By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept

News Junction

Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • World News
    World NewsShow More
    Japan’s exports to the U.S. shrink for the first time this year
    Japan’s exports to the U.S. shrink for the first time this year
    May 21, 2025
    Trump’s tariffs creating ‘tensions’ among G7 ahead of summit: Champagne
    Trump’s tariffs creating ‘tensions’ among G7 ahead of summit: Champagne
    May 21, 2025
    Indian author Banu Mushtaq wins International Booker Prize with short story collection
    Indian author Banu Mushtaq wins International Booker Prize with short story collection
    May 21, 2025
    I’m an oncologist. Here’s my biggest piece of advice for Biden right now.
    I’m an oncologist. Here’s my biggest piece of advice for Biden right now.
    May 21, 2025
    China slams ‘separatist’ Taiwan leader on one year in office: State media
    China slams ‘separatist’ Taiwan leader on one year in office: State media
    May 20, 2025
  • Business
    BusinessShow More
    Ukraine blows up bridges to consolidate its positions in Russia
    Ukraine blows up bridges to consolidate its positions in Russia
    August 18, 2024
    Commentary: AI phones from Google and Apple will erode trust in everything
    Commentary: AI phones from Google and Apple will erode trust in everything
    August 18, 2024
    The most famous Indian Dishes – Insights Success
    The most famous Indian Dishes – Insights Success
    August 18, 2024
    Life on the road as a female long rides cyclist
    Life on the road as a female long rides cyclist
    August 18, 2024
    UK inflation rises to 2.2%
    UK inflation rises to 2.2%
    August 18, 2024
  • Cryptocurrency
    CryptocurrencyShow More
    Bitcoin open interest hits record high as bulls stampede toward new BTC price highs
    Bitcoin open interest hits record high as bulls stampede toward new BTC price highs
    May 21, 2025
    The crypto market values chains more than standalone applications
    The crypto market values chains more than standalone applications
    May 21, 2025
    Justin Sun to attend Trump’s dinner with memecoin backers
    Justin Sun to attend Trump’s dinner with memecoin backers
    May 21, 2025
    XRP to ,000? Analyst forecast explained
    XRP to $1,000? Analyst forecast explained
    May 21, 2025
    Justin Sun becomes top holder of $TRUMP token, claims spot at Trump Gala Dinner
    Justin Sun becomes top holder of $TRUMP token, claims spot at Trump Gala Dinner
    May 20, 2025
  • Technology
    TechnologyShow More
    How to Improve Your Spotify Recommendations
    How to Improve Your Spotify Recommendations
    August 18, 2024
    X says it’s closing operations in Brazil
    X says it’s closing operations in Brazil
    August 18, 2024
    Supermoon set to rise: Top tips for amateur photographers | Science & Tech News
    Supermoon set to rise: Top tips for amateur photographers | Science & Tech News
    August 18, 2024
    Scientists Want to See Videos of Your Cat for a New Study
    Scientists Want to See Videos of Your Cat for a New Study
    August 18, 2024
    OpenAI’s new voice mode let me talk with my phone, not to it
    OpenAI’s new voice mode let me talk with my phone, not to it
    August 18, 2024
  • Entertainment
  • Sports News
  • People
  • Trend
Reading: ‘US detectives can lie’: Criminologist reveals how Netflix true crime series American Nightmare exposes controversial interrogation technique that can lead to false confessions
Share
Font ResizerAa

News Junction

  • World News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Trend
  • Entertainment
Search
  • Recent Headlines in Entertainment, World News, and Cryptocurrency – NewsJunction
  • World News
  • Business
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Sports News
  • People
  • Trend
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
News Junction > Blog > People > ‘US detectives can lie’: Criminologist reveals how Netflix true crime series American Nightmare exposes controversial interrogation technique that can lead to false confessions
‘US detectives can lie’: Criminologist reveals how Netflix true crime series American Nightmare exposes controversial interrogation technique that can lead to false confessions
People

‘US detectives can lie’: Criminologist reveals how Netflix true crime series American Nightmare exposes controversial interrogation technique that can lead to false confessions

Published January 28, 2024
Share
15 Min Read
SHARE

Contents
Nine steps of the Reid techniqueWhy is the Reid technique controversial? 

A criminologist claims that police interrogation techniques portrayed in Netflix thriller American Nightmare could lead to wrongful convictions. 

