A&E’s “Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou” examines a decades-old home invasion that terrorized Starkville, Mississippi. The brutal attack on Betty Jones and Kathryn Crigler left the small community reeling and the perpetrators at large.
Years later, a determined detective reopens the case, hoping that new technology can finally bring answers to a town still haunted by the unsolved crime. “Horror in Starkville Mississippi” will likely focus on the detective’s efforts to piece together the fragmented evidence, interviewing witnesses whose memories have faded with time, and employing modern forensic techniques to uncover new clues.
“Cold Case Files” has always traded on the enduring fascination with unsolved mysteries. The show’s strength lies in its ability to personalize these cases, reminding viewers that behind every cold case file are real victims and grieving families. This episode, with its focus on a small town gripped by fear, will probably emphasize the lasting impact of violent crime on communities. Whether the new detective can finally bring closure to this decades-old case remains to be seen, but the episode will almost certainly offer a compelling look at the dedication and persistence required to crack cold cases.
“Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou” airs Fridays at 10:00 PM on A&E.