The Watcher just landed on popular movie and series streaming platform Netflix, and thriller fans have been left with a real treat as the drama based on the life of Maria and Derek Broaddus unfolds.
The couple (portrayed as Dean and Nora Brannock in the show) were excited to meet their new neighbours after moving into a stunning property in Westfield, New Jersey in 2014, but began experiencing letters from an unknown stalker shortly after which changed the course of their lives forever.
Maria and Derek sold the house shortly after, and relocated elsewhere in Westfield itself, but did police and the family ever catch who was behind the weird letters and bizarre behaviours?
Read more: Is Netflix's The Watcher a true story? Fans freaked out to learn series is based on real life events
Has The Watcher been identified?
The Daily Express reports that the first of the letters arrived just as Derek Broaddus was making some changes to the home at 657 Boulevard before they moved in. The letter itself, read: "Dearest new neighbour at 657 Boulevard, allow me to welcome you to the neighbourhood.
“How did you end up here? Did 657 Boulevard call to you with its force within?” 657 Boulevard has been the subject of my family for decades now and as it approaches its 110th birthday, I have been put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming.
"My grandfather watched the house in the 1920s and my father watched in the 1960s. It is now my time. Do you know the history of the house? Do you know what lies within the walls of 657 Boulevard? Why are you here? I will find out."
Although the Watcher teased their identity throughout their mysterious letters, the family unfortunately never came close to finding out who they really were. The letter continued: "Who am I? There are hundreds and hundreds of cars that drive by 657 Boulevard each day.
"Maybe I am in one. Look at all the windows you can see from 657 Boulevard. Maybe I am in one.”
After a thorough police investigation failed to uncover answers, the family went on to enlist the help of private detectives to assist them. And while these explored a litany of avenues with regards to evidence, they could never make a solid case stand up.
At the time of writing, The Watcher's identity remains completely unknown, and has never been exposed. Despite a number of investigations from the Westfield police department, the Union County Prosecutor's Office, private investigators and the couple themselves, no answers are yet to have came to light.
Although the investigation is currently inactive, it remains to be considered sill open according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
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