'Husband, Father, Killer' has been making headlines since it was released on Netflix. However, if you are wondering who the story is based on, here's what you need to know.
Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story has been making headlines since its release. The story follows the story of Alyssa and her abusive relationship with Steven, and how it took a dark turn after she had his child and gave her up for adoption. Only for things to turn out for the worst, and Steve manipulates her into having an affair. However, since the documentary's release, many have questioned where Alyssa is today and how close to the truth the documentary actually is. Warning: Spoiler alert!
Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story is about a couple named Alyssa and Steven Pladl, who are in the middle of an extremely messy divorce when they're contacted by their biological daughter, whom Alyssa gave up for adoption over 18 years ago. However, what started as an opportunity for the family to reconnect soon took a dark turn when Steven coerced the 18-year-old into a relationship with him, and what followed was something no one would have believed.
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Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story is based on a true story, and its real version stars Jackie Cruz as 'Alyssa', Matthew MacCaull as 'Steven', and Matreya Scarrwener as their daughter, 'Katie'. The documentary is directed by Elisabeth Rohm, who is known for Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story, and also features an impeccable cast, including the very talented Belle Ferguson, Joselyn Picard, Sebastien Roberts, Chris Bradford, Carmen Aguirre, and Michelle Avila Navarro.
It was back in 1995, when the San Antonio native, Alyssa Gracia, met the 20-year-old Steven Pladl online. At the time, Alyssa was only 15 years old, and Steven lived across the country on Long Island, New York. Within two years, Alyssa had moved into Steven's place in New York and given birth to a baby girl whom they named Denise. However, soon after, Alyssa began noticing some horrifying behaviour in Steven. She is made aware of Steven's increasingly disturbing behaviour toward Denise, causing the child physical harm. Out of fear for Denise's safety and well-being, Alyssa gave the 8-month-old up for adoption.
After the adoption, the child's adoptive parents, Kelly and Anthony Fusco, renamed her Katie. The film then continues the story from the incidents eighteen years later. In 2015, Katie sets out to find her biological parents, a decision she would grow to regret. However, at the time, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet them, and the Pladls were also elated at the prospect of meeting her as a young adult. Alyssa and Steven were living together during their ongoing divorce and invited Katie to their home in Virginia. The reunion turned out to be everything Katie had dreamed of and more, leading her to change her college plans and move in with Alyssa, Steven, and their two other children.
However, once Katie settled in the Pladls' residence, things quickly began to change for the worse. Steven began grooming his own daughter, and the two began an incestuous relationship. Things took a dark turn after Alyssa and Steven's divorce was finalised, and the former and the other two children moved out. Stuck in Steven's web of lies and manipulation, he and Katie got married soon after lying on government documents to conceal the fact that they were father and child. The couple later moved to North Carolina. However, the shock didn't stop there; it turns out Katie and Steven were expecting their first child at the time of their wedding.
After Alyssa found out about Katie's pregnancy and Steven's paternity, she reported her ex-husband to the authorities and in 2018, the pair was finally arrested for incest and adultery. By that time, Katie had given birth to a son, Bennett, whom Steven fathered. She was ordered by the court to move back in with her adoptive parents, while Steven's mother was given custody of Bennett. After posting bail and being released, Steven was issued a court order barring him from contacting Katie. However, he violated the order and contacted Katie, who then broke up with him.
Enraged by what happened, Steven did something that left everyone shocked. Unhappy with the fact that his second marriage had dissolved, he suffocated his 7-month-old son. He thereafter drove through the night to Connecticut, where he fatally shot Katie and her adoptive father, Anthony, as they were travelling to Katie’s grandmother's house. After committing the murders, Steven called his mother and confessed to the crimes, which she immediately reported to the police before turning the gun on himself.
Alyssa Pladl has maintained a private life since the incident. After giving a handful of interviews in 2018, hoping to raise awareness about the impact of incest, the mother of two has largely left public life behind.
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