Plot Synopsis

MURDER NATION is a one-hour true-crime documentary series, with each season focusing on deadly crimes from one region that is unique to the United States. Whether it's bodies that turn up in swamps in the Bayou, killers stalking the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore, deadly criminals lurking in the shadows of the vast New Mexican deserts, victims lusting for fame in the Hollywood Hills, or screams lost in the cold Alaskan tundra, MURDER NATION connects these crimes to their environments and what makes them so uniquely American.

The four-episode first season, MURDER NATION: BLOOD ON THE BAYOU, delves into the Louisiana Bayou, home to a rich and diverse culture, lush swampland, and hearty southern food. But beneath the green marshes and in the shadows of the bright Mardi Gras lights, lie some of America's most vicious murderers. HLN debuted back-to-back episodes of the series on consecutive Sundays:

"Southern Charm" (Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 9pm): When four seemingly unconnected women are murdered in their homes in Baton Rouge, LA, authorities go on the hunt for a serial killer. But when more murders happen 20 miles north, a small-town PD presents a theory contrary to the FBI's. The town's theories are ignored. More women keep turning up dead until finally, DNA evidence unlocks the key to catching one of the most prolific serial killers in Louisiana history.

"Big Easy Black Widow" (Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 10pm): In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the NOPD's resources are stretched and depleted. So, when a beloved Pastor turns up dead outside of his New Orleans apartment, his case -- along with countless others -- goes cold. But when his wife's next husband turns up dead as well, the family suspects something is amiss. They revisit her previous husband's mysterious death and begin to untangle a sinister web woven by scheming and heartless Black Widow.

"Backcountry Backstabber" (Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 9pm): Genore Guillery moved to a small rural town in the backwoods of Louisiana for solitude and space to raise rescued animals. But after she is viciously slain in her country home, police are stumped as to who could have had a vendetta against the kind and generous woman. Months later, a jailhouse tip uncovers a hateful and violent conspiracy that plagues the struggling town and ended Genore's life.

"Til Death Do Us Part" (Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 10pm): When, Thomas Talley, a hardworking family man is gunned down in his driveway, his bereft widow Kendra recounts how a wild night in New Orleans ended in murder. Only after police begin to dissect her story, do they realize that there might be more to her tale of partying and jealousy than meets the eye.
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MURDER NATION: JERSEY GORE, the four-episode second season, premiered on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT on HLN. Amid the beauty and wonderland of the New Jersey coastline, dark currents sometimes seep through. This season exposes four shocking deadly crimes that took place in this scenic paradise for residents and vacationers. Episodes include:

"Love You to Pieces" (Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 10pm): When a Jersey retiree leaves his wife for a young waitress in Florida, their beach community rallies behind her. But when his family and friends don't hear from him, an investigation into his disappearance reveals startling secrets and something starts to smell fishy in the seaside town of May's landing.

"Sins at the Synagogue" (Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 10pm): When a beloved rabbi's wife turns up dead in one of New Jersey's most idyllic and desirable suburbs, the community is sent into a tailspin. After months of fruitless investigation, police begin to discover that one of Cherry Hill's most powerful couples might not have been as perfect as they seemed.

"Seashore Psychopath" (Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 10pm): When a promising teenager goes missing under mysterious circumstances, her tight-knit Jersey Shore town rallies to find answers. After months of heartbreaking dead ends, a shocking video reveals a story that no one saw coming.

"Gambling with Death" (Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 10pm): After a night of glitz and gambling in Atlantic City, a prominent New Jersey couple is attacked on their way home. But what looks like a run of the mill carjacking gone wrong, turns out to be a multipronged conspiracy exposing that suburbia's perfect couple might have been anything but.