Killers Behind Bars: The Untold Story

Lore & Background

The series consists of two series. Series 1 aired in 2012 with episodes on Steve Wright (the Suffolk Strangler), Peter Tobin, and Robert Black. Series 2 aired in 2013 with episodes on Levi Bellfield, Stephen Griffiths (the Crossbow Cannibal), Robert Napper, and Anthony Hardy (the Camden Ripper). Each episode focuses on a specific killer and includes Wilson's speculation about their involvement in other unsolved murders.

Reader's Guide

Killers Behind Bars: The Untold Story is significant for bringing attention to the possibility that several notorious serial killers may have been responsible for additional unsolved murders. David Wilson, a professor and criminologist, presents each case by reviewing the known crimes and then speculating on connections to other unsolved killings. For example, he suggests Steve Wright may have murdered Michelle Bettles in 2002, and that Peter Tobin may have killed Jessie Earl in 1980. The series also highlights failures in the justice system, such as the case of Anthony Hardy, where a victim's death was initially attributed to natural causes. Its legacy lies in prompting public and possibly official reconsideration of cold cases linked to these offenders.

Did You Know?

• David Wilson speculates that Steve Wright murdered 22-year-old prostitute Michelle Bettles in Norfolk in March 2002.
• Wilson speculates that Peter Tobin is responsible for the murder of 22-year-old student Jessie Earl in May 1980.
• Wilson speculates that Robert Black is responsible for the unsolved killings of 13-year-old Genette Tate in Devon and 13-year-old April Fabb in Norfolk.
• In the Anthony Hardy episode, Wilson notes that Sally White's corpse was found in Hardy's bed, but her death was attributed to natural causes by the pathologist.