American Nightmare is a three-part series that tells the story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn who became known as the Gone Girl hoaxer couple in 2015 after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California. 

For two days, the then-29-year-old was drugged and raped by her abductor before being set free, but investigators did not buy the remarkable story until the real perpetrator confessed. 

Huskins went on to successfully sue the police department for defamation. 

David Wilson, who lectures at Birmingham City University, appeared on This Morning to give his take on the popular series, and said the series highlighted the controversial Reid technique used by US officers when investigating crimes.

He expert slammed the method, saying it allows police to tell any ‘lie’ they want, adding that it’s led to’ false confessions’ and ‘miscarriages of justice’. 

A criminologist has revealed that police interrogation techniques portrayed in Netflix thriller American Nightmare are inspired by real ‘lies’ and events (Pictured: Episode one of American Nightmare features Special Agent Peter French interrogating Aaron Quinn)

American Nightmare is a three-part series that tells the story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn who became known as the Gone Girl hoaxer couple in 2015 after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California (Both pictured)

American Nightmare is a three-part series that tells the story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn who became known as the Gone Girl hoaxer couple in 2015 after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California (Both pictured)

He then cited a scene in the show’s first episode when Aaron was taken to a police station after reporting that his girlfriend had been kidnapped.

During the intense scene – in which he was forced to take a lie detector test – Aaaron was interrogated by Special Agent Peter French about an argument he had with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone. 

The clip shows the agent hurling accusations and questions at Aaaron in order to coax him into revealing more information, or even confessing.

During the short clip that aired on ITV this morning, agent Peter said to Aaron: ‘There’s no doubt on my mind that you’ve failed this test.’

Then speaking of Aaron’s girlfriend Denise Huskins, he added ‘She’s gone and you know she’s gone. 

‘You’re going to lose the respect of your family. You’re going to destroy them because they’re going to defend you.

‘Everything that they’ve worked hard for will get flushed down the toilet.’

During the interrogation Aaaron looked bewildered and hung his head in despair while apparently reflecting on the accusations being levelled against him.

David Wilson, who appeared on This Morning today, slammed the Reid technique, saying that police could tell any 'lie' they wanted in order to retrieve the truth and dubbed the entire ordeal 'stressful'

David Wilson, who appeared on This Morning today, slammed the Reid technique, saying that police could tell any ‘lie’ they wanted in order to retrieve the truth and dubbed the entire ordeal ‘stressful’

During the intense scene - in which he was forced to take a lie detector test - Aaaron is interrogated by Special Agent Peter French about an argument he had with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone

During the intense scene – in which he was forced to take a lie detector test – Aaaron is interrogated by Special Agent Peter French about an argument he had with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone

Breaking down the technique, David said: ‘American detectives are trained in a particular technique called the Reid technique.

‘The Reid technique when they’re interrogating people is to create a confrontational atmosphere to really focus and make it stressful for the person who’s going to be interviewed.

‘And here’s the crucial thing Dermot. American detectives can lie… they can say “we have your DNA on the murder victim’s body. We’ve got a witness that can place you at the scene of the crime” – none of which has to be true.’

He said that this risks detectives fixating on a theory rather than the facts. 

‘Once you decide that this person, that you are the culprit, then it creates what’s called confirmation bias’ he continued.

‘The police begin to focus and only accept evidence that supports their bias – you’re guilty. 

‘They ignore all the information which might have demonstrated that in fact you were innocent.’

According to the series, Aaaron had been placed in an interrogation room for 18 hours straight.

David explained that the agent’s body language – such as placing a hand on Aaaron’s shoulder – was perhaps done to show that he was sympathetic to the situation. 

The vindicated couple tied the knot in 2016 - a year after the kidnapping - before welcoming a daughter in 2020

The vindicated couple tied the knot in 2016 – a year after the kidnapping – before welcoming a daughter in 2020

Dermot O'Leary and Sian Welby interviewed criminologist David Wilson on This Morning today

Dermot O’Leary and Sian Welby interviewed criminologist David Wilson on This Morning today

Nine steps of the Reid technique

1. Direct confrontation. Advise the suspect that the evidence has led the police to the individual as a suspect. Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place.

2. Try to shift the blame away from the suspect to some other person or set of circumstances that prompted the suspect to commit the crime. That is, develop themes containing reasons that will psychologically justify or excuse the crime. Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive.

