FilmRise, a New York-based film and television studio and streaming network, has acquired exclusive North American distribution rights to the shocking six-part documentary crime-series “The Miramar Murders: The State Vs. Pablo Ibar” as one of its first original true-crime limited docu-series, including AVoD, TVoD, SVoD, FAST, and broadcast rights. Max Einhorn, FilmRise’s SVP Acquisitions & Co-Productions, made the announcement today.
“The Miramar Murders: The State vs. Pablo Ibar” is directed and produced by Olmo Figueredo González-Quevedo, who also directed and produced award-winning films such as “The Endless Trench.” Xabi Berzosa, the prestigious producer behind such internationally well-known titles as Loreak and Handia, is also producing the series.
Pablo Ibar was arrested for triple homicide in South Florida in 1994. The Miramar murders, as they became known, were the first in US history to be completely captured on a home security camera system, resulting in unprecedented media coverage. However, due to the primitive technology of the time, it was impossible to clearly identify the two perpetrators who were seen executing the victims in cold blood. When the police apprehend Pablo Ibar, they believe they have apprehended the murderer.
Pablo is sentenced to death in the year 2000, despite the fact that he is represented by a legal aid lawyer. In desperation, his family launches a fundraising campaign in his native Spain to cover the high costs of the appeal process.
After 16 years on death row, Pablo’s lawyers successfully petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to stay his execution in February 2016. The court orders a new trial, ruling that Pablo was sentenced without due process and on the basis of insufficient, inconsistent evidence.
Pablo Ibar has already served 22 years in prison. Back at square one, Pablo’s defense team prepares for a new trial, while the family attempts to raise the necessary funds (around 1.5 million US dollars). The District Attorney’s office is still seeking the death penalty for Pablo, but they now have new evidence: Pablo’s DNA was discovered at the crime scene 23 years later.
Pablo will be tried again in 2019, but this time with a top-notch legal team and support from Spain. However, the verdict is guilty, and Pablo is sentenced a second time. But the family’s hopes are not dashed when, just two days later, one of the jury members calls the judge with the intention of changing his verdict.
Max Einhorn, SVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions at FilmRise, and Ivan Diaz, Head of International at Filmax, negotiated the deal.
