Civic News

Delaware cyberstalking case to be featured on discovery+ ‘Web of Lies’ series

The murders of Christine Belford and Laura Mulford followed a years-long online harassment campaign.

Christine Belford in a news image. (Screenshot)

discovery+, the streaming service that specializes in nonfiction content from networks like ID, HGTV and Food Network, will feature a landmark cyberstalking case from Delaware on its true internet crime series “Web of Lies.”

Here’s what happened: Christine Belford and Laura Mulford were shot and killed by former New Jersey police officer Thomas Matusiewicz in the lobby of the federal courthouse in Wilmington on Feb. 11, 2013. The killing followed years of cyber stalking and harassment against Belford by her ex-husband and the shooter’s son, David Matusiewicz and his family.

The murders led to the first-ever convictions on charges of cyberstalking resulting in death. While Thomas Matusiewicz died of suicide at the scene of the shooting, David Matusiewicz, his mother Lenore Matusiewicz and sister Amy Gonzalez were each sentenced to life in prison for the crimes. Lenore Matusiewicz died in prison in 2016.

Belford endured a years-long online harassment campaign designed to paint her as a child abuser while David Matusiewicz served time in prison for kidnapping their children in 2007 during their divorce. She was at the courthouse that day for a child support hearing.

The show includes reenactments and interviews with real people, with many having Delaware connections, including:

  • Stephanie Adams, Belford’s friend
  • Timothy Hitchings, Belford’s attorney
  • Katie Miffa, Belford’s daughter
  • Jerald Parcel, Belford’s partner
  • Det. Jeff Shriner, New Castle County Police Department
  • Cpl. Steven Rinehart, Delaware Capitol Police
  • Sgt. Millard Greer, Delaware State Police
  • Sgt. Michael Manlet, Delaware Capitol Police

The episode is currently streaming.

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