Is an American Crime Based on a True Story?
American Crime, a television series that aired from 2015 to 2017, tells the story of a murder case in Modesto, California, and its impact on the victims’ families. The show’s first season, in particular, focuses on the real-life events of the Modesto murders, which took place in 1986. But how closely does the show adhere to the facts of the case? Is an American Crime based on a true story?
The Modesto Murders
On August 25, 1986, three members of the Allen family – father Allen Michael Topping, mother Mary Anne Topping, and their 14-year-old daughter Laura Topping – were found brutally murdered in their Modesto home. The crime shocked the small community and sparked a massive investigation. The killer was eventually identified as Lyle and Erik Menéndez, two brothers who were convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison.
The American Crime Series
The TV series American Crime, created by John Ridley, premiered in 2015 on ABC. The show’s first season is loosely based on the Modesto murders and the subsequent investigation. While the show takes creative liberties with the story, it aims to capture the essence of the real-life events. The show’s creators worked closely with the families of the victims to ensure that the show remained respectful and accurate.
Accurate or Not?
So, how accurate is American Crime in its portrayal of the Modesto murders? Let’s take a look at some of the key similarities and differences:
Similarities:
- The show’s setting and timeline match the real-life events: The Modesto murders took place in 1986, and the show’s first season is set in the same year.
- The victims and their family dynamics are depicted accurately: The Allen family’s close-knit relationship and their struggles are mirrored in the show.
- The investigation and forensic evidence are shown to be crucial in solving the case: The real-life investigation did involve a thorough search for evidence and forensic analysis, which helped identify the killer.
Differences:
- The killer’s backstory: While the show depicts Lyle and Erik Menéndez as wealthy and privileged, in reality, they were middle-class. The brothers’ background and motivations for the crime are not explicitly shown in the show.
- The victims’ relationships with each other: In the show, the family is portrayed as having some issues and tension, which is not entirely accurate. The real-life victims were known to be a loving and close-knit family.
- The investigation timeline: The show condenses the investigation timeline and some events to fit the narrative. In reality, the investigation took several months, and some events occurred out of sequence.
Key Points to Consider
- Fictionalization: American Crime is a dramatization of real events, not a documentary. While the show takes inspiration from the Modesto murders, it uses creative liberties to tell a compelling story.
- Respect for the Victims’ Families: The show’s creators worked closely with the victims’ families to ensure that the show remained respectful and accurate. The families have publicly praised the show for its sensitivity and attention to detail.
- Fact vs. Fiction: American Crime is a work of fiction, but it draws heavily from the real-life events. It’s essential to distinguish between fact and fiction to avoid confusing the two.
Table: Similarities and Differences between the Show and the Real-Life Events
| Category | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Same (1986) | |
| Victims | Accurate depiction of the Allen family | |
| Investigation | Forensic evidence and search for evidence are crucial | Investigation timeline is condensed |
| Killer’s Backstory | Wealthy and privileged (show) | Middle-class (real life) |
| Victims’ Relationships | Tension and issues within the family (show) | Loving and close-knit family (real life) |
Conclusion
American Crime is a thought-provoking and well-crafted TV series that explores the dark and complex themes of murder, family, and social class. While the show takes creative liberties with the story, it remains rooted in the real-life events of the Modesto murders. By acknowledging the similarities and differences between the show and the actual events, viewers can better understand the complex nature of true crime stories and the importance of respecting the victims’ families.
In the end, American Crime is a dramatization of real events, and it’s essential to remember that fact and fiction are often intertwined. The show’s creators aimed to capture the essence of the Modesto murders and their impact on the victims’ families, and by doing so, they have created a thought-provoking and haunting portrayal of a tragic event.
