Get ready, true crime fanatics, because the ABC has a new investigative true-crime series about the Family Court Murders of the 1980s.
The four-part investigative series, which will premiere on Tuesday, May 10, is led by investigative journalist and author Debi Marshall as she takes us into the mind of violent serial killer Leonard Warwick.
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened, what the docuseries will cover, and where you can tune in.
What Are the Family Court Murders?
The Family Court Murders took place between 1980 and 1985 and included four murders, two shootings and five bombings. All of the attacks were carried out by Leonard Warwick, who managed to avoid being prosecuted for decades, despite the mounting evidence that pointed to his guilt.
Warwick’s acts of domestic terrorism were originally motivated by a drawn-out custody battle with his ex-wife, Andrea Blanchard, which ran from 1979 to 1986. Warwick targeted judges and others associated with the newly established Family Court, as well as people who were offering support to Blanchard. Two people were shot dead, another two were killed by bombs and many more were injured.
Warwick was eventually arrested in 2015, more than three decades after his initial attack. He was charged with four counts of murder, one attempted murder, and 13 counts of burning or maiming with an explosive substance. He was found guilty of the majority of these offences in July 2020, with the notable exception of the murder of his ex-brother-in-law, Stephen Blanchard.
What is the Documentary The Family Court Murders About?
The Family Court Murders is an investigative crime series led by Debi Marshall. Marshall is an investigative crime journalist and author, who’s been researching and writing about the Family Court Murders.
In the trailer below, she says that still, there are some “really crucial pieces missing” from the complete story of what happened, and that “this story isn’t over”.
The docuseries will feature new interviews with Warwick’s victims and their families in the lead up to his 2020 conviction. Marshall will also continue to investigate Warwick’s connection to brother-in-law Stephen Blanchard, whose murder Warwick was acquitted of.
When Does The Family Court Murders Premiere?
The Family Court Murders premieres Tuesday, 10 May at 8.30pm.
Where Can I Watch The Family Court Murders?
The Family Court Murders will screen on ABC TV and ABC iview.
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