Down River's primary photo

The Confession Tapes

Down River (Season 1, Episode 7)
TV-MA
TV Episode | Documentary, Crime
While on a family outing, Lawrence DeLisle's Ford LTD station wagon is driven off the edge of a pier in Downriver, Michigan with himself, his wife, and all four of his children inside. When the car hits the water, the windshield shatters, ...See moreWhile on a family outing, Lawrence DeLisle's Ford LTD station wagon is driven off the edge of a pier in Downriver, Michigan with himself, his wife, and all four of his children inside. When the car hits the water, the windshield shatters, allowing DeLisle and his wife to get free. Rescue workers attempt to save the four children, but all four never regain consciousness. DeLisle originally claims that his leg cramped, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, but later confesses during an interrogation his attorney would later liken to hypnosis. While the court rules the confession inadmissible, it is still made available to the media. In the ensuing trial by media, newspapers and television stations comment on the tape without directly reproducing it, which would be against the court order. Despite the confession never being read in court, the jury finds DeLisle guilty for four murders and one attempted murder of his wife on August 1, 1990. Despite exhausting all of his appeals, DeLisle continues to maintain his innocence, blaming the car instead. Written by Erika Henao See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Kelly Loudenberg
Producer
Bitten Heine
Cinematographer
Meena Singh
Editor
Alex Durham
Production Designer
Matthew Harvey
See all filmmakers & crew (30)
Status
Edit Released
Updated Sep 8, 2017
Release date
Sep 8, 2017 (United States)
Awards
Series awards
1 nomination

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Cast

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10 cast members
Name Known for
Michael Abramsky's primary photo
Michael Abramsky
Self - Forensic Psychologist / Expert Witness Self - Forensic Psychologist / Expert Witness   See fewer
Snapped (2004)
Robert J. Colombo's primary photo
Robert J. Colombo
Self - Trial Judge Self - Trial Judge   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
Lawrence DeLisle's primary photo
Lawrence DeLisle
Self - Accused (archive footage) Self - Accused (archive footage)   See fewer
Tim DeLisle's primary photo
Tim DeLisle
Self - Lawrence's Cousin Self - Lawrence's Cousin   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
Frank Eaman's primary photo
Frank Eaman
Self - Defense Attorney Self - Defense Attorney   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
Dan Galeski's primary photo
Dan Galeski
Self - Wyandotte Police Detective Self - Wyandotte Police Detective   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
Beverly Lake's primary photo
Beverly Lake
Self - Key Witness Self - Key Witness   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
Jim Mitzelfeld's primary photo
Jim Mitzelfeld
Self - Detroit News Reporter Self - Detroit News Reporter   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
John Palmatier's primary photo
John Palmatier
Self - Michigan State Police Detective Self - Michigan State Police Detective   See fewer
Wicked Attraction (2008)
Kevin Simowski's primary photo
Kevin Simowski
Self - Prosecutor Self - Prosecutor   See fewer
The Confession Tapes (2017)
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