The true crime genre has exploded in popularity, with books, podcasts, and documentaries capturing the fascination of millions. However, delving into real-life crimes requires a delicate balance between storytelling and ethics. Writers must consider how to approach sensitive subjects in a way that respects the victims and their families while still engaging the audience. Here’s a guide to writing true crime that honors the victims, avoids sensationalism, and maintains ethical standards.
1. Prioritize Sensitivity Over Sensationalism
While true crime is naturally compelling, the goal should never be to sensationalize the violence or exploit the pain of the victims for shock value. Writers should aim to shed light on the crime in a way that is informative, respectful, and truthful.
How to Do It:
- Avoid Graphic Details That Don’t Add Value: Graphic descriptions of violence may draw attention, but they can also be gratuitous and disrespectful to the victims. Focus instead on the facts of the case and the impact on the people involved.
- Contextualize the Crime Rather Than Glorifying It: Instead of treating the crime as a spectacle, place it within a broader social or psychological context. Discuss the factors that may have contributed to the crime, such as societal issues or mental health concerns, and explore the implications for public safety.
Example: In I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, the author recounts the crimes of the Golden State Killer with an emphasis on the emotional toll on the victims and their families, rather than dwelling on lurid details. This approach respects the humanity of those affected while still telling a compelling story.
2. Center the Victims, Not the Perpetrator
True crime narratives often focus on the perpetrator, but emphasizing the victims’ stories helps humanize them and acknowledge their experiences. Give voice to the people who suffered and avoid glorifying or excusing the actions of the criminal.
How to Do It:
- Share the Victims’ Stories and Backgrounds: Provide details about who the victims were, their lives before the crime, and the impact on their loved ones. This approach shifts the focus from the crime itself to the individuals who were affected.
- Avoid Romanticizing the Perpetrator: It’s tempting to explore the psychology of the criminal in depth, but this can sometimes come across as glamorizing or excusing their behavior. If you discuss the perpetrator’s background, do so without justifying their actions.
Example: In The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, the author focuses on the lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper rather than the infamous killer himself. The book reframes the narrative to honor the victims’ stories, highlighting their humanity and circumstances.
3. Verify Facts and Avoid Speculation
Writing true crime comes with a responsibility to present accurate information. Avoid sensationalism by sticking to verified facts and being cautious about incorporating theories or speculation.
How to Do It:
- Double-Check Your Sources: Ensure that the information you include comes from reliable sources such as court documents, police reports, and credible interviews. Fact-checking is essential, especially with high-profile cases that may have conflicting accounts.
- Clearly Distinguish Between Facts and Theories: If you include speculative elements, such as a theory about the motive, make it clear that these are not confirmed facts. Labeling speculation helps maintain transparency with the reader.
Example: In In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, while considered a classic, some aspects of the narrative have been criticized for blending fact with dramatized elements. True crime writers should strive to make clear distinctions between what is factually established and what is inferred.
4. Respect the Privacy of the Victims’ Families
The families of crime victims have endured unimaginable loss, and revisiting the case can reopen old wounds. Always be considerate of the emotional impact that writing about the crime may have on the victims’ loved ones.
How to Do It:
- Seek Permission When Possible: If the family is willing, engage with them in the research process to get a fuller picture of the victim’s life. However, understand that some families may not want to participate, and their wishes should be respected.
- Avoid Publishing Personal Details Without Consent: Information such as private correspondence or medical records should not be included without the family’s consent. Even if details are legally available, consider the ethical implications before including them.
Example: In The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule, the author—a close acquaintance of Ted Bundy—provides a unique perspective while being careful to respect the victims and their families by not delving into gratuitous details about their personal lives.
5. Address the Broader Impact of the Crime
True crime can serve as a lens to explore broader issues such as mental health, systemic failures, or social inequality. Addressing these themes can give the narrative depth and provide a purpose beyond recounting the crime.
How to Do It:
- Discuss the Social or Legal Ramifications of the Case: If the crime led to changes in laws, public policies, or societal attitudes, include that context to highlight the crime’s significance.
- Explore How the Case Fits Within Larger Patterns: Situate the crime within a broader trend, such as domestic violence, racial injustice, or serial offenses, to show its relevance to ongoing social issues.
Example: In The People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry, the narrative delves into the cultural differences and systemic failures that influenced the investigation, providing insight into not just the crime itself, but also the challenges faced by the legal system.
Writing true crime with respect for the victims requires more than just recounting events; it involves ethical considerations and a commitment to honoring those affected. By prioritizing sensitivity, centering the victims, verifying facts, respecting privacy, and addressing broader implications, writers can create true crime stories that inform and resonate while maintaining integrity.
