Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation

Murder is always an uncomfortable subject, but crimes driven by hate are even more troubling. Stephen Lawrence, an 18-year-old Black British man, was killed by a gang of white teenagers in a racially motivated, unprovoked attack in London in 1993. Incompetence, corruption, and institutional racism within the police force allowed the young man’s murderers to walk free.

This BBC documentary series recounts the miscarriage of justice that occurred in the handling of the Lawrence case and its coverage in the news media. It also focuses on Stephen’s mother, Doreen, who has fought for justice for her son for more than a quarter of a century. Her efforts garnered the attention of celebrities, politicians, and newspapers across the UK, and indeed the world. Highly emotional, provocative, and enlightening, the documentary includes never-before-aired footage and new information about this nation-changing murder case.