MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The True Story Behind Terrifying New Netflix Series 'The Serpent'

The True Story Behind Terrifying New Netflix Series 'The Serpent'

It's Official: Rege-Jean Page Will Not Be Returning For 'Bridgerton' Season 2

It's Official: Rege-Jean Page Will Not Be Returning For 'Bridgerton' Season 2

All Your Burning 'Snowpiercer' Season 2 Questions, Answered

All Your Burning 'Snowpiercer' Season 2 Questions, Answered

Netflix's 'Shtisel' Is A Must-Watch For Fans Of 'Unorthodox'

Netflix's 'Shtisel' Is A Must-Watch For Fans Of 'Unorthodox'

{headline}

{headline}

Here's Everything We Know So Far About 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4

Here's Everything We Know So Far About 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4

Netflix's 'Under Suspicion' Spotlights The Alleged Murder Of A Woman At The Hands Of Her High-Profile Husband

Netflix's 'Under Suspicion' Spotlights The Alleged Murder Of A Woman At The Hands Of Her High-Profile Husband

Wait, What The Hell Was With The 'Deadly Illusions' Ending?

Wait, What The Hell Was With The 'Deadly Illusions' Ending?

{headline}

{headline}

Netflix's New Docuseries Is Billed To Be A Must-Watch For All Who Loved 'Unorthodox'

Netflix's New Docuseries Is Billed To Be A Must-Watch For All Who Loved 'Unorthodox'

Everything We Know About 'Bling Empire' Season Two (So Far)

Everything We Know About 'Bling Empire' Season Two (So Far)

10 Feel-Good Feminist Films To Watch After 'Moxie'

10 Feel-Good Feminist Films To Watch After 'Moxie'

I Wish ‘Moxie’ Existed When I Was A Teenager

I Wish ‘Moxie’ Existed When I Was A Teenager

Every Cast Member From Netflix's 'Moxie' That You Should Be Following On Instagram

Every Cast Member From Netflix's 'Moxie' That You Should Be Following On Instagram

Here's Everything Coming To Netflix This March

Here's Everything Coming To Netflix This March

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

The True Story Behind Harrowing Drama 'Trial By Fire'

The film, which just landed on Netflix, is stirring up questions - by marie claire
  • 12 Mar 2021
The True Story Behind Harrowing Drama 'Trial By Fire'

Trial By Fire isn't a new film - it was actually released back in 2018 - but it's certainly stirring up conversation thanks to it landing on Netflix this week. What you might not be as across is the true story behind the film.

Who Is Cameron Todd Willingham?

A Texan, Willingham was convicted in 1992 of the arson-related triple homicide of his three little girls after they died in a house fire he managed to escape. Willingham was far from an upstanding citizen, holding a criminal record and known for his violent tendencies - but never against his children.

Cameron Todd Willingham

Cameron Todd Willingham and his family

Did He Set The Fire?

Willingham insisted that he didn’t, plus early forensic evidence wasn’t conclusive. Still, he was sent to death row. 

The investigative techniques used by police were also criticised, both around the time of his execution and after, in 2009. In August 2009 an investigative report by an expert hired by the Texas Forensic Science Commission deduced that the original claims of arson were doubtful.

What Happened To Cameron Todd Willingham?

In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed afters years of trying to appeal his conviction, maintaining his innocence until the end. He was 36 years old.

What Is The Film Based On?

While the events are based on real life, the film used this New Yorker article by David Grann as a reference point.

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

The True Story Behind Terrifying New Netflix Series 'The Serpent'

The True Story Behind Terrifying New Netflix Series 'The Serpent'

It's Official: Rege-Jean Page Will Not Be Returning For 'Bridgerton' Season 2

It's Official: Rege-Jean Page Will Not Be Returning For 'Bridgerton' Season 2

All Your Burning 'Snowpiercer' Season 2 Questions, Answered

All Your Burning 'Snowpiercer' Season 2 Questions, Answered

Netflix's 'Shtisel' Is A Must-Watch For Fans Of 'Unorthodox'

Netflix's 'Shtisel' Is A Must-Watch For Fans Of 'Unorthodox'

{headline}

{headline}

Here's Everything We Know So Far About 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4

Here's Everything We Know So Far About 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 4

Netflix's 'Under Suspicion' Spotlights The Alleged Murder Of A Woman At The Hands Of Her High-Profile Husband

Netflix's 'Under Suspicion' Spotlights The Alleged Murder Of A Woman At The Hands Of Her High-Profile Husband

Wait, What The Hell Was With The 'Deadly Illusions' Ending?

Wait, What The Hell Was With The 'Deadly Illusions' Ending?

{headline}

{headline}

Netflix's New Docuseries Is Billed To Be A Must-Watch For All Who Loved 'Unorthodox'

Netflix's New Docuseries Is Billed To Be A Must-Watch For All Who Loved 'Unorthodox'

Everything We Know About 'Bling Empire' Season Two (So Far)

Everything We Know About 'Bling Empire' Season Two (So Far)

10 Feel-Good Feminist Films To Watch After 'Moxie'

10 Feel-Good Feminist Films To Watch After 'Moxie'

I Wish ‘Moxie’ Existed When I Was A Teenager

I Wish ‘Moxie’ Existed When I Was A Teenager

Every Cast Member From Netflix's 'Moxie' That You Should Be Following On Instagram

Every Cast Member From Netflix's 'Moxie' That You Should Be Following On Instagram

Here's Everything Coming To Netflix This March

Here's Everything Coming To Netflix This March

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

9 Shows To Watch After 'Behind Her Eyes' For Those Who Miss Feeling Perpetually Stressed

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare