Ep 4. Fallen Angels

In season 3 episode 4 of People Magazine Investigates, titled "Fallen Angels," viewers are taken on a chilling journey into the world of a seemingly perfect family, whose lives were turned upside down by a shocking and brutal crime. The show delves deep into the investigation that followed a horrific triple homicide in the quiet town of Cheshire, Connecticut.

The Petit family was a respected and well-liked family in the community, with Dr. William Petit as the esteemed head of the household. His wife Jennifer was a homemaker, and they had two daughters, Hayley and Michaela. On July 23, 2007, two men, Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes, broke into the Petit family home with the intention of robbing it. However, things quickly escalated, and the intruders went on a brutal rampage, leaving three members of the family dead and one seriously injured.

The episode tells the heart-wrenching story of the Petit family's last moments and the harrowing ordeal that Dr. Petit had to endure before escaping and alerting the authorities. People Magazine Investigates takes a look at the disturbing and graphic details of the crimes committed by the perpetrators.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers are introduced to the two criminals who committed these horrific crimes. Joshua Komisarjevsky, the younger of the two, had been in and out of prison for most of his adult life and was struggling with drug addiction. Steven Hayes, on the other hand, had a much darker and more disturbing past. He had been diagnosed with a severe case of borderline personality disorder, substance abuse issues, and had a history of sexual violence.

The episode explores the investigation that followed the crime and the law enforcement's efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. The detectives working on the case were appalled by the brutal crimes committed by the intruders, and the case quickly grabbed national headlines. People Magazine Investigates takes an in-depth look at the evidence collected, including DNA samples, surveillance footage, and interviews with witnesses.

As the trial unfolds, viewers are given a rare insight into the court proceedings, including the emotional testimonies of Dr. Petit and the surviving members of the family as they relive the horrors of that fateful day. The episode also highlights the many controversies that surrounded the trial, including the death penalty debate and the ethical issues surrounding the media's coverage of the trial.

Overall, "Fallen Angels" is an intense and emotional episode that exposes the darker side of human nature. People Magazine Investigates does an excellent job of revealing the humanity behind the headlines and offers a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of the victims of a horrific crime. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime stories or the criminal justice system.