Episode 1

The apparent double suicide of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan in 1991 was long seen as a tragic pact, left undisturbed in police files - until 2009, when Colin Howell confessed to these unrecorded murders. Journalists and investigators describe the shock of his admission, affecting families, community and the justice system.

Exclusive archive and confession tapes trace Howell’s life as a respected dentist and Baptist in Northern Ireland. Contributions from acquaintances reveal how he fostered trust and authority, making his later admission all the more shocking. The series also features the story of co-convicted Hazel Stewart, whose poised public image captivated audiences during her trial.

Howell’s words reveal the weight he claims to have carried for 18 years, and the anticipated devastation of his confession. This episode explores the insularity and strict moral codes in certain religious circles with the backdrop of the Troubles in early 1990s Northern Ireland.

Hazel Stewart’s role is examined, as her legal team argues she was under Howell’s coercive control. This insight is interrogated by Dr Duncan Harding, who questions whether her sudden involvement aligns with coercion patterns, while acknowledging that victims’ voices can be lost in abuse dynamics and the wider justice system.

Howell’s confessions form the documentary's backbone, and his calm admission of guilt raises unsettling questions about truth and perceptions of social standing. What truly happened between Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart, and how should the justice system interpret responsibility decades later?