Ep 20. Kansas City: The Final Curtain

In season 3, episode 20 of City Confidential, titled "Kansas City: The Final Curtain," viewers are transported to the heartland of America to witness the shocking murder of a beloved local theater owner and what unfolds in the aftermath.

The episode begins with a glimpse into the vibrant arts community in Kansas City and the pride it has in its historic theaters. One such theater, the Unicorn Theatre, is owned by a well-respected and passionate theater lover named Frank Higgins. However, one day in 1998, Frank is found brutally murdered in his own theater, leaving the community in a state of shock and disbelief.

As the investigation unfolds, the police discover that Frank had been receiving threatening letters in the weeks leading up to his death. The letters were from a disgruntled former employee of the theater, but upon questioning him, they come up empty-handed. The case goes cold for several years until a surprise telephone call to the Kansas City Police Department reignites the investigation.

The caller is a woman who claims to have information about Frank Higgins' murder, and she is willing to trade it for immunity in a completely unrelated case. The police take her up on her offer and she gives them the name of the real killer – a shocking revelation that sends shockwaves through the theater community and the city at large.

What follows is a gripping look at the trial that ensues, with interviews from those close to the case and insights from legal experts. The trial is a tense affair, with twists and turns that keep both the prosecution and defense on their toes. Ultimately, justice is served, but not before the community is forced to confront the reality that the person they put on a pedestal was not what he seemed.

Throughout the episode, viewers are offered glimpses into the Kansas City theater scene and learn about the passion that drives those who pursued a career in this industry. There is also insight into how the tragedy impacted the community and what steps were taken to ensure such a thing never happened again.

"Kansas City: The Final Curtain" is a riveting episode of City Confidential that blends true crime and theater culture in a way that only this series can. With its expert storytelling, the episode keeps viewers engaged from start to finish as they witness the search for justice and the impact of a community loss.