Inside true story of 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' and gruesome death of investigative journalist Danny Casolaro

The upcoming Netflix documentary 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,' explores the mystery behind the grisly murder of Danny Casolaro
UPDATED FEB 26, 2024
The official poster and a still from the docuseries 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' (@Netflix)
The official poster and a still from the docuseries 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' (@Netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The hottest addition to Netflix's viewing library, 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murder,' is based on the true story of journalist Danny Casolaro's tragic demise.

The four-part docuseries, which is directed by Zachary Treitz, is slated for release on February 28 and explores a deceased journalist's work associated with a conspiracy known as 'The Octopus.'

The Netflix series will follow researcher Christian Hansen as he investigates the suspicious murder of Casolaro.

What happened to Danny Casolaro? 

The official poster and a still from the docuseries (@Netflix)
A still from the docuseries 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' (@Netflix)

Casolaro, a freelance writer, was discovered dead in a bathtub with his wrist sliced multiple times, suggesting that he had taken his own life.

The journalist's death became contentious due to his notes, which indicated he was investigating complicated cases such as Ronald Rogan's dubious 1980 presidential triumph and the collapse of Bank of Credit and Commerce International.

What was the conspiracy, 'The Octoups?' 

A still from the docuseries (@Netflix)
A still from the docuseries from 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' (@Netflix)

The word octopus is peculiar on the surface, but it holds deeper significance in Casolaro's research, as he believed the organization comprised eight men, analogous to an octopus's eight legs, hence the name 'The Octopus.'

The conspiracy involved various criminal activities, including money laundering, malware, and its connection to Ronald Reagan's Iran-Contra crisis.

The curious case of speculations behind Danny Casolaro's death

(@NEtflix)
A still from the docuseries 'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' (@Netflix)

Despite several autopsies indicating the journalist's suicide, others speculated on an elaborate conspiracy scenario.

Following the reporter's death, police found out that the adjacent rooms were booked by Mike Looney and an unname family.

However, there were no indicators of unusual activity at night, but considering the problematic cases Casolaro was working on, there were speculations that he had been slain, but nothing definite was ever proved due to a lack of proof.

Additionally, an FBI task force investigating the case questioned the suicide perspective and emphasised the need for further inquiry. 

Ron Rosenbaum, a friend and colleague of Casolaro, said that the reporter may have murdered himself to pique people's interest in his investigation.

'American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders' will start streaming on Netflix on February 28.

RELATED TOPICS NETFLIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The project titled 'Alexander' will focus on an unlikely friendship, a brutal war, and forbidden love
1 hour ago
The final season of 'The Boys' will feature two prominent 'Gen V' stars, in addition to Billy Butcher's last stand.
10 hours ago
'The Testaments' is adapted from the sequel novel of the same name by author Margaret Atwood and takes place four years after the original show.
10 hours ago
'Disinherited' will see Pedretti and Allen play two sisters whose lives take an unexpected turn following an unexpected inheritance.
11 hours ago
Jon Hamm's Andrew Cooper faces a considerable challenge with the arrival of a new neighbor in Westmont Village in 'Your Friends & Neighbors' Season 2.
11 hours ago
'Vladimir' leaves viewers buzzing after its ambiguous finale, as Rachel Weisz’s character confronts obsession, betrayal, and a shocking twist.
13 hours ago
Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton dated briefly before marrying in secret, only to end up divorced, however, 'One Chicago' brings them back together.
13 hours ago
With 'The Beauty' finishing its run on Wednesday, the focus has now turned to whether FX will renew the horror comedy for a second season.
14 hours ago
‘Ted’ Season 1's success saw the streamer renew the dramedy for Season 2, but Seth MacFarlane gave a disappointing update on the show's future.
17 hours ago
Patrick John Flueger's character was last seen on the show last October, after which he was unavailable to take on cases due to a family emergency
18 hours ago