covered by the news and can influence public opinion before a verdict is reached.

Technology has allowed for more in-depth and detailed coverage of true crime cases, with the use of forensic evidence, DNA analysis, and surveillance footage.

Yes, some people have raised ethical concerns about the exploitation of victims and their families, as well as the glorification of violent and disturbing content.

Yes, sometimes true crime stories can generate new leads and information that can help law enforcement solve cold cases.

Some common themes in true crime stories include murder, robbery, fraud, and organized crime.

There are many reasons why people find true crime stories compelling, including the suspense and mystery surrounding the crimes, the psychology of the perpetrators, and the social and cultural contexts in which the crimes occurred.

Some criticisms of the true crime genre include its tendency to focus on sensational and violent crimes, its potential impact on public perception of crime and safety, and its potential negative effects on mental health.

Some people believe that reading or watching true crime stories can be therapeutic for survivors of crime, as it can help them process their trauma and feel less alone in their experiences. However, others argue that exposure to graphic or disturbing content can be retraumatizing and harmful.

The accuracy of true crime documentaries and shows can vary widely, depending on the sources used, the biases of the filmmakers, and the need to condense complex cases into a digestible format. It's always important to approach these kinds of media with a critical eye and do your own research.

True crime has often been associated with women as both consumers and creators of the genre. Some experts suggest that true crime allows women to explore their fears and anxieties in a safe way, while also feeling a sense of control over the narrative of a crime.

Social media has allowed for a greater level of engagement with true crime stories, with online communities dedicated to discussing and analyzing cases. It has also allowed for the sharing of information and resources that can help solve crimes or bring attention to unsolved cases.

Some popular true crime books include In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi, The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule, and I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara.

The true crime genre has evolved significantly over time, from early newspaper accounts of crimes to the more investigative and analytical approach of modern true crime. The genre has also become more diverse, with more attention paid to the experiences of marginalized communities and the victims of lesser-known crimes.

There have been cases in which true crime stories or documentaries have contributed to wrongful convictions by presenting biased or incomplete information. It's important for true crime media to be mindful of the potential consequences of their work and to present a balanced and accurate portrayal of cases.

True crime can serve as a tool for raising awareness of crime and promoting public safety. It can also bring attention to injustices in the criminal justice system and advocate for reform. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential negative effects of sensationalizing crime and the importance of protecting the rights of the accused.

While there are no official ethical guidelines for true crime writers and journalists, many people in the industry advocate for responsible and compassionate reporting that takes into account the impact on victims and their families. Some organizations, like the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, offer resources and training for journalists reporting on sensitive topics like crime and trauma.

Yes, true crime stories have the potential to be exploitative, particularly when they focus on graphic or sensational aspects of crimes and ignore the humanity of the victims and their families. It's important for true crime media to approach cases with sensitivity and compassion, and to avoid glorifying or trivializing violence.