Children of the Snow

Children of the Snow is a captivating and emotionally charged investigative show that aired on Investigation Discovery in 2019. It is a haunting and poignant journey that stirs the haunting spectre of dark, unresolved mysteries while tugging insistently at your heartstrings. Children of the Snow is predominantly a two-night special that delves into one of the most chilling, unsolved cases in recent American history: the Oakland County Child Murders, which gripped the Detroit region in the 1970s.

The premise of the series is based on this startling sequence of events: in a span of thirteen months between 1976 and 1977, four children, two boys and two girls aged between 10 and 12, were abducted and then killed in Oakland County, Michigan. The names of these children are Mark Stebbins, Jill Robinson, Kristine Mihelich, and Timothy King. These unfortunate events sparked widespread fear and resulted in one of the largest murder investigations in the United States at the time. After serving as a haunting specter in suburban Detroit for decades, these unsolved murders were infamously called the Oakland County Child Murders, causing ingrained trauma and heartbreak.

This four-hour investigative documentary provides a deep and horrifying dive into these infamous, unsolved murder cases. The series is seen through the eyes of J. Reuben Appelman, a true-crime author and private investigator who has a profound personal connection with Michigan and its history. Appelman’s passionate pursuit of truth and justice is a central narrative thread that anchors the series, lending a sense of urgency and emotional gravitas to the proceedings.

Combining elements of cold-case analysis, true crime, suspense, and mystery, the series predominantly follows Appelman and the surviving victims' families as they tirelessly search for answers. The team leaves no stone unturned as they seek to understand what led to the events, the motive behind the killings, and, most importantly, who is responsible.

Children of the Snow has been lauded for its meticulous approach to exploring this complex and tragic case, with the team conducting exhaustive research, uncovering hidden clues, and offering new insights. As viewers, we delve not just into the factual evidence but also into the emotional trenches that this case has carved into the families and communities involved. We experience the anguish, despair, and frustration associated with an unresolved mystery.

What sets this show apart is its incredibly powerful underlying narrative – one of tireless perseverance in the face of an unfathomable tragedy. By following the lives and perspectives of the victims' families, Children of the Snow offers a compelling human angle that compels us to view the effects of crime at a critical level.

The series does a great job at raising questions around law enforcement’s role and the underlying issues that complicated the investigation. The use of available technology and resources, alleged corruption, and possibly concealed evidence are critical topics this series brings to light. Also, the series opens up the not-often-discussed topic of child exploitation rings prevalent during the 70s and how those could potentially be linked to the case.

As intense as it is insightful, Children of the Snow serves as a stark reminder of the heartbreaking human cost of crime and the relentless pursuit of justice. The series succeeds in creating a fertile ground for discussion about the investigation process, societal responses to such heinous crimes, and the enduring impact on families and communities. It is indeed a must-watch piece of documentary filmmaking, showing the real-world implications of these notorious cold cases.

In every scene, Children of the Snow holds a mirror to society, reflecting the fear, hope, desperation, and pursuit of truth. Despite the darkness of its central content, the series plays out in a way that champions hope, resilience, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.