Ep 9. Hunting Ground

In the season 5 episode 9 of Web of Lies titled Hunting Ground, the narrative explores the story of a tragic murder that took place in the outskirts of a small town in North Carolina. The episode begins with the discovery of a young woman's body dumped in the woods. The victim, Lauren Phelps, was a member of the local church and had only been married for a few months at the time of her death.

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives assigned to the case realize that Lauren was not a random victim but was targeted by someone who knew her well. Initially, all suspicion falls on her newly-wedded husband, Matt Phelps, as he had presented some inconsistencies in his account of what happened that day. However, as more evidence is uncovered, it becomes clear that they are dealing with something far more sinister than a simple domestic abuse case.

The show takes the viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as it unravels the darkest secrets of Lauren's past and brings to light the various predators that lurked around her. Through the use of interviews with friends, family members, and law enforcement officials, the episode paints a vivid picture of the young woman's life and how she came to be a victim of such a gruesome crime.

With testimonies from her former classmates, it is revealed that Lauren had experienced sexual harassment from a volleyball coach during her high school years. The incident, coupled with the constant pressure from her family and the church community to live up to their conservative values, had taken a toll on her mental health. The man who had harassed her, Jonathan, was interviewed by the detectives, but he adamantly denies any involvement in Lauren's murder.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives come across a website that connects people interested in BDSM activities. This leads them to a man named Grant, who had been in contact with Lauren shortly before her death. Grant is suspected to have played a significant role in the murder, but the investigation hit a dead end as there was not enough evidence to link him to the crime.

The Web of Lies Hunting Ground episode leaves an unnerving feeling as it showcases the tragic and brutal truth of how vulnerable people can be in the face of predators. It brings to light how the internet can act as a hunting ground for people seeking to take advantage of others’ vulnerabilities. This hard-hitting episode serves as a warning to anyone who thinks they are immune to the dangers of the online world.