New docuseries examines 2010 murder of Laura Letts Beckett near Revelstoke, B.C.

Laura Letts Beckett and her husband Peter Beckett were enjoying a sunny day on their boat in August 2010. Peter was fishing while Laura read a book, taking in the scenery around Upper Arrow Lake in B.C.’s Interior. Suddenly, Laura, who couldn’t swim and wasn’t wearing a life-jacket, ended up in the water. Peter dove in to save her but found himself too buoyant. He swam to shore to get a large rock to help him sink in an attempt to rescue her. Tragically, Laura, a school teacher from Westlock, Alta., drowned that day, leaving behind a mysterious death.

In 2017, Peter Beckett was convicted of the first-degree murder of his wife, but his conviction was overturned in 2020. The circumstances surrounding Laura’s death have remained a puzzle, sparking interest in a new three-part docuseries on Amazon Prime titled “In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery,” directed by Vancouver filmmaker Trish Neufeld.

The docuseries delves into the twists and turns of the Becketts’ story, with Peter Beckett himself playing a central role, sharing his perspective on his wife’s death and the subsequent investigation. Interviews with police, lawyers, Laura’s friends and family, and Kamloops reporter Tim Petruk, who covered the case, provide insight into the complex case.

Petruk noted Beckett’s decision to represent himself on a first-degree murder charge, describing him as a larger-than-life character that stood out in the courtroom. The series aims to shed light on the tragedy while exploring the impact on those left behind.

Neufeld, the director, found it challenging to balance the compelling nature of the story with the emotional weight of Laura’s loss. She highlighted the bravery of Laura’s friends in sharing their regrets and experiences, emphasizing the healing and closure that can come from true crime stories.

“In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery” is now available on Amazon Prime, inviting viewers to unravel the mystery surrounding Laura Letts Beckett’s tragic death and the aftermath that followed.