Cold Valley

Cold Valley is an intriguing, suspenseful true-crime documentary that aired in 2018 on the Investigation Discovery network. This thrilling two-part docuseries takes viewers into the chilling, unsolved mysteries that have haunted the Lewis Clark Valley, a largely rural region that straddles the border between Washington and Idaho, for decades.

The series unravels a series of interconnected crimes that took place in the late-seventies to the eighties. It delves into the gruesome cases of three children who disappeared in the span of two and a half years, the perplexing scene of a probable double homicide, and the chilling discovery of a human leg in a dumpster, all unsolved crimes that seem to share unnerving similarities.

Cold Valley transports viewers back to the eerie events of 1979, 1981, and 1982, when the tranquil towns in the Lewis Clark Valley region were disrupted by a sudden influx of disappearances and murders. The captivating narration and meticulous documentation of events in this series will pique the interest of true crime aficionados seeking to unravel mysteries that have stumped detectives for decades.

The series unfolds from the perspectives of two women, Detective Jackie Nichols and Gloria Bobertz, a relative of one of the victims. Detective Nichols, even after retiring from a career spanning over three decades, is not ready to give up on these cold cases. Gloria is a cousin of one of the victims whose disappearance and homicide she has never been able to move on from.

Detective Nichols, driven by determination and a sense of justice, has committed much of her life to unraveling these sinister mysteries, which continue to stir up chilling echoes in the present day. With thousands of hours worth of investigative work to her credit, Nichols is prepared to turn over every stone in a bid to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.

Gloria Bobertz, sharing an equally gripping but personal narrative, is on a relentless pursuit to find answers about her cousin's mysterious disappearance and murder. Even after years of the incident, the impassioned woman has not lost hope and supports the tireless endeavour of Detective Nichols at every step, providing an emotional subtext to the fact-driven investigation.

Cold Valley tells the haunting story of a small community living under the shadow of a potential serial killer, whose identity remains unknown. It not only explores the spine-chilling contributions to the gruesome narrative made by prime suspects and their painful family histories but also offers deep insight into the emotional turmoil experienced by the family members of the victims.

The docuseries masterfully uses archival footage, dramatic recreations, emotional interviews, and personal narratives to immerse viewers into the narrative. These elements are put together seamlessly to craft a riveting storyline that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.

The show also benefits from the scenic backdrop of the Lewis Clark Valley – its serene countryside, the picturesque Clearwater and Snake rivers and quaint towns – an unlikely setting for a series of sinister crimes. This counterbalance between unpleasant events and serene scenery adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Cold Valley is not just a process of reinvestigation into cold cases. It is a heartrending narrative of families distorted by loss, a tale of a peaceful community disrupted by unremorseful violence, and a testament to the unyielding power of hope and pursuit of justice. Despite many setbacks, both Nichols and Bobertz display undying dedication and the perseverance to keep digging until they find the truth, making the series a powerful homage to resilience and the human spirit.

While the series is a chilling deep-dive into the darkness that pervaded a peaceful community, Cold Valley reminds the audience how the light of relentless resolve and pursuit of justice refracts through even the densest of mysteries. This delicate balance of haunting mysteries and determined hope makes for compelling viewing, especially for fans of true crime documentaries.

A must-watch series, Cold Valley manages to contribute an engrossing addition to the genre of cold case investigations illuminating the long-lasting impact of these crimes on the families and communities involved. Furthermore, it leads viewers into the depths of humanity's enduring resilience in the face of adversity and darkness.