How It Really Happened
Overview
Jesse L. Martin dives deep into some of the most infamous crimes, puzzling mysteries, high-profile trials, and tragic celebrity events of contemporary history. Each episode meticulously unravels the stories behind these captivating occurrences, blending investigative storytelling with compelling narratives. Martin’s insightful exploration sheds light on the complexities and human emotions involved, providing viewers with a richer understanding of these significant moments that have shaped public discourse and left lasting impacts. With a focus on both the sensational and the somber, the show delivers a thought-provoking experience.
Episodes
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1
The Menendez Brothers: Murder in Beverly Hills, Part 1
HLN delves into the disturbing reasons that drove these brothers to commit murder.
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2
The Menendez Brothers: Murder in Beverly Hills: Part 2
Lyle Menendez, speaking from prison, shares his thoughts with Chris Cuomo over 25 years after he and his brother Erik were found guilty of first-degre...
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3
The OJ Simpson Case: Other Killer Theories, Part 1
New developments arise in the O.J. Simpson case as a serial killer steps forward with a confession, claiming to be responsible for the murders. Additi...
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4
The OJ Simpson Case: Other Killer Theories, Part 2
Fresh theories surface in the O.J. Simpson case, featuring a confession from a serial killer and an alleged hitman who asserts he was responsible for ...
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5
Prince: The End
Exploring the hidden battles Prince faced throughout his life, from his formative years to the moments just before his unexpected passing.
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6
The Life & Death Of Anna Nicole Smith
Exploring the ways in which Anna Nicole Smith's extravagant way of living might have played a role in her enigmatic passing.
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7
The Death of Michael Jackson: Part 1
Title: The Passing of Michael Jackson: Chapter 1 Plot: A deep dive into the experiences and observations of Michael Jackson's family and close associ...
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8
The Death of Michael Jackson: Part 2
Title: The Death of Michael Jackson: Part 2 Plot: In this gripping continuation, insights emerge from Michael Jackson's children and close associates...
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9
Who Killed JonBenet? Part 1
The case surrounding JonBenet Ramsey's murder leads investigators to explore a diverse array of suspects and examine various pieces of evidence. As th...
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10
Who Killed JonBenet? Part 2
Title: Who Took JonBenet's Life? Part 2 Plot: In the wake of the probe into JonBenet Ramsey's tragic death, the spotlight turns to the lingering ques...
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11
JFK Jr's Final Flight Part 1
This episode delves into the elements that contributed to the tragic accident that claimed the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. It features an exclusive in...
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12
JFK Jr's Final Flight Part 2
The episode delves into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident that claimed the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. It features an exclusive interv...
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13
The Final Days of Whitney Houston
Exploring the final days of Whitney Houston, this episode delves into the complexities of her turbulent relationship with Bobby Brown, shedding light ...
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14
The Strange Case of Jeffrey Dahmer
This is the harrowing story of a man who lived to tell the tale after crossing paths with a notorious serial killer, a criminal who successfully elude...
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15
Capturing the Unabomber
Title: The Pursuit of the Unabomber Plot: David Kaczynski, the brother of the notorious Ted Kaczynski, shares insights into the investigation that ul...
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16
What Killed Heath Ledger?
Heath Ledger's death is examined.
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17
DC Madam: The Woman Who Knew Too Much
Deborah Jean Palfrey warned that she would reveal the identities of those on her client list, and tragically, she was discovered hanging on her mother...
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1
The Casey Anthony Story Part 1
In 2008, two-year-old Caylee Anthony from Florida goes missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony, informs the authorities that a nanny, whom the family has n...
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2
The Casey Anthony Story Part 2
In 2008, two-year-old Caylee Anthony from Florida goes missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony, claims that a nanny—whom Casey's family has never met—h...
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3
The Gianni Versace Murder
The episode delves into the shocking murder of fashion icon Gianni Versace, who was brutally shot on the steps of his Miami Beach home in 1997 by Andr...
