In the Sundance TV series “True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here,” actress Hilarie Burton Morgan is challenging the notion that heinous crimes only occur in big cities. This compelling docuseries sheds light on murder cases from small towns across the United States, with Burton Morgan visiting these communities to uncover the unique stories and examine the hurdles of small-town justice.
In the latest episode, airing on May 9th, the focus is on a case from Prichard, Alabama, that exposes the grim realities faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals around the globe. It tells the story of a Black teenager who identified as gender non-conforming and was brutally murdered. Despite intense pressure from family and friends, the case remains unsolved, highlighting the rising violence against the trans community and the lack of justice for these victims.
In the episode’s trailer, Burton Morgan discusses the heart-wrenching situation. “She died at a crowded party, surrounded by witnesses,” she says. A friend of the victim, holding back tears, describes the suddenness of the attack, saying, “It just happened so fast.” Another witness reveals a troubling detail: “The streets knew more than the detectives.”
Burton Morgan reflects on the devastating impact of this unsolved crime. “This family is left here with no justice, and a lot of questions,” she says. As viewers tune in, they will explore the complex layers of this case and the broader implications for the trans community.
Catch the latest episode on May 9th at 10 p.m. on SundanceTV and AMC+ to learn more about this chilling story. The series airs every Thursday at the same time, offering a deeper look into America’s lesser-known crime stories and the pursuit of justice in small towns.