Ep 3. Chapter 3: A Striking Coincidence

In Chapter 3 of The Staircase, Season 1, titled "A Striking Coincidence," we continue to follow the case of Michael Peterson, a crime novelist who is accused of murdering his wife Kathleen. The episode opens with Peterson's daughter Caitlin discussing her reasoning for not believing her father is responsible for Kathleen's death, despite the mounting evidence against him.

The episode then shifts its focus to the investigation itself, as the prosecution brings in an expert witness to testify about the blood spatter found at the scene of the crime. The witness emphatically asserts that the blood spatter on the staircase and walls could not have been caused by a fall, but rather by repeated blows to the head.

Amidst the mounting evidence against Peterson, the defense begins to investigate a potential alternate theory of Kathleen's death. They uncover a series of bizarre coincidences, including two other women who died in stairway falls with striking similarities to Kathleen's death. The defense team begins to argue that this could be the work of a serial killer, throwing a wrench in the prosecution's argument that Peterson is guilty of murdering his wife.

As the episode progresses, we see the tension mounting between the prosecution and the defense, with each side becoming increasingly determined to prove its case. Peterson's daughter Sophie is shown grappling with her own emotions, wondering whether her father is truly innocent or guilty as charged.

Overall, "A Striking Coincidence" serves as a pivotal episode in the series, revealing new evidence and theories about Kathleen's death while also delving deeper into the characters involved in the trial. Whether or not Michael Peterson is ultimately found guilty or innocent, audiences will undoubtedly be captivated by this gripping true crime story.