Investigating a Rocky Mountain Tragedy: A True Crime Series

Get a sneak peek at the upcoming Prime Video and Sky New Zealand doc series, In Cold Water. This intriguing true crime show dives into the mysterious drowning of schoolteacher Laura Letts-Beckett during a fishing trip in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The only witness? Her husband, former New Zealand city councilor Peter Beckett, who was later accused of her murder. Years after Laura's death, Peter faced two trials. The first ended in a hung jury, while the second found him guilty, leading to a life sentence. But in an unexpected twist, an appeal in 2021 overturned his conviction. In the exclusive clip, an elderly Peter Beckett recalls the tragic events. "I heard the splash, " he recounts. "I turned around and saw her bright yellow shorts in the water. " Peter claims he tried to rescue Laura but couldn't reach her due to his weight. He then grabbed a rock to help him dive deeper and perform CPR on Laura, but it was too late. Retired Canadian police officer Jacquie Olsen questions Peter's story, finding it hard to believe. "His story didn't make sense, " she states. Pablo Salzman, the series executive producer, believes that true crime documentaries like In Cold Water have a deep impact because they explore human motivations and the complexities of justice. "Our aim is to engage viewers deeply, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths and the nuances of right and wrong, " he said. The show launches tomorrow on Prime Video worldwide and on November 18 in New Zealand on Sky Open.