Plot Synopsis

Directed by Cynthia Hill, BURDEN OF PROOF is a four-part documentary that follows Stephen Pandos, as he launches his own investigation into what he fears may have transpired in his parents' house the night that his 15-year-old sister, Jennifer, vanished in 1987 -- and a suspicious handwritten note left as the only clue. Illustrated with Jennifer's journal entries and letters, and dramatic visualizations of shifting and conflicting memories from family and friends, the episodic flashbacks paint a portrait of a complex teenager dealing with a troublesome family dynamic. As missing evidence is uncovered, lie detector tests are failed, and past abuses are revealed, a rich, complicated narrative emerges while Stephen is left to wonder the price he has paid by pursuing this painful search for closure. Shot in cinema verite over seven years, BURDEN OF PROOF features interviews with Jennifer's parents Ron and Margie Pandos, family members, high school friends, current and former investigators, among others. All four episodes debuted over two nights:

Episode 1 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 9pm): In 1987, Ron and Margie Pandos awake to find their daughter Jennifer missing from her bedroom. Decades later, Jennifer's older brother Stephen believes their parents are responsible for her disappearance and has the investigation re-opened.

Episode 2 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10pm): With the police focus on Ron and Margie, investigators scrutinize Ron's past as a Vietnam veteran and his criminal record. Margie is offered immunity in exchange for testimony against Ron. After decades of estrangement, Stephen confronts his father. But when new information emerges, the investigation goes in an unexpected direction.

Episode 3 (Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 9pm): A trove of Jennifer's personal writings paints a picture of a struggling teenage girl. The re-appearance of lost evidence refocuses the investigation on an original person of interest. Stephen continues to believe his mother holds the key to the truth.

Episode 4 (Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 10pm): As the police investigation heats back up, Stephen learns about secret legal proceedings and a police subpoena regarding someone from Jennifer's past. New evidence takes an emotional toll on Stephen and his family.