What is Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story all about? Delving into Knightdale's horrific triple murder case

The film Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story was released on Lifetime on Saturday, October 19, 2024. It was also made available on multiple streaming platforms such as Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Frndly TV simultaneously.

Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story's plot is reportedly inspired by a true story that follows the lives of three people: Alyssa, Steven, and their daughter Katie. The film explores the complexities of their relationship, particularly emphasizing the bond between Steven and his daughter Katie, which eventually became incestuous, resulting in the birth of a child.

However, one of the most baffling aspects of their case is the alleged triple murder of Katie, her son Bennett (who she shared with Steven), and Anthony Fusco (Katie's adoptive father) at the hands of Steven in and around Knightdale, North Carolina. It is reported that this incident was subsequently followed by Steven taking his own life.

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An exploration of the triple murders committed by Steven Pladl, one of the main subjects of Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story

After Alyssa, Steven's ex-wife and Katie's mother allegedly reported to the police that Steven and Katie were having an affair and that they had a child together, the authorities took action against them. They were detained for a considerable time but were later released under a court order while preparations for their trials were underway.

During the time that the legal proceedings were being organized, Bennett (Katie and Steven's biological child), was placed under the guardianship of Steven's mother. Katie on the other hand, was ordered to stay away from Steven and was placed under the guardianship of her adoptive parents.

The system was established in such a way that Steven, Katie, and Bennett were unable to see one another. However, on April 12, 2018, Steven reportedly broke all the rules and allegedly took his son Bennett, after which he is believed to have killed him.

Bennett's body was reportedly discovered in the home that Katie and Steven shared before the couple's arrest. It is also believed that after killing his son, Steven traveled to New Milford, Connecticut, where he went on to kill Katie and her adoptive father. He allegedly subsequently took his own life.

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About Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story

Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story is directed and executive produced by Elisabeth Rohm. It is produced by HFK Productions Inc. and Rohm Feifer Entertainment. It stars Jackie Cruz (My Own Worst Enemy and Orange is The New Black) as Alyssa, Matthew MacCaull (Turner & Hooch and Tomorrowland) as Steven, and Matreya Scarrwener (Ties That Bind and Once Upon a Time) as Katie.

The official synopsis for the movie reads:

"Alyssa (Jackie Cruz) and Steven (Matthew MacCaull) have an intense relationship from the start and move in together when Alyssa is an impressionable teen. After they have a daughter of their own, their path takes a dark turn when Steven becomes physically abusive toward the infant."

It continues:

"Alyssa senses the situation is dire and puts the child up for adoption…little does she know, 18 years later their daughter, now named Katie (Matreya Scarrwener), would seek them out. After an instant connection when they reunite, Steven convinces Katie to move in with him, Alyssa and their two young daughters, promising her opportunities to pursue her passions."

Besides, the film's synopsis emphasizes how Steven begins to neglect the rest of the family, leading Alyssa to her breaking point and prompting her decision to move out.

It also reveals of Alyssa's discovery of the affair between Katie and Steven, and her finding out that they were having a child, which drives Alyssa to confront them. The synopsis emphasizes her attempts to persuade Katie regarding Steven's abusive history while highlighting Katie's unwillingness to listen to her mother before it's too late.

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Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story is currently streaming on Lifetime.