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- The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill: Inside the true story of Netflix’s latest true crime doc (irishstar.com)
Spoiler Alert: Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill – The True Story Behind the Netflix Documentary
Netflix is set to release its latest true crime documentary, Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill, on April 21. This gripping film delves into a chilling incident that rocked the equestrian community in Long Valley, New Jersey.
The documentary centers on Michael Barisone, a former Olympic equestrian and trainer, and his contentious relationship with Lauren Kanarek, a dressage student at his training center. What began as a professional partnership deteriorated over time, escalating into a bitter feud marked by 911 calls, cryptic social media posts, and accusations of spying.
Tensions reached a dramatic breaking point when a shooting occurred on the farm, leaving the equestrian world stunned. This documentary arrives as Netflix celebrates an Emmy nomination for one of its standout true crime series.
The Backstory: What Sparked the Feud?
The conflict between Barisone and Kanarek unfolded over several months in 2019. Both lived on the same property, but their relationship quickly soured. Kanarek expressed dissatisfaction with the $5,000-per-month training, feeling neglected when Barisone delegated coaching duties to his assistants.
Complications intensified after a flood forced Barisone and his fiancée to vacate the farm’s main house and move into a barn. Barisone allegedly sought to evict Kanarek, who was residing in an on-site apartment with her boyfriend, Robert Goodwin. Their refusal to leave the house heightened the dispute.
The discord spilled onto social media, where Kanarek accused Barisone of drug abuse and bullying. In retaliation, Barisone reportedly conducted his own “investigation” by contacting people from Kanarek’s past to build a case against her.
The situation further escalated when a caseworker from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency visited the farm to investigate potential abuse involving Barisone’s fiancée’s children. Barisone’s defense argued that this intervention, allegedly prompted by Kanarek, pushed him into a delusional mental state.
Both parties filed complaints with SafeSport, the organization responsible for addressing misconduct in Olympic sports. Law enforcement was called to the farm at least six times within the ten days leading up to the shooting.
The Shooting Incident
On August 7, 2019, the escalating feud culminated in a violent confrontation. Barisone shot Kanarek twice in the chest and also allegedly attempted to shoot Goodwin.
Despite her injuries, Kanarek managed to call 911. Police arrived quickly, arrested Barisone at the scene, and charged him with two counts of attempted murder and weapons offenses.
Barisone was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to New Jersey’s Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital until 2023. He has since relocated to Loxahatchee, Florida, where he continues training horses and maintaining his property.
Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill offers a deep look into the tragic events that unfolded on this New Jersey farm, revealing the complex dynamics and tensions that led to the shooting. The documentary will be available to stream on Netflix starting April 21.