Robert Burns, in his 1784 poem “Man was Made to Mourn: A Dirge,” captures a profound truth with the line, “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” Burns uses just eight words to express the unimaginable suffering people can inflict on each other.
When we hear about a shocking act of cruelty or violence, it often feels like it barely registers before another, even worse, act occurs. This endless cycle of horror is vividly portrayed in Netflix’s new docuseries, Worst Ex Ever.
This series, composed of four episodes, shows some of the most terrifying stories of abuse by people who once claimed to love their victims.
The stories of these brave survivors are deeply unsettling and serve as a stark reminder of the darkness that can exist in human relationships.
‘Worst Ex Ever’ Exposes the Failings of the Justice System
The team behind Worst Roommate Ever has created a new series, Worst Ex Ever, that shifts its focus from roommates to romantic partners.
This series takes viewers from “chilling betrayals to murder plots,” offering a look at the dark side of love through eyewitness testimonies. Each episode includes interviews with survivors, their families, and investigators to give a complete picture of each horrifying case.
The first episode, titled “Dating the Devil,” centers on Ben Foster, a man with a history of violence who planned to kill his girlfriend, Justine Siemens. Foster’s past is filled with disturbing behavior. In 2017, he was charged with domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend.
Then, in 2019, he held his girlfriend captive for two weeks, during which he inflicted severe injuries using zip ties and duct tape. Foster was charged with five felonies but managed to plead guilty to lesser charges, receiving a 30-month prison sentence.
The justice system failed in this case, as Foster was released on the same day he was transferred to state prison after serving 729 days while awaiting trial.
Still from Worst Ex Ever (Credit: Netflix)
After his release, Foster moved to Oregon and started working as a bartender, where he met Justine Siemens. Their relationship seemed promising until Siemens discovered Foster’s criminal history and reported it to his employer, leading to Foster’s dismissal.
This act of reporting triggered a terrifying chain of events. Foster began stalking Siemens, and his behavior escalated into severe physical abuse. He held Siemens captive for three days, during which she was bound, naked, and brutally beaten.
She suffered brain damage, had to relearn how to walk, and needed dental work. Foster eventually escaped and went on the run, but after a standoff with the police on January 31, 2023, he took his own life. He never faced justice for the suffering he caused.
In ‘Worst Ex Ever,’ the Most Horrifying Stories Only Seem To Get Worse
The episode “Betrayed by the Badge” features Seemona Sumasar, a financial adviser and franchise owner who had a young daughter. Sumasar’s life changed dramatically when she met Jerry Ramrattan, an NYPD officer and detective.
Their romantic relationship took a dark turn when Ramrattan’s wife contacted Sumasar and revealed that Ramrattan was actually married with three children. Despite their breakup, Sumasar allowed Ramrattan to stay in her basement for a while. However, things took a horrific turn on March 8, 2009.
That day, Ramrattan forced himself on Sumasar, binding and gagging her with duct tape before raping her. After the assault, Ramrattan fled and faced charges of rape and impersonating a police officer. What followed was even more disturbing.
While out on bail, Ramrattan tried to intimidate Sumasar into withdrawing her cooperation with the investigation. When this failed, he tried to frame her for armed robbery by staging fake crimes and reporting them. Despite Sumasar’s innocence and having an alibi, she was arrested in May 2010 based on these false allegations.
She faced multiple robbery charges and a potential 25-year prison sentence. After seven months, an informant came forward and confirmed Sumasar’s claims of being framed. She was released and eventually settled for $2 million after filing a lawsuit. Ramrattan was convicted in January 2012.
The Netflix Docuseries Turns a Custody Battle Into a Crime Scene
“Killing for Custody” recounts the disturbing story of Eric Hill, a man who met Mei Li at work. They married and had a daughter, but their relationship deteriorated, leading to a separation. When Li refused to let Hill see their daughter on her first birthday, Hill sued for custody.
Still from Worst Ex Ever (Credit: Netflix)
Li responded with false accusations, including a claim that Hill intended to carry out a shooting at his workplace. Although these claims were proven false, Li’s attempts to obstruct Hill’s custody rights continued.
On January 7, 2009, Li and Mei broke into Hill’s grandmother’s home. They tased, strangled, and left her body in a trashcan. When Hill arrived and began searching for his grandmother, he was attacked by Li and Mei, who pulled a gun on him.