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4
The Mystery of Heaven's Gate
During the mid-1970s, a wave of mysterious disappearances swept through communities, leaving countless families in anguish over the fate of their love...
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5
Who Killed Chandra Levy?
In May 2001, the disappearance of 24-year-old intern Chandra Levy in Washington DC baffles authorities. Her keys and cell phone are discovered in her ...
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6
The Strange Case of the Killer Nanny
An eight-month-old infant suffers fatal injuries while under the supervision of his family's au pair, Louise Woodward. The question arises: was it a c...
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7
George Michael's Final Days
On Christmas Eve 2016, George Michael's remarkable journey as a global icon takes a dark and enigmatic turn with his untimely passing. Both his family...
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8
The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal (Part 1)
The scandal that almost brought down a presidency involved Bill Clinton and a 21-year-old intern at the White House, Monica Lewinsky.
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9
The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal (Part 2)
A scandal of immense proportions almost brought down a presidency. Bill Clinton found himself entangled in a controversial relationship with Monica Le...
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10
Did Scott Peterson Murder Laci? (Part 1)
This gripping narrative unfolds a dark tale of murder, infidelity, and legal battles, culminating in a death sentence. It chronicles the harrowing sto...
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11
Did Scott Peterson Murder Laci? (Part 2)
This gripping narrative unfolds with themes of homicide, infidelity, legal battles, and the ultimate consequence of capital punishment. It recounts th...
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1
Ted Bundy Part 1: The Girls Are Missing
During the winter of 1974, a troubling series of disappearances unfolded as young women in college from the Pacific Northwest vanished without any clu...
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2
Ted Bundy Part 2: Ted Escapes
Title: Ted Bundy Part 2: The Great Escape Plot: In the midst of his prison sentence for aggravated kidnapping in Utah and confronting first-degree mu...
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3
Ted Bundy Part 3: The Murder Trials
As the murder trials and appeals unfold, Ted Bundy takes an active role in crafting his own defense strategy. However, the question looms: will his la...
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4
Ted Bundy Part 4: The Death Row Confessions
Title: Ted Bundy Part 4: The Final Confessions Plot: As the hourglass ran out on his imminent execution, Ted Bundy insisted he was innocent. In a des...
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5
Jodi Arias Part 1: Sex, Lies and Photographs
Jodi Arias works as a waitress in a small town while pursuing her dream of becoming a photographer. Travis Alexander, a charming and devoted Mormon, i...
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6
Jodi Arias Part 2: Dirty Little Secret
Title: Jodi Arias Part 2: Hidden Truths Plot: Four years following the brutal murder of Travis Alexander, his former partner Jodi Arias faces trial ...
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7
Aaron Hernandez: Secrets and Lies
Title: Aaron Hernandez: Secrets and Lies Plot: At just 23, Aaron Hernandez is a rising star with the New England Patriots, poised for a bright future...
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8
Selena: Fatal Encounter
Delving into the complexities of Selena's vibrant career, aspirations, and heartbreaking end, this episode features exclusive interviews with those wh...
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9
Waco Part 1: God, Guns and the Government
In 1993, the government conducted a raid on a religious compound in Waco, Texas, primarily due to concerns over illegal weapons and reports of child a...
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10
Waco Part 2: End of Days
The standoff in Waco concluded in a devastating blaze, claiming the lives of David Koresh, his devoted followers, and their families. News crews and p...
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1
The Mystery of the Gainesville Murders (Part 1)
In Gainesville, Florida, a chilling wave of violence erupts as five college students are viciously killed over the span of three days. As authorities ...
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2
The Mystery of the Gainesville Murders (Part 2)
Title: The Gainesville Murders Unveiled (Part 2) Plot: In Gainesville, Florida, the shocking slayings of five college students send shockwaves throug...
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3
The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart (Part 1)
On June 5, 2002, Elizabeth Smart is abducted from her Salt Lake City home when a stranger breaks in and threatens her with a knife. While the world be...
