Ep 1. Killer Chatroom

Web of Lies is an American documentary television series that explores stories of deception and deceit that stem from people's use of social media and the internet. Season 7 of the series kicks off with an episode titled Killer Chatroom that delves into the story of a murder that occurred in the early aughts in a small town in Indiana.

The episode opens with a recreation of a teenage girl named Kacie Woody, who is shown chatting online with a boy named Jeremy. The two are engaged in a flirtatious and seemingly innocent conversation, with Jeremy expressing interest in meeting Kacie in person. As the audience learns, however, Jeremy is not who he says he is. He is instead a man in his thirties named David Fuller, who is posing as a teenager to gain the trust of vulnerable young girls.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Kacie is not the only victim of David Fuller's predatory behavior. He has been chatting with multiple young girls, and when law enforcement begins to investigate, they discover that he has even met up with some of them in person. It is in the aftermath of one of these meetings that Kacie disappears.

The episode details the investigation that follows Kacie's disappearance, with law enforcement racing to track down David Fuller before he can harm anyone else. As they dig deeper into his online activities, they discover a web of lies that he has carefully constructed to lure in his victims. He has created multiple online identities and is adept at manipulating young girls into trusting him.

As the investigation unfolds, the audience is introduced to Kacie's family and friends, who are shown grappling with the uncertainty and fear that comes with not knowing what has happened to their loved one. They talk about Kacie's sparkly personality and her love of music, as well as the fact that she had always been a responsible and trustworthy teenager. They are completely mystified by her sudden disappearance and are desperate for answers.

The episode also explores the legal ramifications of David Fuller's actions. He is eventually arrested and charged with multiple counts of child exploitation. The trial is shown in detail, with prosecutors presenting evidence of his online activities and the damage that he has caused to both Kacie's family and the broader community.

Throughout the episode, Web of Lies expertly weaves together interviews with law enforcement officials, family members, and friends of both Kacie and David Fuller, as well as archival footage and recreations of key events. It is a gripping and disturbing look at the dangers that lurk online and the devastating ways in which they can impact real-world lives.

In the end, Killer Chatroom is a sobering reminder of the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to online safety. As our lives become increasingly enmeshed with the digital world, it is more important than ever to be aware of the potential risks and to be proactive in protecting ourselves and those around us.