Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice
Investigating drownings linked by smiley-face graffiti.
Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice is a true-crime series from Oxygen that aired in early 2019. The six episodes, produced by Alison Dammann, investigate the smiley-face murder theory. They focus on young men who vanished and were later discovered dead in water. Smiley-face graffiti found near many scenes links the cases, all officially ruled accidental or undetermined drownings. The show aims to reopen these cases and change their causes of death.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Alison Dammann
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 6
- Executive producers
- Jason Blum; Alison Dammann
- Company
- Blumhouse Television; 44 Blue Productions
- Network
- Oxygen
Facts from the source article.
Summary
Each of the six episodes centers on a single victim, covering the case before investigation, how the smiley-face murder theory might apply, and the investigation's outcome. All victims were college-aged males who vanished after a night out, with bodies later found in water and deaths ruled accidental or undetermined drownings. Retired police officials Kevin Gannon, Anthony Duarte, and Dr. Lee Gilbertson lead the probe with their team and local help. Episodes typically introduce the case, include family interviews, reveal discrepancies tied to the theory, and seek ways to reopen the case. Most episodes end without a closed case, instead presenting new information that could support a different conclusion.
Investigators involved in the series
The main investigators are Anthony Duarte and Kevin Gannon. Gannon, a retired NYPD sergeant, received nearly 100 medals for bravery and was named one of the most highly valued members of the Special Investigation Division and NYPD sergeants before retiring in 2001. Duarte, a retired U.S. Department of Homeland Security TSA security manager and NYPD second-grade detective, earned ten Excellence in Police Duty awards and five commendations. Mikey Donovan, a retired NYPD detective and 9/11 first responder specializing in interrogation, and D. Lee "Doc" Gilbertson, who holds a doctorate in sociology and a master's in criminal justice, appear in some episodes. Gilbertson works at the National Gang Crime Research Center and is an executive editor for the Journal of Gang Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice first air?
Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice first aired on 19 January 2019.
When did Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice end?
Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice last aired on 23 February 2019.
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