Plot Synopsis

Based on the podcast of the same name and directed by Patrick Stegall, BURDEN OF GUILT is a three-part documentary that follows Tracyraquel Berns' emotional journey to unravel the convoluted excuses that were given about her baby brother Matthew's sudden death when she was just two years old. Though initially ruled an accident, the mystery of how 4-month-old Matthew died haunts Tracyraquel throughout her childhood. After years of lies and unanswered questions, she obtains Matthew's medical records and uncovers a shocking detail; she learned she was blamed for his death. Tracyraquel embarks on a relentless search to expose the darkest and deepest secret of her troubled family. Her investigation leads the authorities in Dekalb County Georgia to an unprecedented decision to exhume Matthew's body 25 years after his death, which reveals that his death was a homicide. Over the three-episodes, Berns recounts her journey to justice while attempting to untangle the web of lies she was told while growing up. Although she was only two years old when Matthew died and has no clear memory of the event, the facts don't add up. Tracyraquel is convinced there was more to the story. The discovery that she was framed for her baby brother's premature death is earth shattering. With the help of forensic experts and passionate prosecutors, her determination to discover the truth exposes shocking facts and illuminates a haunting story of abuse and deceit. Was the killer a family member? The mystery would be solved in court. All three one-hour episodes of BURDEN OF GUILT dropped on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 on Paramount+:

"Mishap or Murder?": Tracyraquel Berns untangles the web of lies that obscured the truth about her baby brother's death.

"A Case for Justice": The exhumation of infant Matthew's body leads to his stepfather being put on trial for murder.

"The Final Reckoning": The arduous trial of Jan Sandlin ends, but Tracyraquel Berns' quest for justice is far from over.