In an explosive two-part true crime series, Wrongly Released: Free to Kill highlights the failings of the Australian justice system that allowed two vicious predators – who had already been proven dangerous and locked away for violent crimes – free to roam the streets, and ultimately led to the deaths of three innocent women.
Sisters Laura and Colleen Irwin were brutally stabbed to death in their home in Melbourne’s western suburbs by parolee William Watkins. Following the murders, Watkins went on the run, eventually being shot and killed by a WA Police Officer.
Sarah Cafferkey was killed by Steven Hunter – a man who had already murdered and served 13 years in jail and who was released to kill again. Sarah’s death, just weeks after the brutal murder of Jill Meagher, helped start a tidal wave of pressure on the justice system that led to lasting reform and real change.
Featuring emotional interviews from friends and relatives of the victims, along with insightful analysis by legal experts involved in both cases, the series shines an uncomfortable light on a justice system and asks how it failed the public and why?
Jim Buchan, Foxtel Group General Manager, Factual, said:
“Our latest CI commission illuminates an important alarming issue stemming from within our legal system that continues to reoccur in Australia. A problem that has huge ramifications where criminals are re-released time and again on parole only to go on escalating their crimes in harming women and their families who will pay the ultimate price.
These cases are tragic yet sadly are similar to those that continue to be reported in news stories from around the nation. We thank Peter Stefanovic as well as SKY NEWS for their support.”
Hosted and narrated by SKY NEWS’ Peter Stefanovic, Wrongly Released: Free to Kill is produced by Title Role Productions Ltd exclusively for Foxtel and is a 2×60 minute documentary series available to stream on demand or watch on Crime + Investigation from Thursday, February 27 at 7.30pm AEDT.
