Netflix docu-series ‘Trial 4’ tells story of wrongfully convicted Boston man who served 22 years

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming docs-series Trial 4 and the facts of the real-life case are more than troubling. 

Read More: Netflix unveils trailer and photos for Shondaland series ‘Bridgerton’

The eight-episode series directed by Rémy Burkel chronicles the life of Sean K. Ellis, a man who spent 22 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. 

At the age of 19, Ellis was convicted for the murder of Boston Police detective John Mulligan in 1993. He was put on trial three times before being found guilty.

Years later, the police conspiracy that sent Ellis to prison was uncovered, leading to three officers involved in the investigation being convicted on federal extortion charges. It turns out they were guilty of robbing people at gunpoint and falsifying warrants. 

Even after Ellis was released in 2015 due to the evidence showing his case was mishandled, he faced a possible fourth trial. The docu-series covers the entire ordeal and includes interviews with Ellis and nearly everyone involved with the shocking true story. 

Here’s the official synopsis: 

The eight-episode docuseries TRIAL 4 delves into the story of Sean Ellis, a man who served 22 years in prison after being found guilty of killing Boston Police Detective John Mulligan in 1993. Though law enforcement presented evidence linking Ellis to the murder, further investigation revealed corrupt police officers, questionable witnesses and enormous pressure within the department to solve the case. Ellis’s story, while devastating, sheds light on timely issues of systemic racism, police corruption and criminal justice reform while offering hope that, ultimately, people have the power to change the system.

Read More: Netflix prepping ‘My Dad the Bounty Hunter’ from ‘Hair Love’ director

Trial 4 premieres on Netflix on Nov. 11.

Check out the trailer: 

Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!

TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!