A Black And White Killing

Watch A Black And White Killing

  • 2019
  • 1 Season

A Black and White Killing is a gripping true crime documentary series from BBC Select, exploring one of the most controversial and polarising cases of the civil rights era in the US. The show delves into the kidnapping and murder of a wealthy white businessman in 1965, and the subsequent arrest and prosecution of three African-American men who were accused of committing the crime. The case became a lightning rod for racial tensions in the Deep South, sparking demonstrations and attracting national media attention, with many viewing it as a clear-cut case of racial injustice and legal misconduct.

The series is comprised of four episodes, each of which offers a detailed and engrossing look at different aspects of the case, from the initial investigation to the controversial trial and ultimate verdict. The show features interviews with key individuals involved in the case, including family members of both the victim and the accused, law enforcement officials, legal experts and civil rights activists, providing a broad and nuanced perspective on the events surrounding this historic case.

The first episode of A Black and White Killing provides a detailed overview of the case, describing the crime and its aftermath, as well as the broader social and political context in which it occurred. The show delves into the history of racial segregation and discrimination in the Deep South, and highlights the growing momentum of the civil rights movement at the time. The episode also introduces viewers to the three main suspects in the case, providing a glimpse into their lives and backgrounds, and raising important questions about their potential motivations and connections to the crime.

The second episode of the series focuses on the intricate and often convoluted investigative process that ultimately led to the arrest and indictment of the three accused men. The show details the use of controversial interrogation tactics by law enforcement officials, as well as the involvement of multiple informants and witnesses, many of whom had their own agendas and interests. The episode raises important questions about the reliability and legitimacy of evidence in criminal cases, particularly those where racial bias and prejudice may have played a role.

The third episode of A Black and White Killing is devoted to the sensational and highly divisive trial that took place in the aftermath of the crime. The show examines the strategies and tactics employed by both the prosecution and the defense, and provides a nuanced analysis of the legal and ethical questions raised by the case. The episode also explores the impact of race on the trial, particularly the use of racially motivated jury selection and the exclusion of key evidence that could have exonerated the accused.

The final episode of the series offers a reflection on the legacy and impact of the case, examining its reverberations through the years and its ongoing relevance to contemporary discussions about race, justice and the US legal system. The episode features interviews with family members of the victim and the accused, as well as civil rights activists and legal experts, providing multiple perspectives on the case and its legacy.

Overall, A Black and White Killing is a riveting and thought-provoking true crime series that offers a fresh and insightful look into one of the most important and controversial cases in US legal history. Combining gripping storytelling, expert analysis and insightful commentary, the show is a must-watch for anyone interested in issues of race, justice and the legal system.

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Seasons
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
August 25, 2019
When white supremacist Russell Courtier was charged with the murder of black man Larnell Bruce, the case went viral and shocked America. His fate looked sealed. But the trial was flipped on its head when Bruce was revealed to be more than an innocent victim. Journalist Mobeen Azhar brings to light the complications surrounding the lives and behavior of both perpetrator and victim.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
August 24, 2019
In 2016, a white supremacist ran over and killed Larnell Bruce outside a convenience store in Gresham, Oregon. Was he murdered because he was black? In this first episode, British journalist Mobeen Azhar tries to get inside the mind of the killer, Russell Courtier. He meets anti-black extremists, neo-Nazis and murderers as Courtier's trial becomes a public battle amidst decades of racial tension.
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  • Premiere Date
    August 24, 2019