Olympic equestrian Michael Barisone and his former student Lauren Kanarek have agreed to share their perspectives on a harrowing incident that unfolded in 2019, which culminated in Barisone being acquitted of attempted murder charges in 2022. Their stories will be featured in an upcoming episode of Netflix’s *Untold* series, titled *The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill*, scheduled for release on April 21.
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The 62-year-old Barisone was found not guilty on the grounds of insanity after shooting Kanarek. While the shooting was not contested by Barisone’s legal team, they argued that the sustained harassment Barisone allegedly experienced from Kanarek through social media had pushed him to a mental breaking point. At the time of the trial, Barisone claimed to have no memory of the incident itself.
The impending Netflix episode will delve into the events surrounding the shooting, with both Barisone and Kanarek providing detailed accounts. They will be joined by several other individuals connected to the case, offering insights into the complexities of the situation that garnered significant media attention.
The trailer for *The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill* opens with recordings of Kanarek’s 911 call after the shooting, paired with various news clips reporting on the high-profile case. Commentators can be heard discussing Barisone’s defence strategy, with one remarking that his defence team intended to argue his insanity. Another voice suggests that Barisone had been pushed “over the edge” by Kanarek’s actions.
Throughout the trailer, Kanarek speaks frankly about the challenges she faced. “It was only about harassment, bullying, and an abuse of power,” she states. She expresses the impact that Barisone’s threats had on her life, saying, “If he says, ‘I will ruin your career with one phone call,’ that’s not something you take lightly.” Such claims reveal the emotional and psychological weight of the allegations exchanged prior to the violent incident.
The trailer also features social media posts from Kanarek that hint at her state of mind leading up to the shooting. One post includes a warning that “everyone should be worried” and suggests she would not be responsible for her actions if she felt threatened by others.
In response to Kanarek’s assertions, Barisone maintains that he felt “threatened” and “essentially extorted” by her. At the time of the shooting, Kanarek was living on Barisone’s property with her fiancé. She challenges Barisone’s claim of amnesia regarding the incident, accusing him of “acting” and describing his behaviour as “theater.”
The perspective of law enforcement is touched upon in the trailer, with a police officer casting doubt on Barisone’s inability to recall the shooting. “I find it hard that you can shoot somebody and not remember,” he comments, highlighting the complexities surrounding the case.
Barisone spent two and a half years incarcerated before his acquittal in April 2022. His release brought to an end a tumultuous chapter for the former Olympian, who had represented the United States as an alternate on the equestrian team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
As viewers anticipate the premiere of *The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill*, it is evident that both participants are eager to share their side of a story marked by trauma and controversy. The upcoming Netflix episode promises to shed light on a perplexing narrative of mental health, allegations of harassment, and the tragic consequences that can result from protracted conflicts.
With both Barisone and Kanarek poised to recount their experiences, audiences will gain a comprehensive view of the factors involved in the case, fostering an understanding of the pressures that shaped their actions.