The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘The Breakthrough’

Nby etflix The turning point is a gripping Swedish miniseries that brings to life one of Europe’s most perplexing and disturbing criminal cases of this century: a 2004 double murder in the southern city of Linköping. The four-part drama not only explores the devastating crime, but also the revolutionary technique that led investigators to solve it after 16 years. Directed by Lisa Siwe (The Bridge) and written by Oskar Söderlund (Quick cash), the series combines true crime with human drama, focusing on the resilience of the victims’ families and the investigators who refused to give up.

Since premiering earlier this week, the show has secured a spot in the top 10 of Netflix’s most watched series. Let’s dive into the real story behind it The turning point and how it turned a cold case into a historic moment in forensic science.

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A shocking crime that shocked Sweden

On the morning of October 19, 2004, the small town of Linköping was rocked by an act of unthinkable violence. Eight-year-old Mohammed Ammouri was walking to school when he was brutally attacked and stabbed by a masked assailant. Anna-Lena Svensson, a 56-year-old woman who witnessed the attack, tried to intervene but was also stabbed to death.

The murders were shocking not only for their brutality, but also for their randomness. There does not appear to be a connection between the victims or a clear motive for the crime. Despite an intensive investigation, which included securing DNA evidence from the crime scene and the perpetrator’s discarded hat, police were unable to identify the killer.

The case quickly became known as one of Sweden’s most notorious cold cases, leaving the city of Linköping and the victims’ families desperate for answers.

A case that refused to be forgotten

For more than a decade, the Linköping killers were pursued by Swedish law enforcement. Investigators have meticulously reviewed the evidence and pursued countless leads, but every effort ends in frustration. The evidence of DNA, while a crucial piece of the puzzle, has not given parties in national or international databases.

The families of Ammouri and Svensson were left to mourn without closure. Public interest in the case waned, and it seemed that the murders might never be solved. However, a discovery was on the horizon – one that would revolutionize criminal investigations in Europe.

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The role of forensic genealogy

In 2020, forensic genealogy, a relatively new investigative technique, has become the key to solving the case. This method, which had already gained prominence in the United States, uses DNA samples to trace a suspect’s family tree through publicly available genealogical databases.

The turning point in the Linköping case came when genealogist Peter Sjölund joined the investigation. Analyzing DNA evidence, Sjölund traced the killer’s ancestors back more than 200 years, building an intricate family tree that eventually led to the suspect: Daniel Nyqvist.

Nyqvist, 37 at the timemaking him in his early 20s when the crime took place, he was arrested in June 2020. His DNA matched the evidence from the crime scene, and he quickly confessed to the murders. In court, Nyqvist claimed that he had acted under the influence of the voices in his head, describing the attacks as unprovoked. He was found guilty and sentenced to indefinite psychiatric care.

This marked the first time in European history that forensic genealogy was used to solve a murder case, setting a precedent for future investigations.

How The turning point dramatize the case

The turning point is a dramatized retelling of the events surrounding the Linköping murders. Directed by Lisa Siwe, the series balances the procedural intensity of a crime thriller with a deep exploration of human tragedy.

The narrative unfolds in two timelines: the immediate aftermath of the murders in 2004 and the renewed investigation in 2020. Peter Eggers portrays John, based on the determined detective. Jan Egon Staaf who refused to leave the case, while Mattias Nordkvist plays Per, a character inspired by genealogist Peter Sjölund. The series also introduces fictional versions of the victims and their families, adding emotional depth to the story.

Siwe emphasized the show’s focus on the human aspects of the tragedy during an interview with Netflix. “Although this is a fictional drama series about a crime, it is, above all, a depiction of a human tragedy – where we place our focus on the victims and the investigation instead of the author.”

The series takes some creative liberties, including changing the names of the victims and the genealogist, but stays true to the core events of the case.

For what The turning point stands out in the true crime genre

Unlike many true criminal productions which focus heavily on the perpetrators, The turning point change the reflect on the victims and the investigators. It delves into the personal toll of the case on those involved and highlights the power of persistence and innovation in the pursuit of justice.

The series also explores the ethical implications of forensic genealogy. While the technique has been invaluable in solving the Linköping murders and marked a turning point in European law enforcement, its use raises questions about privacy and the potential for misuse. These themes do The encounter not only a gripping crime drama, but also a thought-provoking look at the future of criminal investigations.

As the groundbreaking work of genealogist Peter Sjölund has shown, even the most challenging mysteries can be solved, with a bit of luck, with dogged determination and a willingness to think outside the box.