Investigation Discovery to air film about Zach Witman, who killed his brother at 15 in 1998

Investigation Discovery will air a documentary about the case of Zach Witman, who at 15 in 1998 stabbed his younger brother to death in York County — an instance of fratricide that continues to draw intrigue more than 20 years later.

“The Witmans” will premiere at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. The documentary follows the brothers' parents, Ron and Sue Witman, and covers everything from the trial to their older son’s release from prison in 2019.

“'The Witmans' profiles an unimaginable tragedy for one family to endure,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel and Destination America, in a statement. “First, Ron and Sue Witman lost one son to a brutal murder, and then shortly after, the other to the system.”

Schleiff said the network was humbled that the Witmans decided to share their story with viewers and that it’s hopeful the film will “provide a critical look at the fractured policies of youth incarceration in America.”

RELATED:The Zach Witman murder case: 20 years, and many twists, later

On Oct. 2, 1998, Zach Witman stabbed and slashed his brother, Greg, to death inside their home in New Freedom, after he returned home from school. Greg was 13.

In 2003, Zach Witman was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He maintained his innocence for almost 20 years.

Next, in 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court made retroactive a ruling that it was unconstitutional for judges to hand down mandatory life sentences against those who are younger than 18. The decision meant that Zach Witman was eligible for a new sentence.

Before that could happen, his new attorney discovered that prior counsel hadn’t disclosed a plea offer before trial. So a judge threw out the conviction and sentence. In 2018, Zach Witman pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in exchange for a sentence of 15 years and 230 days to 40 years in prison — a move that made him almost immediately eligible for parole.

“Yes, I can say I killed my brother by stabbing,” he said in court.

Zach Witman was released from prison on May 21, 2019. He’s now 37.

MORE:Zach Witman murder case still shocks tiny New Freedom, guilt admission 'long overdue'

The crime continues to draw intrigue more than 20 years later. Some people believe that mysteries still surround the killing, including how a plastic knife with a 1 3/4-inch blade that prosecutors contended was the murder weapon could have withstood inflicting more than 100 wounds. The case was mentioned on the popular podcast “Serial” in 2014.

The documentary features interviews with those including First Assistant District Attorney Tim Barker, who was co-counsel in the case, and retired Common Pleas Judge John C. Uhler, who presided over the trial. Retired York Daily Record/Sunday News courthouse reporter Rick Lee is also featured in the film.

CHECK OUT:'You can see the happiness': Zach Witman, out of prison, joins parents at their new home

Jeff Stein, a private investigator and friend of the Witman family, said the documentary team started following him in 2015.

The documentary does a good job at presenting both sides, he said, but wished the film included more information about inconsistencies that he feels poke holes in law enforcement’s theory about what happened.

Stein said he believes that Zach Witman is innocent and accepted the plea agreement to get out of prison.

“He took it,” Stein said. “It was a sure thing.”

Since his release from prison, Zach Witman has started attending college and is doing well. He’s still learning how to do certain things on the outside, Stein said.

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Investigation Discovery is Channel 899 on Comcast; Channel 285 on DirecTV; and Channel 192 on Dish Network in York. Click here to check.

Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.