Watch Murder by the Coast

Murder by the Coast is a true crime documentary film released on Netflix in 2021. The film is directed by Tània Balló and focuses on the horrific murder of a teenage girl named Rocío Wanninkhof, which happened in 1999 in the town of Mijas on the Costa del Sol in Spain. The documentary analyzes the investigation and trial of the murder case as well as the impact that the media had on the case at the time.

The story begins in October 1999, when Rocío Wanninkhof, a 19-year-old high school student, went missing while she was walking her dog in the coastal town of Mijas. Her body was discovered several days later, and forensic analysis pointed to a brutal murder. The police quickly zeroed in on the victim's mother's former partner, Dolores Vázquez, who had a troubled past.

The police investigation was marred with incompetence, prejudices, and incorrect assumptions. The police initially believed that Rocío's friend was responsible for her murder, but the lead went nowhere. Soon after, Dolores Vázquez was arrested and charged with the murder of Rocío. The evidence against Vázquez was circumstantial and hinged upon witness testimony from her ex-girlfriend and a jailhouse informant. However, Vázquez maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

The documentary delves into the trial, revealing the weaknesses in the prosecution's case against Dolores Vázquez. There were several inconsistencies and errors in the forensic evidence presented during the trial. Furthermore, the jury's prejudices against Vázquez played a significant role in the final decision, as she was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In a shocking turn of events, a year after Vázquez began serving her sentence, another murder occurred in the same town. Sonia Carabantes, a 17-year-old girl, was murdered in a similar fashion. The police apprehended and convicted a different man for Carabantes' murder, bringing to light the incompetence of the Mijas police force in investigating Rocío's murder.

The documentary uses archival footage and interviews with family members, friends, lawyers, and journalists to paint a vivid picture of the events of the case. The film also showcases the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing the trial's outcome. The media sensationalized the trials, distorted facts and created a biased narrative that influenced public opinion, ultimately putting pressure on the judges and jury. The documentary highlights the social and cultural undercurrents that informed these events.

Murder by the Coast is well-paced and masterfully edited, introducing the audience to the murder's details and subsequent investigation. The film also provides an insight into the lives of the victim, the accused, and their families, and explores the impact that the trial had on their lives. The documentary is an unflinching look at the Spanish judicial process, causing the audience to questions the fairness and transparency of judicial systems globally.

In conclusion, Murder by the Coast is a gripping and thoroughly researched true crime documentary that will keep the audience glued to their seats. It is a shocking tale of murder and the human cost of an unjust legal system, and the media's influence on a case, which is undoubtedly one of the most significant and controversial murder cases in the history of Spain. The film is an emotional wrecking ball that will leave audiences contemplating the humane aspects of crimes and the influence of media on the trial's outcome.

Murder by the Coast is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.