This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking

This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking

Key Takeaways

  • A Confession has just landed on Netflix, and it tells the story of how serial killer, Christopher Halliwell was caught.
  • DS Steve Fulcher obtained a confession from Halliwell leading to the bodies of two missing women.
  • Fulcher faced misconduct charges for his actions, illustrating police bureaucracy at its worst.

As a seasoned investigator with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration and sadness when I read about the case of Christopher Halliwell. This man, a cold-blooded murderer, left a trail of devastation and heartache in his wake, yet the system seemed to be more concerned with following bureaucratic rules than bringing justice to the victims’ families.


The gripping true crime series, titled “A Confession“, has just become available on Netflix. This show recounts the actual events surrounding the investigation that ultimately apprehended notorious serial killer, Christopher Halliwell. Hailing from the UK, this series spanned six episodes and originally aired on ITV back in 2019. Martin Freeman played DS Steve Fulcher, while Joe Absolom portrayed Halliwell. The show is based on the captivating true-crime book by Fulcher himself, entitled “Catching A Killer: My Hunt For Murderer Christopher Halliwell“.

Netflix boasts numerous true crime dramas such as “Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” released in September 2024. In contrast, “A Confession” is a British import, but it promises to be enlightening for those unaware of the real-life case it’s based on. It delves into the complexities and intricacies surrounding the ‘power struggles’ within a murder investigation, and the relentless pursuit of justice by one man, even if it means compromising his career in the process.

A Confession Is Now Streaming On Netflix And It’s The True Story Of How Serial Killer Christopher Halliwell Was Caught

This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking
A Confession
StarringMartin Freeman, Siobhan Finneran, Imelda Staunton, Joe Absolom, Peter Wight, Derek Riddell, Rufus Gerhardt-Williams and Owain Arthur
Written byJeff Pope (based on the book by Steven Fulcher)
Directed byPaul Andrew Williams

The official synopsis for true crime masterpiece, A Confession, reads:

This ITV drama is modeled on the real-life investigation led by Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher, where he pursued the murderers of Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards. The show features Martin Freeman portraying Fulcher, a police officer who disregarded protocol to apprehend the killers, which eventually led to the loss of his professional career.

Steve Fulcher Obtained A Confession From Christopher Halliwell And He Led Him To The Bodies Of Sian O’Callaghan and Becky Godden

In the actual account of A Confession, the search for a missing person was initiated when Sian O’Callaghan vanished following a night out in Swindon, England on March 19, 2011. Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher, an exceptional detective, took charge of the investigation as the senior investigating officer (SIO). The hunt began to locate the 22-year-old woman. On March 23, authorities disclosed that analysis of O’Callaghan’s mobile phone signals pointed towards several locations requiring closer examination. The next day, police issued an urgent plea for anyone who spotted a green Toyota Avensis with taxi markings in the areas of interest around the time of O’Callaghan’s disappearance to come forward.

Investigator Steve Fulcher traced the vehicle in question, which turned out to be owned by a taxi driver named Christopher Halliwell. Although the body was yet to be discovered, this case remained an active missing persons investigation. Instead of heading to the police station, Halliwell was brought to Barbury Castle where he met Fulcher for an immediate interrogation aimed at locating Sian and possibly saving her life. During their conversation, Halliwell admitted to murdering Sian and offered to guide Fulcher to the site where her body lay. At this juncture, Halliwell inquired if Fulcher desired “another one”, to which Fulcher consented. The murderer then escorted him to the location of another woman he had killed called Becky Godden.

Fulcher Faced Ridiculous Misconduct Charges For The Way He Obtained Halliwell’s Confession

This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking

Officer Fulcher is accused of misconduct because he didn’t follow proper procedures when getting Halliwell to reveal the location of Sian’s body. According to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), Fulcher should have warned Halliwell that he was under arrest, taken him to a police station, and handled things more formally. This situation highlights the negative side of bureaucracy in the police force as it might have prevented Halliwell from leading Fulcher to the body of Becky Godden. However, the police chose to adhere to these rules instead of providing answers to the family about their missing loved one. On a human level, what Fulcher did was commendable, but his superiors in the police force reprimanded him, removed him from the case, and he faced disciplinary action, effectively ending his career in the police.

What Happened To Christopher Halliwell?

This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking

In 2012, Christopher Halliwell was found guilty of murdering Sian O’Callaghan and received a 25-year prison sentence. However, the legal process regarding Becky Godden’s murder took longer due to concerns about the manner in which Halliwell’s confession was obtained. In 2016, he was given a whole life order without parole for Becky’s murder, which means he will remain imprisoned indefinitely at Long Lartin prison, Worcestershire, England. Although Halliwell has only been officially linked to two murders, it is suspected that he may have killed numerous women across the country over a prolonged period.

Christopher Halliwell’s Other Potential Victims

  • Linda Razzell
  • Sally Ann John
  • Linda Donaldson
  • Maria Christina Requena
  • Julie Finley
This Crime Drama Is Now Streaming On Netflix And The True Story Behind It Is Shocking

The book titled “The New Millennium Serial Killer,” authored by ex-police intelligence officer Chris Clark and crime writer Bethan Trueman, proposes that Christopher Halliwell may have been involved in numerous murders. One woman who they suggest might be a victim is Claudia Lawrence, who vanished from York, England in 2009. Although it’s improbable he was around when she disappeared, the authors argue that this line of inquiry should receive further examination due to March 19 being a significant date for Halliwell, as it marks the day he claims to have been dumped by an ex-girlfriend and is believed to be a triggering day for him. Interestingly, March 19 also corresponds with the disappearance of several other potential victims.

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2024-10-05 17:03