Ep 3. Bloodshed in Brookland

As a true crime documentary series, City Confidential explores the darker side of American cities and their notorious criminal histories. In the show's twelfth season, episode three titled "Bloodshed in Brookland," viewers are taken to a small town in Arkansas.

Brookland may seem like an idyllic southern community on the surface, but as the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that this small town is plagued by a dark and violent crime. The episode centers around the brutal murder of a beloved town figure, a high school coach named Steve Flowers.

Flowers was a well-respected pillar of the community, known for his dedication to his students and his work with the local youth sports teams. But on a summer night in 2007, his life was cut tragically short. He was found in his own home, brutally beaten and shot to death.

The murder sent shockwaves through the town. How could someone do this to such a beloved figure? And why would anyone want to harm Flowers? As the investigation began, it quickly became clear that this was no random act of violence.

Detectives found evidence that pointed towards Flowers' own son-in-law, a man named Robert Burton. Burton was a former football player who had married Flowers' daughter, and he had a strained relationship with his father-in-law. When interrogated, Burton reportedly gave conflicting alibis and inconsistent stories about his whereabouts on the night of the murder.

Burton was arrested and charged with the murder, but the trial was far from straightforward. The prosecution argued that Burton had a motive to kill Flowers due to their rocky relationship. But Burton's defense team painted a different picture of the victim, saying that Flowers was abusive and controlling towards his family, and that Burton had been pushed to the breaking point.

The trial was emotionally charged, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. As the jury deliberated, the town held its breath, waiting for justice to be served. And in the end, a verdict was reached - but not everyone in Brookland was satisfied with the outcome.

"Bloodshed in Brookland" is a gripping and disturbing episode of City Confidential, showcasing the devastating impact that violent crime can have on a small town. Through interviews with detectives, attorneys, and locals who knew the victim and the accused, viewers are able to piece together the events surrounding the murder and the subsequent trial.

The episode raises important questions about the complex nature of family dynamics, and whether violent behavior can be excused or justified by past trauma. It also highlights the difficulty that small-town law enforcement can face when investigating a high-profile crime.

Overall, "Bloodshed in Brookland" is a fascinating and thought-provoking entry in the City Confidential series, providing a sobering look at the darker side of American life.