The investigation that followed uncovered a horrifying plan. Detectives found Sally Hill’s body and discovered a backpack with rope, crossbows, a hunting knife, a throwing star, and a crowbar. Rosa’s car was found nearby, containing a samurai sword and leg irons.
This led detectives to “Operation Custody,” a plot designed to frame Hill for the murder and force him to write a confession. The plan was to then have Hill “kill himself,” making Li the sole custodian of their child. Ultimately, both Li and Mei were sentenced to life in prison.
‘Worst Ex Ever’ Exposes How Cold-Blooded and Vicious Some People Can Be
The final episode, “Married to a Monster,” focuses on Kevin Lewis, the husband of Amanda Canales. As their family grew, Lewis’s behavior became increasingly dark. He started with controlling actions and cruel remarks about his wife’s body during her pregnancy.
Amanda tried to overlook these issues until one day, Lewis went through her phone, cornered her in the closet, and knocked her unconscious. This was the last straw for Amanda, who left Lewis and took their children to another home.
However, Lewis’s actions did not stop there. He hired hitmen, Jerradon Phelps and Alexis Hale, to kill Amanda. On September 20, 2017, the hitmen entered Amanda’s home, but she was away on a business trip. Instead, they targeted Amanda’s sister, Alisha Canales-McGuire, shooting her multiple times.
Although Phelps and Hale were apprehended, proving Lewis’s involvement initially proved challenging. It was only through social media evidence and neighborhood security camera footage that detectives were able to link Lewis to the crime. Lewis was eventually convicted, but the case highlighted how some individuals can become cold-blooded and ruthless.
‘Worst Ex Ever’ Presents the Survivor’s Stories Without Glamorizing the Details
True-crime documentaries often risk glamorizing the perpetrators of the crimes they cover. Worst Ex Ever avoids this pitfall by using animated recreations instead of graphic live-action scenes.
These animations help to emphasize key moments without being overly graphic or disturbing. This approach allows viewers to understand the events and feel the emotional impact without sensationalizing the violence.
Additionally, Worst Ex Ever presents a balanced view. While it shows the failures of the justice system and the horrors inflicted by the guilty parties, it also acknowledges the efforts of law enforcement professionals who worked to bring justice.
The series includes the episode “Killing for Custody,” which offers a rare look at female-perpetrated abuse, a subject that is not often highlighted in media.
Most importantly, the series serves as a warning, highlighting signs of abusive relationships and offering hope for those who may be going through similar experiences.
By sharing these survivor stories, Worst Ex Ever aims to provide support and raise awareness, making it more than just another true-crime docuseries. The series is available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
Netflix’s docuseries Worst Ex Ever presents chilling stories of abuse perpetrated by romantic partners. The series, comprising four episodes, highlights some of the most disturbing cases of betrayal and violence, illustrating the extreme cruelty that can arise in personal relationships.
The series starts with “Dating the Devil,” focusing on Ben Foster, a man with a violent history who planned to kill his girlfriend, Justine Siemens.
Foster’s past includes a domestic violence charge in 2017 and a severe abuse case in 2019. After serving 729 days while awaiting trial, Foster was released and met Siemens.
After being reported for his criminal history, Foster escalated his abuse, holding Siemens captive, torturing her, and severely injuring her. Foster eventually escaped and took his own life after a standoff with police, avoiding justice for his crimes.
Still from Worst Ex Ever (Credit: Netflix)
“Betrayed by the Badge” follows Seemona Sumasar, who was sexually assaulted by Jerry Ramrattan, an NYPD officer. After the assault, Ramrattan attempted to manipulate and intimidate Sumasar to withdraw her cooperation with the investigation.
He then tried to frame her for armed robbery, leading to her wrongful arrest and a potential 25-year prison sentence. Sumasar was eventually exonerated after seven months, and Ramrattan was convicted in 2012.
“Killing for Custody” recounts the disturbing story of Eric Hill, who faced false allegations from his estranged wife, Mei Li, during a custody battle. Li and her accomplice Mei broke into Hill’s grandmother’s home, killed her, and framed Hill for the crime.
The plot, called “Operation Custody,” was intended to make Hill take the fall for the murder and then commit suicide. The plan was discovered, leading to Li and Mei receiving life sentences.
