Lovers of real life crime documentaries were treated to some deep, dark, compelling stuff in Channel 4′s Interview With A Murderer.
#InterviewWithAMurderer is intruiging! I love this kind of thing.
— Bex (@LadySchaefer) June 12, 2016
This is all very chilling, I love stuff like this #InterviewWithAMurderer
— Dave / DKS (@DavidMackayy) June 12, 2016
#InterviewWithAMurderer, I love criminology/forensic psychology documentaries. So interesting!
— Lady Andelys (@AndiePhillpott) June 12, 2016
Similar to Netflix’s Making A Murderer and US podcast Serial, the one-off 90 minute show tapped into the genre that’s been continually growing in popularity.
L-R, Prof David Wilson and suspect Bert Spencer (Channel 4)
Respected criminologist Professor David Wilson interviewed Bert Spencer, a former ambulance driver and key suspect in the murder of 13-year-old paper boy Carl Bridgewater in 1978.
Carl was shot at point blank range in the head while delivering newspapers at Yew Tree Farm in Prestwood, Staffordshire – the place where Bert worked and had a license to shoot, although he initially held this information back from police.
Viewers praised how ‘normal’ Professor David was around Bert Spencer (Screengrab/Channel 4)
Bert became a key suspect in the murder investigation due to his ownership of a shotgun, his interest in antiques – it is believed that Carl disturbed an antique robbery and was shot as a result – and witnesses statements that appeared to place his car at the scene.
But Bert was never charged for the crime and has long protested his innocence.
As Professor David re-examined the evidence, viewers really couldn’t work out what to make of Bert.
Watching #InterviewWithAMurderer – really not sure what to think but the guy doesn't seem normal
— Nick Redman (@ArmchairEagle85) June 12, 2016
This fella is giving me the heebie jeebies😐 #InterviewWithAMurderer
— Lu Allen (@LuAllen92) June 12, 2016
I think it's pretty obvious that Bert has a lot of issues. Not sure this is going to resolve any of them. #InterviewWithAMurderer
— Paul Robinson (@p7r) June 12, 2016
He likes to display himself as a good old boy, a bemused perp/victim. A dangerous narcissist. #InterviewWithAMurderer
— Denise Danks (@mmechevrolet) June 12, 2016
#interviewwithamurderer I really can't work him out. Very cold
— Lyz Shaw (@LyzShaw) June 12, 2016
They thought Professor David came across really well and was doing an incredible job of speaking to Bert normally – even when he flipped out at him (which happened a lot).
Hooked by #interviewwithamurderer and wishing I was as sassy as Prof David Wilson
— Rachael Vickerman (@vickerwoman) June 12, 2016
#InterviewWithAMurderer is tough viewing, I admire Professor David Wilson's direct interviewing with Bert Spencer
— Jade (@LouiseJosie) June 12, 2016
Watching interview with a murderer @ProfDavidWilson is hugely brave, no way would I have called that man a liar!
— Sarah Brock (@GerrysMum) June 12, 2016
Bert saying that David is a psychopath is just too much 😂 #InterviewWithAMurderer
— sarah webb✌️ (@iloveducks_) June 12, 2016
Gotcha Bert. Saying Wilson needs psychiatric help. Genius. #InterviewWithAMurderer
— Kate grove (@k8grove) June 12, 2016
Viewers were truly gripped and really don’t know what to make of it all – and it’s bound to make some interesting discussion in the office tomorrow.
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