A HIGH-profile murder case that shocked Worcestershire is set to feature in the opening episode of a BBC true-crime documentary series.
Never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes filming of the investigation into the killing of Joanne Samak in Droitwich will appear in BBC One’s Murder 24/7.
The series will give viewers rare access to the work of West Mercia Police officers as they investigated the murder and brought her killer, former hockey coach Mohamed Samak , to justice.
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Mrs Samak was stabbed six times at the couple’s home in Chestnut Spinney during the early hours of July 1, 2024.
But Samak called 999 saying Mrs Samak had stabbed herself and told police she was a heavy drinker and had expressed suicidal thoughts.
Audiences will be shown exactly how a team of 20 detectives and specialists, led by DCI Leighton Harding, uncovered the truth behind the staged suicide attempt and the unravelling that led them to believe it was Samak behind the murder.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: "With something not quite adding up, officers arrest Samak on suspicion of murder.
"Detectives are troubled by inconsistencies. His 999 call makes no mention of trying to intervene.
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"The blood patterns at the scene don't match a struggle. And there is no blood on Samak at all.
"And then comes a crucial breakthrough that leads to a shift in DCI Harding's assessment.
"What began as an unexplained death is now looking increasingly like murder."
The show will air on BBC One on July 21, titled Suicide or Murder? in two parts.
What happened to Samak following his wife's murder?
Samak, aged 43, was convicted following a five-week retrial at Worcester Crown Court.
The Egyptian national and former coach of the Wales under-18 hockey team was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years and 247 days.
Judge James Burbidge KC said Samak had shown no genuine remorse and criticised him for putting Joanne’s family through two criminal trials.
His first trial resulted in a hung jury.
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Prosecutors said Samak was motivated by financial pressures and an affair with another woman.
The show’s opening episode, titled Suicide or Murder? Part 1, will follow detectives as they interview Samak and begin to unravel his false narrative.
What was Joanne Samak like?
In a victim impact statement, Joanne's mother , Penny Vale, said she and her family will never get over her loss.
"As her mum I'm utterly heartbroken and not a day goes by when I don't think of Jo and cry. She was my baby.
“We have had to listen to false allegations about her character and lifestyle.
“The truth is very different to the story that has been told.
“She was a hardworking and devoted mother. She had everything to live for."
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