Plot Synopsis

TWO SHALLOW GRAVES is a three-night, seven-episode docuseries that chronicles Charles "Chase" Merritt's murder trial and the investigation into the McStay murders through interviews with Merritt, the prosecution, and the defense. In 2019, Merritt went on trial for the murder of his friend and business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife, and their two young sons. The prosecution presented incriminating evidence including bank records, cell phone activity, and DNA placing him in McStay's car. Merritt maintained his innocence and his defense team suggested another man had motive for murder. This series sheds new light on the controversial court case that captivated the nation and the questions around the heartbreaking crime that still linger unanswered. Episodes include:

"Vanished" (Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 9pm): The fate of the missing McStay family remains a mystery for three years until their bodies surface in two shallow graves in the desert. Prosecutors accuse Chase Merritt of the crime, and the trial begins with each side passionately presenting their case.

"The Missed Call" (Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 10pm): A bombshell witness upends the Merritt murder trial, claiming someone else confessed to the McStay murders. Merritt's girlfriend gives him an alibi, but the prosecution attempts to discredit her on the witness stand.

"The Killer's Truck" (Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 11pm): Police investigate other suspects, including a business associate taking money, an ex-boyfriend still in love with Summer McStay and a new husband with a violent past. Footage of a truck leaving the McStay house may reveal the killer.

"The Desert Ping" (Monday, May 23, 2022 at 9pm): Merritt's phone pings near the desert graves, and authorities wonder whether he buried the bodies or merely visited a sister. Prosecutors suggest he tried to delete financial records to cover his tracks. A defense attorney takes a sudden leave of absence.

"Where's Dan?" (Monday, May 23, 2022 at 10pm): New DNA found in the graves may reveal who murdered the McStay's. The defense questions Joseph's brother on his whereabouts at the time of the murders, and they cannot locate the suspect they believe may have ties to the killings.

"The Verdict" (Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 9pm): If Merritt testifies, the jurors will learn about his criminal past. The defense and prosecution present their final arguments with closing statements, and it's now up to the jury to determine guilt or innocence.

"Stay Out of Dodge" (Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 10pm): Chase Merritt is furious with his attorney's for failing to call an expert witness he believes can prove phone records placing him at the gravesite are "impossible." Another key figure in the case breaks his silence about the crime.