Trial by Fandom

“True crime fandom” brings to mind binging on podcasts and docuseries, sleuthing and Reddit rabbitholes. The parasocial attachments come with the territory — that comes with the territory of all fandom — and it’s not always toxic, either. Criminal justice advocates take to these formats to tell their side of the story and rally the troops. Typically, this has happened post-verdict, not while justice is still unfolding.