Ep 17. The Brighton Ax Murder

In 1978, three people were brutally murdered with an ax in a small town outside of Boston. The victims, an elderly couple and their mentally disabled adult daughter, were found in their home by a neighbor. The killer had left a bloody handprint on the wall, but it took over two decades for forensic technology to advance enough for the print to be matched to a suspect. In 2002, Tim Ferrara was arrested and charged with the murders.

48 Hours investigates the case, speaking with friends and family of both the victims and the suspect. They explore the timeline of events both before and after the murders, and look for possible motives. Ferrara had been a high school friend of the victims’ son, and had even worked for the family’s construction business for a period of time. But there was no evidence of a recent grudge or conflict between Ferrara and the family.

The documentary also delves into the forensic evidence that eventually linked Ferrara to the crime. His handprint was found in a box of tools in the basement of the victims’ home, along with other physical evidence that placed him at the scene. The documentary speaks with forensic experts who explain the science behind the analysis of this evidence, and how it was used to build the case against Ferrara.

But there are also questions raised about the investigation and the trial. Ferrara maintained his innocence, and his lawyer argues that the prosecution’s case was circumstantial and ultimately unconvincing. The documentary speaks with jurors who deliberated on the case, some of whom were convinced of Ferrara’s guilt and others who had doubts. There are also inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, including alternate theories about the murder weapon and the possibility of accomplices.

Ultimately, 48 Hours presents a complex and compelling look at a case that remains controversial and unresolved to this day. While Ferrara was convicted and remains in prison, questions about the investigation and the evidence remain. The documentary raises the possibility that the true killer may still be at large, and encourages viewers to consider the implications of a flawed justice system.