Zara McDermott takes on a new case in the upcoming episode of “The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok.” This documentary delves into the perplexing murders of four University of Idaho students that shook the small town of Moscow in November 2022. The episode, set to air on Wednesday 13 March 2024 at 9:00pm on BBC THREE, explores the extensive coverage and speculation surrounding the case on social media platforms like TikTok.
When news of the murders broke, Zara herself stumbled upon it while scrolling through her social media feed. The shocking nature of these crimes in a tight-knit community where homicides are rare captured global attention. With no initial suspects or motive identified by local law enforcement, armchair detectives and true crime enthusiasts flocked to cyberspace to share their own theories and dissect every detail they could find.
As time went on, online discussions intensified as more information about the victims’ last moments came to light. Speculation ran rampant, even implicating other students and residents within Moscow. False accusations were hurled and private information was exposed without evidence or due process. The situation escalated so dramatically that individuals wrongfully accused found themselves targeted and forced into hiding.
Zara travels to Moscow to unravel the truth behind what she witnessed online during those chaotic weeks following the murders. She seeks out the creators behind thousands of hours of social media content related to this case, exploring their motivations for posting their interpretations and examining why people were drawn to them instead of relying on traditional news sources or official police statements. Alongside these interviews, Zara also confronts those directly affected by the spread of rumours online, witnessing firsthand how this virtual storm has profoundly impacted lives and causing her to reflect on her own role in such tragedies.
Be sure not to miss this thought-provoking episode as Zara McDermott investigates “The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok” on Wednesday 13 March 2024 at 9:00pm on BBC THREE.
