A 51-year-old assistant district attorney in Newton, Massachusetts. He grew up around violence and strictly hides his family's criminal history from his wife and son. Dedicated to his household, his career and personal ethics are tested when he is assigned to investigate the murder of a local teenager. He stretches legal boundaries to shield his family from suspicion.

A 51-year-old woman who serves as the emotional center of her friend group. Having lived a mostly privileged life, she struggles to cope when a severe crisis strikes her community. As pressure mounts on her household, she experiences extreme anxiety and begins to reexamine her son's childhood behavior.

A lanky, handsome 14-year-old boy who struggles to fit in at his middle school. He displays a moody demeanor and holds a specific interest in macabre internet content. His confusing behavior and complicated social ties place him under intense scrutiny during a local murder investigation.

A confident assistant district attorney from a working-class background. Eager to climb the legal ranks, he utilizes the aggressive tactics taught by his predecessor. He approaches his casework with a determination that sometimes borders on arrogance.

A man who has spent decades in prison for murder. He maintains a quiet but far-reaching influence despite his incarceration, representing the violent family history that his son desperately tries to hide from society.

A delicate, mild-mannered man grieving an unimaginable loss. As the investigation into his child's death stalls, his quiet mourning gradually turns into profound anger and frustration with local law enforcement.

A 14-year-old middle schooler who was considered smart and popular by his peers. Before his death, he used his social standing to bully other classmates, creating underlying tensions within his friend group.

A 26-year-old local resident with a history of inappropriate behavior toward minors. He frequently pleads out on lesser charges and quickly becomes the primary focus of early investigative efforts.

A third-generation state trooper with fine features and a receding hairline. He attempts to balance his strict professional obligations with his long-standing personal loyalty to his colleagues.

A shy, soft-spoken teenager who has maintained a long friendship with his peers. He holds specific knowledge about his friends' private habits, placing him in the center of the investigation.

The district attorney responsible for managing the local prosecutors. She attempts to enforce strict professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest in her department.

A defense attorney who approaches the law with a natural, less-rehearsed style. He looks for alternative narratives and medical explanations to mount strong defenses for his clients.

A psychiatrist tasked with exploring possible behavioral or genetic explanations for a client's actions. She assesses medical histories to determine emotional maturity and potential disorders.

A mysterious figure described by local law enforcement as a fixer who hires himself out. He maintains a quiet, watchful presence over the legal proceedings from a distance.

A middle school student who observes the social dynamics among her peers. She provides anonymous tips to the police but questions the objectivity of the adults handling the investigation.

A young boy who previously filed a police report against a local man. His complicated relationship with the truth makes his statements difficult to rely on.

A grieving mother struggling with the sudden loss of her child. Her profound sorrow occasionally manifests as explosive anger in public spaces.

A criminalist who analyzes physical evidence at the crime scene. She provides technical insights regarding blood spatter and fingerprints to help clarify the timeline of events.

A young girl staying at the Waves resort who connects with a teenage boy traveling with his parents. She spends time relaxing with him away from the pressures of his hometown.

A local judge who handles initial legal proceedings. Known to favor defendants during bail hearings, she sets the stage for the highly publicized legal battle to come.

A judge described by legal professionals as a publicity seeker. He acts rigidly in his courtroom, embodying the strictures of the formal legal system.

A local mother who is part of the Newton community. She converses with others about the challenges of parenting and the limited influence adults have over their children's choices.

A local resident who makes a grim discovery while exercising in the park. She immediately alerts the authorities, setting the primary investigation into motion.