Watch The Murder Tapes

The Murder Tapes is an American true crime television series that premiered on Investigation Discovery on August 28, 2019. The show features real-life investigations of homicides through the use of authentic footage taken from body cameras, surveillance cameras, and news footage. The series offers a unique perspective on crime-solving as viewers are taken inside the investigations themselves, watching detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The Murder Tapes is hosted by three veteran law enforcement experts, Dave DeAndrea, Brent Melton, and Keith Whitler. Dave DeAndrea, who served as a police detective for over 20 years, has investigated everything from murders to gang violence. Brent Melton, on the other hand, spent over 26 years serving as a homicide detective and SWAT team member. Finally, Keith Whitler worked as a forensic investigator for more than a decade, examining evidence for all types of crimes, including murder. These three hosts provide expert commentary and analysis on each case as they appear on the show.

Each episode of The Murder Tapes delves into a different homicide investigation, with each case typically explored over the course of two episodes. The show's format is reminiscent of other true crime shows, but what sets it apart from the competition is the use of actual footage from the cases. Rather than relying on reenactments or interviews, the show features live footage of the scenes of the crime, evidence, and suspects as they are brought in for questioning.

The series offers an unflinching look at the raw emotions and high-stakes situations that law enforcement officials face daily. In each episode, we see firsthand the challenges detectives must overcome and the impossible decisions they must make as they work to bring justice to victims and their families. This "fly-on-the-wall" approach makes the show feel more immediate and intense than many of its peers, prompting viewers to feel like they are there with the investigators as they try to piece together the clues.

One aspect that makes The Murder Tapes even more compelling is the fact that the footage is presented in real-time. As we watch the detectives work on the case, we see the investigation unfold just as it did for them. We get to witness how they make their arrests and how things can quickly go wrong, leading to intense moments of drama and danger.

The Murder Tapes explores not only the crime itself but also the lives of the victims and the suspects. The show raises questions about the motives and backstory of the suspects, highlighting not only the horror of the act but the tragedy that leads someone to commit it. By taking a close look at each detail of the case, the show attempts to identify key factors that may have led someone to murder, helping viewers understand the complicated nature of violent crime.

As each episode of The Murder Tapes builds towards its conclusion, it becomes clear that the real-life nature of the show means there are no guarantees when it comes to solving these crimes. Sometimes, evidence leads to a quick resolution, while other times it takes years to bring a suspect to justice. This unpredictability makes the show all the more intriguing to watch, bringing a real-world sense of both hope and uncertainty into each episode.

Overall, The Murder Tapes is a gripping and intense series that offers a unique perspective on investigative work. With its use of real footage and expert commentary by experienced law enforcement professionals, the show feels like a documentary rather than just another true crime series. The tense storytelling, combined with the raw emotion of the cases themselves, make The Murder Tapes a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Murder Tapes is a series that ran for 9 seasons (72 episodes) between August 28, 2019 and on Investigation Discovery