Netflix’s Unbelievable (2019) is more than just a gripping crime drama—it’s a heart-wrenching retelling of one of the most disturbing true crime cases in recent history. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, the series exposes the failures of the justice system, the resilience of survivors, and the detectives who fought to uncover the truth.
This is the real story behind Unbelievable—a tale of betrayal, perseverance, and the shocking reality of how rape cases are (mis)handled in America.
The Real-Life Victim: Marie Adler’s Nightmare Begins
In August 2008, an 18-year-old woman named Marie Adler (a pseudonym used in the original article) was raped in her apartment in Lynnwood, Washington. The attacker, a masked man, broke in during the early morning hours, tied her up, blindfolded her, and sexually assaulted her before photographing her and fleeing.
Marie reported the crime immediately. She underwent a grueling six-hour forensic examination, where nurses collected DNA evidence. She cooperated fully with police, answering their questions despite her trauma. But what happened next was almost as devastating as the assault itself.
How the System Failed Marie
Instead of receiving support, Marie faced skepticism—then outright accusation. Detectives pressured her to recant her story, suggesting she had made it up for attention. Under intense interrogation, Marie, exhausted and traumatized, eventually withdrew her statement.
The police then charged her with false reporting, a misdemeanor. She was ordered to pay $500 in court fees and undergo mental health counseling. The message was clear: No one believed her.
Marie’s case wasn’t an isolated incident. Studies show that only 5 out of every 1,000 rapists end up in prison. Many survivors face disbelief, victim-blaming, and secondary trauma from the very system meant to protect them.
The Serial Rapist No One Caught
While Marie was being labeled a liar, her attacker wasn’t done. Over the next two years, a serial rapist struck again—this time in Colorado. The cases were eerily similar:
- Golden, Colorado (January 2010) – A woman was raped at knifepoint in her home. The attacker took photos of her.
- Westminster, Colorado (August 2010) – Another woman was assaulted in her apartment. The perpetrator again took photographs.
- Additional Victims – Investigators later linked the same man to at least six rapes across Washington and Colorado.
The attacker’s MO was consistent: he targeted women living alone, broke in at night, wore a mask, blindfolded his victims, and took photos as trophies. Yet, despite the clear pattern, no one connected the cases—until two determined detectives took notice.
The Detectives Who Refused to Give Up
While Washington police had dismissed Marie’s case, two Colorado detectives—Edna Hendershot and Stacy Galbraith—were working tirelessly on their own rape investigations. Unlike the officers in Lynnwood, they believed the victims from the start.
Stacy Galbraith: The Detective Who Listened
Galbraith, a veteran sex crimes investigator, noticed disturbing similarities between the Golden and Westminster cases. She realized they were dealing with a serial offender. But when she tried to compare notes with other departments, she hit a wall—no one was sharing information.
Undeterred, Galbraith and her partner, Edna Hendershot, dug deeper. They discovered that the rapist had left behind a crucial piece of evidence: DNA.
The Breakthrough: A DNA Match
In 2011, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation ran the DNA from the Golden and Westminster cases through CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System). The results were staggering:
- The DNA matched a sample from Marie Adler’s 2008 case—the one police had dismissed as a false report.
- The same DNA was linked to another rape in Washington state from 2009.
The evidence was undeniable: Marie had been telling the truth all along. The man who attacked her was a serial rapist, and he was still out there.
The Arrest and Trial of Marc Patrick O’Leary
With the DNA match, police finally had a lead. In February 2011, they arrested Marc Patrick O’Leary, a 28-year-old former Army recruit with a history of violent behavior.
O’Leary’s apartment was a house of horrors. Police found:
- Hundreds of photos of his victims, including Marie.
- Masks, blindfolds, and restraints matching those described by survivors.
- Detailed notes about his attacks, including sketches of his victims’ homes.
In 2012, O’Leary was convicted on 28 counts, including rape, sexual assault, and burglary. He received a sentence of 327.5 years in prison—effectively a life sentence.
Marie’s Redemption
After O’Leary’s arrest, the charges against Marie were dropped. The Lynnwood Police Department issued a rare public apology, admitting their failure. Marie later settled a $150,000 lawsuit against the city.
Yet, no amount of money could undo the damage. Marie’s story became a symbol of how the justice system fails sexual assault survivors—especially young, vulnerable women.
Why *Unbelievable* Resonates So Deeply
Unbelievable isn’t just another true crime drama—it’s a scathing indictment of rape culture and institutional failure. The series highlights:
1. The “Unfounded” Rape Case Epidemic
Marie’s case was labeled “unfounded”—a term used when police determine a crime didn’t occur. Shockingly, nearly 20% of reported rapes in the U.S. are classified this way, often due to bias rather than evidence.
Many departments use “unfounded” rates to boost their crime-solving statistics, pressuring victims to recant.
2. The Power of Believing Survivors
The contrast between the Washington and Colorado investigations is stark:
- Washington (2008) – Detectives bullied Marie into recanting. Her case was closed in days.
- Colorado (2010-2011) – Galbraith and Hendershot treated victims with compassion. Their persistence led to O’Leary’s arrest.
Research shows that when police believe survivors, conviction rates increase dramatically.
3. The Role of DNA and Interagency Cooperation
O’Leary was caught because Colorado detectives shared DNA data across jurisdictions. Many rape kits, however, go untested for years, leaving serial offenders free to strike again.
The Aftermath: Changes and Challenges
Marie’s story sparked national outrage and some reforms, but systemic issues remain.
Progress Made
- Washington State Law (2015) – Mandated better training for officers handling sexual assault cases.
- Increased Rape Kit Testing – Many states now require timely DNA processing.
- Survivor Advocacy – Organizations like RAINN and End the Backlog push for policy changes.
Work Still Needed
- Bias in Investigations – Many departments still dismiss “he said, she said” cases.
- Underreporting – 63% of sexual assaults go unreported due to fear of not being believed.
- Backlog of Rape Kits – Tens of thousands remain untested nationwide.
How to Watch *Unbelievable* with Context
If you’re planning to watch (or rewatch) Unbelievable, here’s how to engage with the story responsibly:
1. Understand the Trigger Warnings
The series contains:
- Graphic depictions of sexual assault.
- Victim-blaming and institutional gaslighting.
- Emotional distress for survivors watching.
Resources like RAINN’s hotline (800-656-HOPE) are available for support.
2. Recognize the Real Heroes
While the show takes some creative liberties, the core of Galbraith and Hendershot’s work is accurate. Their dedication saved lives.
3. Take Action
If the story moves you, consider:
- Donating to organizations like RAINN or Joyful Heart Foundation.
- Advocating for rape kit reform in your state.
- Educating yourself on how to support survivors.
Conclusion: A Story That Demands Change
The true crime story behind Unbelievable is more than a tale of a serial rapist brought to justice—it’s a mirror held up to society’s failures. Marie Adler’s ordeal exposes how easily survivors are silenced, how bias corrupts investigations, and how close we come to letting monsters slip through the cracks.
Yet, it’s also a story of hope. Because of detectives like Stacy Galbraith and Edna Hendershot, O’Leary was stopped. Because of journalists like T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, the truth was uncovered. And because of survivors like Marie, the conversation continues.
If Unbelievable leaves you speechless, let that silence be a call to action. Believe survivors. Demand accountability. And never forget that behind every true crime story, real lives hang in the balance.
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