Liz Garbus and Matthew Galkin

Matthew Takes; Jeff Hutchens

Prime Video takes a big step towards true crime.

The Amazon-owned streamer has ordered a documentary series about the 2022 University of Idaho murders and the investigation, arrest and upcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger in connection with the case. The series from Skydance Television and Story Syndicate is based on an upcoming nonfiction book by bestselling author James Patterson and journalist Vicky Ward.

Liz Garbus (Lost girls, I will disappear into the darkness) and Matthew Galkin (Murder in the Bayou) will direct the docuseries. Amazon MGM Studios and Skydance are also developing a scripted series based on the case, with Garbus set to direct the first episode.

The series also includes interviews with victim Madison Mogen's mother and stepfather, as well as Ethan Chapin's family. Mogen, Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle were killed in an apartment in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Kohberger was later charged with the murders. His trial is scheduled for 2025.

“We are honored that the Chapin and Laramie families have chosen to partner exclusively with us to spotlight the personal stories of Ethan and Madison, and Xana and Kaylee,” Garbus and Galkin said in a statement. “Our unprecedented access to the families and closest friends will allow us to paint intimate and authentic portraits of all four victims and their lives at the University of Idaho that ended so tragically. We couldn't ask for better partners than Skydance and James Patterson Entertainment to bring the world the definitive telling of this important story.”

Matt Thunell, president of Skydance TV, added: “The events in Moscow, Idaho, shocked the world and left many questions unanswered. With Liz Garbus and James Patterson at the helm and with the participation of the Chapin and Laramie families, we will shed new light on these gruesome murders and honor the four innocent lives taken too soon.”

Both the docuseries and the potential scripted series stem from Patterson's first-look deal with Skydance TV. The company also produces Prime Video Crossbased on Patterson's novels by Alex Cross and starring Aldis Hodge, in association with Paramount Television Studios.

Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Matt Thunell are executive producers along with Patterson, Bill Robinson and Patrick Santa for James Patterson Entertainment, Garbus, Dan Cogan, Jon Bardin and Kate Barry for Story Syndicate and Galkin through his Fairhaven company.