HBO Specials Season 1 Episode 9 The Cheshire Murders

In episode 9 of HBO Specials season 1, viewers are taken into the tragic case of the Cheshire Murders. This true crime documentary recounts the horrifying events that took place in the town of Cheshire, Connecticut in July of 2007.

The episode starts by introducing the Petit family; Dr. William Petit, his wife Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their two daughters, eleven-year-old Michaela and seventeen-year-old Hayley. The family lived in a quiet suburban neighborhood and were well-respected members of the community.

On the night of July 23, 2007, two ex-convicts, Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky, broke into the Petit family's home. What followed was a brutal and senseless crime that shocked the nation. The two men held the family hostage for hours, torturing and terrorizing them before setting the house on fire and fleeing the scene.

The episode details the events leading up to the crime, including the criminal histories of Hayes and Komisarjevsky and the red flags that were missed by the criminal justice system. It also delves into the investigation and trial, including the controversial decision to seek the death penalty for both men.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from family and friends of the Petit family, investigators, and attorneys involved in the case. The emotions are raw as they recount the horrific details of that tragic night. They speak to the resilience and strength of the surviving family members, particularly Dr. William Petit, who has since become an advocate for victims' rights.

The Cheshire Murders is a difficult but important watch for anyone interested in true crime. The documentary does not shy away from the graphic and disturbing details of the crime, but it also provides a thorough examination of the failings of the criminal justice system and the impact of violence on a community. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of working towards preventing such heinous crimes in the future.