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4
The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart: Hiding in Plain Sight (Part 2)
Title: The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart: Hiding in Plain Sight (Part 2) Plot: In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart becomes the nation's most recogni...
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5
Susan Smith: Someone Stole My Babies (Part 1)
On October 25, 1994, Susan Smith claims that a carjacker has taken her two small children, Michael and Alexander. This alarming report triggers a wide...
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6
Susan Smith: The Shocking Truth (Part 2)
For nine long days, the country anxiously hopes for updates on the missing boys, three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex Smith. Just when despair...
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7
Drew Peterson: Killer Charm
On October 28, 2007, 23-year-old Stacy Peterson, married to experienced police sergeant Drew Peterson, disappears without a trace. As authorities init...
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8
David Cassidy: Fatal Secret
Teen idol David Cassidy, known for his role in "The Partridge Family," grapples with the intense pressures of fame during the 1970s. His life takes a ...
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9
The Bombing of Oklahoma City: The Explosion (Part 1)
On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh, a 26-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, set off a massive 7,000-pound truck bomb near the Alfred Murrah Federal Bu...
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10
The Bombing of Oklahoma City: McVeigh's Shocking Confession (Part 2)
In a rare interview from prison, Timothy McVeigh opens up about how personal experiences and the shifting landscape of society influenced his decision...
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1
The Atlanta Serial Killer: Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Pt. 1
Between 1979 and 1981, over twenty black children went missing in Atlanta, leaving the community in shock. This episode explores the chilling circumst...
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2
The Atlanta Serial Killer: The KKK Connection? Pt. 2
Authorities suspect that Wayne Williams, a 23-year-old African American man, was responsible for the deaths of over twenty black children and young me...
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3
The Yosemite Murders: The Missing Women Pt. 1
Title: The Yosemite Murders: The Missing Women Pt. 1 Plot: In 1999, a series of alarming disappearances of young women from Yosemite National Park ra...
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4
The Yosemite Murders: The Evil Side Pt. 2
The main suspect in the murder of several young women in Yosemite National Park has been apprehended, but it falls to a highly talented FBI agent to u...
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5
Siegfried & Roy: The Tiger Attack Pt. 1
In 2003, the illustrious careers of renowned illusionists Siegfried & Roy take a startling turn when one of their beloved tigers unexpectedly attacks ...
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6
Siegfried & Roy: Dangerous Illusion Pt. 2
Title: Siegfried & Roy: Dangerous Illusion Pt. 2 Plot: Roy struggles to heal from the grave injuries caused by his cherished tiger, Manticore. As he ...
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7
The Boston Marathon: Reconstructing the Crime Scene Pt. 1
On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated at the renowned Boston Marathon, resulting in the deaths of three bystanders and injuring many more. In a despe...
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8
The Boston Marathon: The Manhunt Pt. 2
Title: The Boston Marathon: The Manhunt Pt. 2 Plot: After identifying the Boston Bombing perpetrators as two brothers involved in domestic terroris...
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9
Tom Petty: Mysterious Ending
Title: Tom Petty: Enigmatic Farewell Plot: The unexpected death of iconic rock star Tom Petty sent shockwaves through his global fanbase. However, an...
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10
James Jordan: Vanished
Title: James Jordan: Disappeared Plot: What could lead to the death of Michael Jordan's cherished father? In 1993, James Raymond Jordan Sr. mysteriou...
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1
Finding Susan Powell: The Secret They Couldn't Talk About (Part 1)
In December 2009, 28-year-old Susan Powell, a mother of two, disappears under mysterious circumstances. Her husband, Josh, claims they went winter cam...
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2
Finding Susan Powell: What the Children Saw (Part 2)
In the vast deserts of Western Utah, authorities tirelessly scour every corner for Susan Powell, a mother of two who has mysteriously vanished. As her...
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3
Escape from Dannemora: Killers on the Loose (Part 1)
Two notorious criminals manage to escape from one of New York State’s most secure prisons. Convicted murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat navigate...
