In November 1969, a 26-year-old nun and high school teacher named Sister Cathy Cesnik was reported missing after she left her Baltimore home to go shopping and never returned. Two months later, her body was found in a field. In the years following, several people of interest were investigated—the case was even reopened in the 1990s after a woman came forward with sexual abuse allegations against a priest who worked closely with Cesnik; however, nobody was ever charged. The cold case eventually became one of fascination and frustration for the Baltimore community as theories about Sister Cathy's fate emerged. Was she killed for knowing too much about corruption within the high school where she worked? Did the police cover up her murder to protect the Catholic church? Or was this yet another case of a young woman who was attacked by a stranger with bad motives?
Her friends, students, and family haven't given up on searching for answers. And now, nearly five decades later, Netflix is releasing The Keepers, a seven-part documentary that will investigate the mystery behind Sister Cathy's death.
Per Netflix, the series will look at all possibilities: "Through interviews with dozens of friends, relatives, journalists, government officials, and Baltimore citizens determined to uncover the truth, [director] Ryan White pieces together a story that goes beyond the death of a beloved Catholic schoolteacher to encompass clergy abuse, repressed memories, and government and religious institutions that he says 'at best, dropped the ball over the last 45 years—and, at worst, covered it up.'"
Sounds intriguing, right? And if you're a fan of true crime—especially Netflix's recent hits Making a Murderer and Amanda Knox—the powerful first trailer (which was released today) will have you hooked within seconds.
Take a look, below:
The Keepers will become available on Netflix on May 19.
