HBO’s A Killer Story examines the controversial murder case against Dana Chandler, closely analyzing the evidence against her. The three-part documentary series premieres on September 10, 2026. Episode two airs on Thursday, September 17, and episode three airs on September 24.
The docuseries charts how journalist Joe Sexton became involved in the case through the constant urging of citizen sleuths. Matthew Galkin (Kevorkian, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders) directs, and Sexton serves as a producer.
HBO offers this description:
“A Killer Story examines a polarizing murder case that spanned more than two decades and captured national attention. At the center of the case is Dana Chandler, who was accused of killing her ex-husband and his girlfriend in 2002.
Filmed over the course of six years, investigative journalist Joe Sexton (The New York Times and ProPublica) begins to look into the double homicide case after receiving thousands of emails from Eileen Umbehr, a homemaker turned citizen sleuth. Eileen and her husband, Keen, are convinced that Chandler did not commit the crime and devote their lives to fighting for her innocence.
Lacking forensic evidence, the murder case is litigated over three arduous trials with the series unspooling a complex tale of family conflicts, betrayal, prosecutorial misconduct, competing narratives, and confirmation bias. As Sexton navigates the legal labyrinth, he discovers the truth is more elusive at every turn. More than a murder mystery, A Killer Story probes true crime obsession and the dangers of blinkered certainty in a case where the truth may never be known.”
A Killer Story Episode Guide
Chapter 1: “Welcome to Topeka”
Debut date: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (9:00-9:40 p.m. ET/PT)
True crime enthusiasts Eileen and Keen Umbehr enlist veteran journalist Joe Sexton to delve into the case of Dana Chandler, who was arrested and convicted for the 2002 murders of her ex-husband and his girlfriend. The case is defined by the clichéd narrative of the jealous and vengeful ex-wife. Chandler’s conviction is overturned on appeal with the help of the Umbehrs.
Chapter 2: “Person of Interest”
Debut date: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 (9:00-9:40 p.m. ET/PT)
During the retrial, the Umbehrs continue to defend Chandler’s innocence by pointing to a person of interest who they believe to be the true killer. Meanwhile, the prosecution continues to argue a motive existed. Clarity remains elusive, but a surprise witness shifts the case in the prosecution’s favor.
Chapter 3: “A Dangerous Notion”
Debut date: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (9:00-9:40 p.m. ET/PT)
The retrial ends in a hung jury, leading the state to try Dana for a third time. In an unexpected move, Dana dismisses her legal team and chooses to represent herself. The legal verdict brings finality to the case, but not necessarily the truth.
Executive producers include Matthew Galkin, Joshua Levine, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, Kate Barry, Julie Gaither, Davis Guggenheim, Jonathan Silberberg, Nicole Stott, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen.