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4
Escape from Dannemora: Where's the Getaway Car? (Part 2)
Title: Escape from Dannemora: Where's the Getaway Car? (Part 2) Plot: The search for escaped inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat intensified, stretc...
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5
Bernie Madoff:The Most Hated Man in America (Part 1)
Bernie Madoff was a prominent figure on Wall Street, instrumental in the creation of Nasdaq and serving as its chairman while running a prosperous bro...
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6
Bernie Madoff: Who Else Knew? (Part 2)
Title: Bernie Madoff: Who Else Knew? (Part 2) Plot: The arrest of Bernie Madoff reverberated globally, revealing the depth of his monumental fraud th...
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7
The Last Days of Glenn Frey: Heartache Tonight
Glenn Frey was a gifted musician who, alongside Don Henley, helped establish the iconic band, the Eagles. In the 1970s, the Eagles produced a string o...
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8
The Dartmouth Murders: Evil in a Small Town
Half and Suzanne Zantop were beloved professors at Dartmouth College, but their remarkable lives were tragically cut short on January 27, 2001, when t...
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9
The Jenny Jones Show: Fatal Attraction
During the early '90s, daytime talk shows gained immense popularity, leading producers to adopt increasingly sensational tactics and invite provocativ...
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1
Madeleine McCann: The Night She Disappeared
Fifteen years after the widely covered case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance, a new suspect has emerged.
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2
Madeleine McCann: Who Took Madeleine
Fifteen years after the widely covered vanishing of Madeleine McCann, a new individual has emerged as a suspect in the case.
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3
Kobe Bryant: Fateful Flight: Red Flags
On January 26, 2020, a tragic helicopter accident claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant and everyone else who was on board.
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4
Kobe Bryant: Fatal Flight: What Went Wrong?
Title: Kobe Bryant: The Tragic Flight: An Analysis of the Mishap Plot: Aviation specialists delve into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incid...
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5
The Yacht Murder Mystery: Unspeakable Cruelty
Tom and Jackie Hawks had always envisioned an early retirement spent sailing the Pacific. After years of diligent work and saving, they finally realiz...
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6
The Hollywood Ripper: He Was Watching Them
On February 21, 2001, a young woman is brutally killed in her Hollywood home just hours before her date with actor Ashton Kutcher. As investigators di...
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7
Adrienne Shelly: Nothing's As It Seems
Title: Adrienne Shelly: Beyond Appearances Plot: Adrienne Shelly, a multifaceted talent at forty, excelled as an actress, writer, director, spouse, a...
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8
Lorena Bobbitt: Tick Tick Boom
In the early hours of June 23, 1993, in Manassas, Virginia, a man sleeps soundly on his bed, unaware of the woman standing over him with a kitchen kni...
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1
Titanic (1): A Clear and Starry Night
Title: Titanic (1): A Clear and Starry Night Plot: The tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912 is explored alongside a recent OceanGate expedition that...
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2
Titanic (2): The Last Moments
New scientific discoveries have revealed surprising insights into the sinking of the Titanic, prompting a reevaluation of what we thought we knew abou...
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3
Anthrax: Terror by Mail
In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the country confronted a fresh danger: anthrax, referred to as "the poor man's nuclear bomb." This easily w...
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4
Oscar Pistorius: The Bladerunner
The tragic death of Reeva Steenkamp at the hands of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius on Valentine's Day 2013 dismantled the façade of a fairytale rela...
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5
Gardner Art Heist: Stealing Beauty
Title: Gardner Art Heist: Stealing Beauty Plot: On March 17, 1990, a group of thieves invaded the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, stealing...
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6
The Atlanta Olympic Bombing Part 1: "You Have 30 Minutes"
During the summer of 1996, a devastating bombing at the Atlanta Olympics resulted in two fatalities and left more than 100 people injured. This traged...
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7
The Atlanta Olympic Bombing Part 2: The Bomber Is Watching
Conversations with ex-special agents, reporters, and those close to Richard Jewell shed light on the case and its repercussions. In the following eigh...