Finally, “Married to a Monster” details the abuse suffered by Amanda Canales at the hands of her husband, Kevin Lewis.
Lewis’s escalating violence included hiring hitmen to kill Canales, but they targeted her sister instead. Lewis was eventually convicted, but the case underscores the series’ views of the darkest sides of personal relationships.
Worst Ex Ever uses animated recreations to present these stories without sensationalizing the violence, providing a balanced view of the justice system’s failures and the efforts to seek justice.
The Perfect Couple, a Netflix series based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, is a gripping story that centers around the death of Merritt Monaco.
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious wedding on Nantucket, the story unfolds with Merritt, the maid of honor and best friend of the bride, being found dead on the day of the wedding.
This shocking event triggers an intricate investigation where everyone present becomes a suspect, and each clue leads to more twists and turns.
The Start of the Mystery: Merritt’s Death Shocks the Wedding
The series opens with the grandeur of Benji Winbury and Amelia Sacks’s wedding. The picturesque setting on Nantucket is meant to be the perfect backdrop for a joyous celebration.
However, the day takes a dark turn when Merritt Monaco, who is central to the wedding as the maid of honor, is discovered dead. The circumstances of her death are immediately suspicious, setting the stage for a complex investigation.
Merritt’s death is not just a tragic event but a catalyst that sets the entire plot in motion. Her role as the maid of honor, coupled with her close relationship with the bride, Amelia, makes her death even more shocking.
The investigation quickly reveals that Merritt’s death has far-reaching implications for everyone involved.
The initial discovery of Merritt’s body is both dramatic and mysterious. Her death casts a shadow over the wedding festivities, and the sense of dread among the guests becomes palpable.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
As the investigation gets underway, Chief Dan Carter and Detective Nikki Henry are tasked with solving the case.
Their job is complicated by the fact that every guest at the wedding seems to have a motive, searching for the killer a challenging and multifaceted endeavour.
A Growing List of Suspects: Uncovering Motives
As the investigation proceeds, the list of suspects expands. Each guest is scrutinized, and their possible motives are shown in-depth. Episode 2, titled “She Would Never Do That,” is pivotal as it introduces significant new information.
This episode reveals that Merritt had an affair with Tag Winbury, who is Benji’s father. This affair had resulted in Merritt becoming pregnant, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.
The affair between Merritt and Tag Winbury is a crucial development. Merritt had confided in Amelia about the affair and her pregnancy, which creates a motive for various members of the Winbury family to want Merritt out of the picture.
The series goes into the background of each suspect, revealing their potential reasons for wanting Merritt dead. This approach keeps viewers engaged, as each new revelation shifts suspicion from one character to another.
The complexity of the relationships and the web of deceit surrounding Merritt’s death make it clear that nearly everyone at the wedding could have had a reason to harm her.
The investigation uncovers various layers of betrayal, jealousy, and hidden agendas. Each episode peels back another layer, adding depth to the mystery and keeping the audience guessing about who the real culprit might be.
Greer Garrison Winbury: A New Lead Emerges
The investigation takes a dramatic turn in Episode 6, “That Feels Better,” when Greer Garrison Winbury, the family matriarch, is arrested. This occurs after her connections to a shady character named Broderick Graham come to light. Broderick is linked to the Turkish mafia and has been trying to reach Greer for some time.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
The discovery of a $300,000 transfer from Benji’s best friend, Shooter Dival, to Broderick raises suspicions that Greer may have been involved in a conspiracy to have Merritt killed.
Initially, the evidence suggests that Greer might be involved in Merritt’s murder. The large sum of money and Broderick’s criminal connections create a plausible motive. However, the investigation takes another twist when it is revealed that Broderick is actually Greer’s brother.
The money was not meant for a murder but was a loan to help Broderick settle his debts with the Turkish mafia. This new information shifts the focus of the investigation to Thomas Winbury, Benji’s older brother, who becomes the next prime suspect.
Greer’s arrest and subsequent exoneration add to the complexity of the case. The series does a masterful job of building suspense and misdirecting the audience. Each new development in the investigation opens up new possibilities and shifts the focus of suspicion, making it clear that the true culprit is still at large.
Thomas Winbury: Pills, Alibis, and Suspicions
With Greer cleared of suspicion, attention turns to Thomas Winbury. The investigation uncovers that barbiturates were found in Merritt’s blood, leading to a search of Karen Sacks’s pill organizer, where a pill is missing.
