‘Murder 360’ Review: Docuseries on Paramount+ to Stream or Skip

‘Murder 360’ on Paramount+ is a true crime docuseries that promises a deep dive into different murder cases from all angles. The first episode sheds light on the tragic 2009 murder of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten in St. Martens, Missouri, and the arrest of 15-year-old Alyssa Bustamante, who was the last person to see her alive.

The series kicks off with a focus on Bustamante’s family, providing insights into her transformation from a happy child to a troubled teenager. Viewers are shown evidence that points towards Bustamante’s involvement in the heinous crime, including a revealing journal entry.

True crime aficionados might find the format of ‘Murder 360′ reminiscent of shows like Unsolved Mysteries or FBI: True. However, the challenge for anthologies like this is to balance storytelling within a limited runtime. While the series aims to offer a comprehensive view of each case, it inevitably leans towards certain perspectives, leaving aspects of the story underexplored.

In the case of Bustamante, the focus on her descent into darkness raises questions about mental health and the impact of trauma on young minds. The series’ claim to explore cases from all angles falls short when vital voices, like Elizabeth’s family, are left out of the narrative.

As the series delves deeper into other cases, ‘Murder 360’ poses a mix of intense storytelling and missed opportunities for a more thorough examination of the human stories behind these tragic events. If you’re a fan of quick-paced, dramatic reenactments and intense music cues, this series might pique your interest.