Ep 1. The House On Canyon Road

Buried in the Backyard is a crime investigation show that explores the mysterious and sometimes horrifying stories behind bodies found buried in unlikely places. Season 1 episode 1 is titled “The House On Canyon Road” and for its premiere, it takes viewers to the quiet neighborhood of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The episode begins with the story of Mary Hawkes, a 19-year-old girl who went missing after she left a shelter for at-risk youths. The authorities' search for her was unsuccessful until a routine traffic stop led them to the house on Canyon Road. The house belonged to James Boyd, a 36-year-old man who had a history of violent crimes and was known to the police.

When the police arrived at James Boyd’s house, they found Mary Hawkes’ body buried in his backyard. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about James Boyd's past actions.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to Mary Hawkes’ family and her life before she went missing. As they try to piece together what happened to her, the investigation reveals that James Boyd was a man with a dark past. He had been convicted of a violent crime before and was known for his erratic behavior. He had also been in contact with Mary Hawkes in the days leading up to her disappearance.

The episode also explores the challenges faced by the investigators as they try to build a case against James Boyd. The defense team argues that the evidence against him was circumstantial, and there was no direct evidence to prove that he had murdered Mary Hawkes. The trial was lengthy and intense, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. In the end, James Boyd was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Throughout the episode, Buried in the Backyard touches upon some of the broader social issues that are relevant to the case. The show explores the struggles faced by at-risk youths and their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. It also underscores the impact of violent crime on families and communities and the importance of seeking justice for the victims.

The House On Canyon Road is a gripping and suspense-filled episode that lays the groundwork for the rest of the season. The crime is shocking, and the investigation is complex, but the show does an excellent job of balancing the storytelling with the investigative aspect of the case. The episode includes interviews with key players, including the detectives who worked on the case, Mary Hawkes' family, and legal experts, providing viewers with a well-rounded understanding of the events that transpired.

Overall, Buried in the Backyard Season 1 episode 1, “The House On Canyon Road” is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that offers a glimpse into the dark world of crime and the efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The show is well-produced, and the storytelling is compelling, making it a must-watch for true-crime enthusiasts.