An environmental activist is shot dead, sparking a long and twisting investigation. But will her killers get away with murder?
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The killers of Berta Cáceres had every reason to believe they’d get away with murder. More than 100 other environmental activists had been reported killed in the previous five years, yet almost no one had been punished for the crimes. In Blood River, journalist Monte Reel follows the four-year quest to find her killers—a twisting trail that leads into the country’s circles of power.
The Witness
July 27, 2020
Gunmen burst into the bedroom of Berta Caceres, shooting her dead. But they leave something important behind: a houseguest, in a bedroom down the hall.
Listen to the episodeA Dangerous Woman
July 27, 2020
In her final years, Berta Cáceres led a protest movement against a proposed hydroelectric dam in Honduras. Was her murder connected to the company behind the project?
Listen to the episodeThe Manhunt for the Killers of Berta Cáceres
August 3, 2020
The day began with a series of surprise police raids to find the men who murdered the environmental activist. After that, things only got wilder.
Listen to the episodeTracking Suspects Who Never Thought Anyone Would Look
August 10, 2020
Investigators collected thousands of text messages to reconstruct an alleged plot to murder Berta Cáceres.
Listen to the episodeExecutive Accused in Honduran Activist’s Killing Has a Different Story
August 17, 2020
David Castillo awaits trial for allegedly planning the murder of Berta Cáceres. He insists everything you think you know about the crime is wrong.
Listen to the episodeFamily of Murdered Activist See Defense Strategy as Delay
August 24, 2020
The trial of David Castillo in the killing of environmentalist Berta Cáceres has been put off for 2 ½ years as motions and postponements pile up.
Listen to the episodeHow a Murdered Environmental Activist Sparked a Global Movement
August 31, 2020
The deadline to put Honduran CEO David Castillo on trial looms, while international organizations seeking justice for Berta Cáceres target the government and its foreign lenders.
Listen to the episodeTrial Arrives for a Mastermind of Honduran Activist’s Murder
July 19, 2021
A witness testified that Berta Cáceres, who led opposition to a dam project, told her that if anything bad happened, “it’s David Castillo’s fault.”
Listen to the episodeHonduran Judges Decide Fate of Accused Mastermind in Activist’s Murder
August 23, 2021
David Castillo claims he had nothing to do with the killing of environmental leader Berta Cáceres. Five years after her death, the courts pass judgment.
Listen to the episode