Is The Breakthrough based on a true story? Details from Netflix's crime drama, explored 

Netflix’s The Breakthrough is a gripping crime drama inspired by the real-life double murder that shocked Sweden in 2004. Directed by Lisa Siwe, the series is based on the book The Breakthrough: How the Genealogist Solved the Double Murder in Linkoping by Anna Bodin and Peter Sjolund.

The story blends real-life events with fictional elements, bringing a heart-wrenching tragedy and a relentless quest for justice to life. On October 19, 2004, a brutal double murder occurred in Linkoping, a quiet Swedish town.

An 8-year-old boy, Mohammed Ammouri (renamed Adnan Abbas in the series), was fatally stabbed on his way to school. His elderly neighbor, Anna-Lena Svensson (depicted as Gunilla Pairson), witnessed the attack and tried to intervene but was also stabbed multiple times.

This gruesome crime left the nation reeling. It became the second-largest investigation in Swedish history, following the assassination of Prime Minister Olof Palme.

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The investigation: A 16-year puzzle

Despite extensive efforts, the case remained unsolved for 16 years. Advances in forensic science finally provided a breakthrough in 2020 when investigators used genetic genealogy to identify the killer, Daniel Nyqvist.

Nyqvist’s DNA was matched through a family tree that stretched back 200 years. The meticulous work of genealogists and the use of commercial DNA websites played a crucial role in solving this cold case.

While The Breakthrough stays true to the essence of the real events, it does take some creative liberties. For example, Stina Eriksson, a journalist in the series, is loosely inspired by Anna Bodin. However, there is no evidence that Bodin had familial ties to the killer, as depicted in the show.

Director Lisa Siwe emphasized the human side of the tragedy, focusing on the victims and the emotional toll on their families. This unique approach sets the series apart from typical crime dramas, highlighting themes of compassion, resilience, and closure.

The series also sheds light on the groundbreaking use of commercial DNA websites in criminal investigations. While these tools were vital in solving the Linkoping murders, they’ve sparked debates about privacy and the ethical implications of using such data.

Netflix’s The Breakthrough masterfully intertwines fact and fiction, offering a poignant exploration of human tragedy and the pursuit of justice. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and the relentless search for truth.