Netflix’s new true crime series “Homicide: New York” has quickly become a hit, with over 6.6 million views in its first week of release. Created by Dick Wolf, the mastermind behind “Law and Order,” the five-episode docuseries delves into some of the most notorious crimes that rocked New York City in the 1990s and 2000s. Featuring interviews with detectives, friends, families, and survivors of the crimes, the series provides a human perspective on these decades-old cases.
The first episode of “Homicide: New York” focuses on the 2001 “Carnegie Deli Massacre,” where two men were convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of three people during a robbery at the famous deli. Another case highlighted in the series is the 1997 stabbing of Michael McMorrow, whose body was found in Central Park Lake. The show also explores the disappearance of Eridania Rodriguez, a cleaner in Manhattan’s Financial District, and the arrest of her assailant, Joseph Pabon. Additionally, the series covers the 1996 murder of Midtown business owner Howard Pilmar and the subsequent conviction of his wife and her brother for his death.
In the final episode of “Homicide: New York,” the series delves into the case of the so-called East-Harlem Rapist, a serial killer and sexual assailant who terrorized the community of East Harlem for almost a decade. Arohn Kee, now serving a life sentence, was responsible for the deaths of at least three teenage girls and the rapes of four others in his late teens and early 20s. The series provides an in-depth look at each of these cases, shedding light on the investigations and personal stories behind these tragic events.
Executive producer Jane Lipsitz emphasizes the importance of sharing the human side of these crimes, rather than just the facts that can be found on Wikipedia. By featuring interviews with those closely involved in the cases, “Homicide: New York” offers a compelling and emotional look at the impact of these crimes on the individuals and communities affected. The success of the series on Netflix demonstrates the enduring fascination with true crime stories and the appeal of well-crafted documentaries that bring these stories to life.
Following the success of “Homicide: New York,” viewers can look forward to a similar docuseries titled “Homicide: Los Angeles,” also created by Dick Wolf. The series, set to premiere later this year, will explore some of the most notorious crimes that have taken place in the City of Angels. With Wolf’s pedigree in creating captivating crime dramas, “Homicide: Los Angeles” is sure to attract a wide audience eager to delve into the dark and intriguing world of true crime.
