A new Netflix documentary titled “Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill,” premiering on April 21, explores the high-profile 2019 case involving former dressage Olympian Michael Barisone and his student Lauren Kanarek. The film delves into their escalating conflict that culminated in Barisone shooting Kanarek twice on his Long Valley farm. The documentary features trial footage, interviews, and perspectives highlighting issues of harassment, bullying, and abuse of power. Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to psychiatric facilities, with his mental health playing a central role in his defense.

Following the trial, Kanarek sued Barisone, settling the case, while Barisone later filed a lawsuit against the state and medical institutions challenging his continued psychiatric commitment. However, a judge dismissed his claims, noting Barisone’s ongoing denial of mental illness and suggesting his behavior might warrant further mental health evaluation. The documentary sheds light on the complex legal and psychological dimensions of this tragic and widely publicized case.