A new true crime series follows the story of Andrea Yates, a killer allegedly influenced by a Michigan preacher.
The HBO Max three-part documentary series, “The Cult Behind The Killer,” released Jan. 6, focuses on the criminal case of Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in 2001, according to HBO. The television series emphasizes the role of Michael Woroniecki, a controversial Christian preacher from Grand Rapids, in the family’s lives, though Woroniecki denies any influence.
“A mother’s breakdown. A cult’s grip. Events that shock the world. Discover how a preacher fuels the Yates family’s tragedy,” HBO’s website says.
Here’s what to know about the docuseries.
What is ‘The Cult Behind The Killer’?
“The Cult Behind The Killer,” is an HBO true crime documentary television series centering on Andrea Yates, a follower of Christian preacher Michael Woroniecki who drowned her five children, according to HBO.
The series centers the crime around Woroniecki’s influence and features interviews with Andrea Yates’ ex-husband Rusty Yates, according to Biography.com.
How can I watch ‘The Cult Behind The Killer’?
The documentary series is available via HBO Max, which requires a streaming subscription.
Plans start at $10.99 per month.
Who is Andrea Yates?
Born Andrea Kennedy, in Houston, Texas, Andrea Yates is a former wife and mother of five children, who drowned her children to death at her home in the Houston suburbs on June 20, 2001, according to Time Magazine.
Initially sentenced to life in prison, her conviction was later overturned and, in a 2006 retrial, she was found not guilty and committed to a mental hospital.
Andrea Yates suffers from mental health issues and is currently at a mental health facility in Texas, where she has lived since 2007, People reported.
Who is Michael Woroniecki?
Born Michael Peter Woroniecki in Grand Rapids, he is a non-denominational Christian preacher, according to Biography.com. The controversial figure had ties to the Yates family, though he denies “significant” ties to them or influencing Andrea Yates to commit the killings, he says on his website.
“We are currently the victims of a malicious Hollywood media gossip narrative built on a deliberate mendacity of lies surrounding a tragic event that occurred nearly 30 years ago. Yes, 30 years. And also against us as Christians suffering for Jesus Christ,” he says on his website.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Andrea Yates docuseries spotlights influence of Michigan preacher
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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