Court TV is debuting a new original series that gives audiences a look inside some of the high-stakes trials, capturing true-crime fans’ attention. Victim to Verdict with Ted Rowlands is an original series highlighting recent cases that shocked the nation.
Ted Rowlands is a Court TV anchor and veteran true-crime journalist. He guides audiences through every moment of a case, from the crime scene to the courtroom, to highlight every detail.
“I’ve had the privilege of covering some of the highest profile trials of our time, including those involving O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, Jodi Arias, and countless others,” said Rowlands. “It’s important to revisit some of the more recent cases that have come to define our criminal justice system over the past few years.
Using Court TV’s real-time coverage of cases, each episode features critical moments and can’t-miss testimony. Rowland and court reporters provide contextual commentary and conduct post-trial interviews.
“A trademark of Court TV has always been its extensive archive of the biggest trials spanning three decades,” said Ethan Nelson, head of Court TV. “But there are also recent cases that have resontated with our audience. Victim to Verdict will condense these newer, fascinating trials into riveting true-crime hours.”
Victim to Verdict debuts on Sunday, October 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET, with the first four episodes featuring:
- Murdaugh Family Murders (October 15): Once a prominent South Carolina attorney, Alex Murdaugh’s life unravels after the murder of his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul. The murders kick off an investigation that uncovered years of drug abuse, theft of millions of dollars, and abuse of power, bringing down a Lowcountry legal dynasty.
- Doomsday Cult Mom Murder (October 22): When Lori Vallow’s children go missing, she heads to Hawaii and marries cult leader Chad Daybell, leaving behind a wake of destruction, including several dead bodies. As investigators try to solve the case, Chad and Lori prepare for the end of the world.
- Movie Popcorn Murder (October 29): A Sunday afternoon movie date turns deadly when a confrontation over a cell phone and a bag of popcorn ends with a gunshot. Retired police captain Curtis Reeves claims he acted in self-defense, but will a jury in Florida believe that his life was in danger?
- Christmas Parade Rampage (November 5): Waukesha’s annual Christmas parade was struck by tragedy when Darrell Brooks drove his SUV through the parade route. Brooks decides to represent himself at trial, testing the legal system and a Midwestern judge caught in the middle in Wisconsin.
In the upcoming months, Court TV will cover the case of Florida vs. Sarah Boone, in which a woman was arrested after her boyfriend was found dead in a suitcase. Boone claims Jorge Torres Jr’s death was from a game of hide-and-seek that went awry, but that comes into question after police find videos of her taunting him as he struggles to free himself.
Court TV will also give audiences a close look at the case of Florida vs. Christopher Hoopes, charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife, Colleen Hoopes. In another Florida spouse murder trial, Court TV will cover the case of Florida vs. Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina who claims she shot her husband in self-defense during an argument. Still, the evidence doesn’t appear to support her claims.
“I believe Court TV viewers will find this hour-long format truly gripping and, at the same time, be as impressed as I am with our talented team of reporters and producers who have entrenched themselves in the proceedings in order to provide their audiences with insights,” said Rowlands.