3. Try to minimize the frequency of suspect denials.

4. At this point the accused will often give a reason why he or she did not or could not commit the crime. Try to use this to move toward the acknowledgement of what they did.

5. Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive.

6. The suspect will become quieter and listen. Move the theme of the discussion toward offering alternatives. If the suspect cries at this point, infer guilt.

7. Pose the ‘alternative question’, giving two choices for what happened – one more socially acceptable than the other. The suspect is expected to choose the easier option, but whichever alternative the suspect chooses, guilt is admitted. As stated earlier, there is always a third option that is to maintain that they did not commit the crime.

8. Lead the suspect to repeat the admission of guilt in front of witnesses and develop corroborating information to establish the validity of the confession.

9. Document the suspect’s admission or confession and have him or her prepare a recorded statement (audio, video, or written).

Source: Science Direct

<!- – ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/femail/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 – ->

Advertisement

However, in actuality, it was a deceitful method to extract a false confession.

The hit series follows Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California.

For two days, the then-29-year-old was drugged and raped by her abductor in a far-away house before being set free on an alley next to her parents’ home.

However, investigators did not buy the remarkable story until the real perpetrator confessed. Huskins went on to successfully sue the police department for defamation.

American Nightmare includes footage of the boyfriend in police interrogation rooms being questioned about an argument with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone shortly before her disappearance. 

The couple, who were both physiotherapists, had been asleep in bed at the time of the intrusion.

Quinn, 30 at the time, first called 911 the day after the kidnapping, telling the operator that he could not phone sooner because he was ‘tied up’ – literally.

Later recalling the night to police, he said: ‘I wake up. There’s a bright light blinding us, a taser goes off and I see they’re wearing wetsuits… They asked Denise to tie my hands behind my back,’ he said.

The perpetrator brandished a fake gun before playing a pre-recorded message that made it seem as if there were multiple kidnappers.

The terrified pair were then drugged and blindfolded with blacked-out goggles before Huskins was bundled into a trunk and driven nearly 500 miles away.

Police were met at the scene by blood splatters throughout the house, zip ties, toy guns and even a blow-up doll.

Matthew Muller, a 41-year-old disbarred lawyer, turned himself in to police several months later

Matthew Muller, a 41-year-old disbarred lawyer, turned himself in to police several months later 

But suspicions about who could have been behind Huskins’ disappearance immediately fell on her partner.

The real culprit had been demanding $15,000 in ransom for Huskins’ safe return during the two-day ordeal.

But days later her captor inexplicably dropped her off in an alley outside her parents’ home to everyone’s astonishment.

Recalling the moment the couple reunited, Huskins told ABC’s 20/20: ‘Every moment in captivity I kept picturing him, I kept just visualizing what that feeling must be like to finally feel safe in his arms again.

‘When he knocked on that door and I opened it, we just embraced… We were crying and holding each other.’

Quinn added: ‘I knew our lives had changed forever and we’d go through more struggles but at least we had each other.’

And Quinn was proved right, because Huskins’ release only made observers more suspicious at first.

Many said it was proof that the couple had lied and they were inundated with comments on social media from trolls who believed that had made the story up.

Even Vallejo Police Lt. Kenny Park said as much at a press conference after Huskins resurfaced.

‘We were not able to substantiate any of the things that he was saying. If anything, it is Mr. Quinn and Ms. Huskins that owe this community an apology,’ he said.

Why is the Reid technique controversial? 

The Reid technique of psychologically manipulating people through trickery and deceit may lead to false confessions. 

One problem with tricks and deceit is that both guilty and innocent suspects become more willing to confess. 

There is no strategy that motivates only guilty suspects to talk. As a result, the more successful a strategy is in eliciting confessions from guilty suspects, the more likely it is that this strategy will also produce false confessions from innocent suspects.

Source: Science Direct 

<!- – ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/femail/none/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_2 – ->

Advertisement

Similarly, commentators in the new series stated Huskins ‘looked more like a suspect,’ adding: ‘I’ve never heard of a case where the kidnappers drop their victim off at the front door of their house.’

But the case took yet another shocking turn when 41-year-old struck-off lawyer and former Marine, Matthew Muller, turned himself in to police months later.

He pleaded guilty to the crime and revealed that he had been using drones to watch the couple when they were at home.

Huskins testified in court that Muller had treated her like ‘an animal’ as he raped her, explaining: ‘You flopped me around the bed like a rag doll.