Benji reveals that Thomas has a habit of stealing pills for a game he calls “prescription roulette,” which raises concerns about whether Thomas might have tampered with Merritt’s drink.
Thomas admits to stealing pills but denies any involvement in Merritt’s death. He also reveals that Isabel Nallet, a family friend and his lover, had tried to scare Merritt into aborting her baby.
Isabel had loaned Thomas a significant amount of money, which would only be repaid when a trust fund was released. If Merritt’s baby was born, the release of the trust fund would be delayed, providing Isabel with a motive.
The investigation into Thomas’s actions and relationships reveals a tangled web of deceit. Despite his admissions and the circumstantial evidence against him, Thomas maintains his innocence.
The series does an excellent job of portraying Thomas as a flawed character who may have had motives but is ultimately not the killer. The tension builds as the investigation continues, with each new clue adding to the complexity of the case.
Abby Winbury: Lies, Deceit, and the True Culprit
As the investigation narrows down, Detective Henry focuses on Abby Winbury, Thomas’s pregnant wife. Discrepancies in Abby’s statements come to light, particularly regarding Thomas’s whereabouts on the night of Merritt’s death.
Gosia, the family housekeeper, reveals that Thomas did not sleep in his bed, contradicting Abby’s claim. Additionally, Gosia mentions Abby’s request to wash a glass with hot water the morning after the murder.
Henry recalls seeing Abby handling a glass nervously, which could have contained the barbiturate used to kill Merritt. The investigation uncovers that Abby was involved in Merritt’s murder. Her motives are driven by financial desperation and personal grievances.
Abby had been pressuring Thomas to secure a loan for an apartment and was aware of his affair with Isabel. With her options exhausted and the trust fund money threatened by Merritt’s pregnancy, Abby saw killing Merritt as a solution to her problems.
Abby’s involvement is a significant twist in the series. The revelation of her deceit and manipulation adds a new layer of drama to the story.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
Her actions and motivations are shown in depth, providing a comprehensive understanding of why she resorted to such drastic measures. The series effectively builds suspense and delivers a shocking conclusion as Abby’s true role in Merritt’s death is revealed.
The Final Revelation: Abby’s Crime Revealed
In a dramatic flashback, the series reveals the moments leading up to Merritt’s death. Abby, frustrated by Thomas’s failure to complete the task she had set for him, decides to take matters into her own hands. She mixes pills from Thomas’s stash into a drink and offers it to Merritt.
Once Merritt consumes the drug-laced drink, Abby takes her for a swim and drowns her by pushing her head underwater. The drugs impair Merritt’s ability to resist, allowing Abby to carry out her plan successfully.
The final revelation of Abby’s crime is both shocking and satisfying. The series masterfully ties together all the threads of the investigation, providing a clear explanation for Merritt’s death.
Abby’s actions are driven by a combination of financial desperation and personal resentment, making her a compelling and complex antagonist.
The Series Conclusion: Tying Up Loose Ends
The series concludes by addressing the remaining storylines. Greer and Tag’s relationship appears to end, and Benji and Amelia part ways, closing the door on their romance. Isabel confronts Thomas after he attempts to frame her for Merritt’s murder.
The narrative then jumps six months ahead to London, where Greer visits Amelia at her job at the zoo. Greer presents Amelia with a book she wrote about her and expresses a desire to form a friendship, signaling personal growth and acceptance of her past.
This conclusion provides closure to the various storylines and offers a sense of resolution. The characters’ journeys are brought to a satisfying end, and the final scenes highlight the themes of reconciliation and personal growth.
The series wraps up with a message of redemption and acceptance, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and understanding.
Final Thoughts and Streaming Availability
The Perfect Couple is available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S. The series offers a detailed show of mystery and intrigue, with complex characters and unexpected twists.
The story keeps viewers engaged with its intricate plot and suspenseful narrative, making it a compelling watch for fans of mystery dramas.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
The series excels in creating a suspenseful atmosphere and delivering a satisfying conclusion. By focusing on the detailed aspects of each character and the development of the plot, The Perfect Couple provides a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience.
The intricate twists and character dynamics are thoroughly shown, ensuring that the audience is kept on the edge of their seats throughout the series.