‘The only way I got through it was to picture that it was Aaron that I was with, and that will haunt me for the rest of my life.’

She said of the harrowing assault: ‘I told myself, no matter what they do, I’m not going to beg and scream.

‘If it is the last moments that I am going to be living, I am just going to stay calm and be grateful for the life I had.’

Muller told prosecutors that he suffered bipolar disorder and was medicated when he abducted Huskins.

In 2017 he pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping charges and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2017.

Muller was later sentenced to a further 31 years to serve concurrently after pleading no contest to two counts of forcible rape of Huskins as well as robbery of an inhabited dwelling, residential burglary and false imprisonment.

Huskins and Quinn have since shared their story in a book titled Victim F: From Crime Victims To Suspects To Survivors.

The vindicated couple the knot in 2016 – a year after the kidnapping – before welcoming a daughter in 2020.

They sued the police department for defamation and won a $2.5 million settlement.

All three episodes of American Nightmare were released on Netflix on January 17, 2024.

#detectives #lie #Criminologist #reveals #Netflix #true #crime #series #American #Nightmare #exposes #controversial #interrogation #technique #lead #false #confessions

TAGGED:AmericanBirminghamConfessionscontroversialCrimecriminologistdailymailDermot OdetectivesexposesfalsefemailinterrogationITVleadLienetflixNightmarerevealsseriesTechniqueThis MorningTrue
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article Tech layoffs jump in January as Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft reach high Tech layoffs jump in January as Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft reach high
Next Article Solana (SOL) and Pandoshi (PAMBO) Projected to Surpass Cardano (ADA) Performance in 2024 Solana (SOL) and Pandoshi (PAMBO) Projected to Surpass Cardano (ADA) Performance in 2024
- Advertisement -

Latest Post

Bitcoin open interest hits record high as bulls stampede toward new BTC price highs
Bitcoin open interest hits record high as bulls stampede toward new BTC price highs
Cryptocurrency
Japan’s exports to the U.S. shrink for the first time this year
Japan’s exports to the U.S. shrink for the first time this year
World News
The crypto market values chains more than standalone applications
The crypto market values chains more than standalone applications
Cryptocurrency
Trump’s tariffs creating ‘tensions’ among G7 ahead of summit: Champagne
Trump’s tariffs creating ‘tensions’ among G7 ahead of summit: Champagne
World News
Justin Sun to attend Trump’s dinner with memecoin backers
Justin Sun to attend Trump’s dinner with memecoin backers
Cryptocurrency
Indian author Banu Mushtaq wins International Booker Prize with short story collection
Indian author Banu Mushtaq wins International Booker Prize with short story collection
World News
- Advertisement -

You Might Also Like

Larry David addresses controversial FTX 2022 Super Bowl commercial: “Like an idiot, I did it”
Entertainment

Larry David addresses controversial FTX 2022 Super Bowl commercial: “Like an idiot, I did it”

February 1, 2024
Love Island USA: Female contestants Kassy Castillo and Johnnie Garcia enjoy a lesbian hook-up
Entertainment

Love Island USA: Female contestants Kassy Castillo and Johnnie Garcia enjoy a lesbian hook-up

August 22, 2023
Holly Willoughby is RETURNING to ITV for revival of iconic 90s game show with old sidekick Stephen Mulhern – 10 months after quitting This Morning
Entertainment

Holly Willoughby is RETURNING to ITV for revival of iconic 90s game show with old sidekick Stephen Mulhern – 10 months after quitting This Morning

August 7, 2024
Kate and Camilla’s loyal sisters: How Queen and Princess are looking to Elizabeth II’s relationship with Princess Margaret for inspiration for their own reign as they keep their siblings close
People

Kate and Camilla’s loyal sisters: How Queen and Princess are looking to Elizabeth II’s relationship with Princess Margaret for inspiration for their own reign as they keep their siblings close

August 13, 2023

About Us

NEWS JUNCTION (NewsJunction.xyz) Your trusted destination for global news. Stay informed with our timely and accurate reporting on diverse topics, including politics, technology, science, entertainment, sports, and more. Count on us for unbiased and reliable updates at your fingertips.

Quick Link

  • About
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact

Top Categories

  • World News
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Sports News
  • Trend
  • People

Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    © 2023 News Junction.
    • Blog
    • Advertise
    • Contact
    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?