‘Murder in Glitterball City’ Filmmakers Say Jeffrey Mundt Should (Also) Be in Prison

Hollywood Reporter

by Anthony Maglio

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

“Murder in Glitterball City,” an HBO true-crime documentary, delves into the 2010 murder of Jamie Carroll, a hairdresser and drag performer in Louisville, Kentucky. The film centers on two men, Joey Banis and Jeffrey Mundt, who were both involved in the crime but ended up with vastly different outcomes: Banis is in prison for life, while Mundt remains free. The documentary explores their conflicting accounts of what happened, including a controversial confession tape that played a key role in Banis’s conviction. Filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato argue that justice hasn’t been fully served, as both men were complicit in the crime and should face consequences. The case is deeply tied to the influence of crystal meth, which the filmmakers suggest clouded Banis’s judgment and led him to participate in the murder and subsequent confession. The documentary highlights how Mundt appeared to be in control of the situation, even scripting parts of the confession for Banis. This raises questions about why only one man was convicted, especially since both were involved in burying Carroll’s body after his death during a drug-fueled altercation between Banis and Mundt. Bailey and Barbato emphasize that their film isn’t just about exoneration for Banis but about ensuring accountability for all parties involved. They argue that Mundt should also be held responsible, despite appearing more composed and in control throughout the ordeal. The filmmakers believe there’s a legal pathway to bring Mundt to justice, even after Banis’s trial. Ultimately, “Murder in Glitterball City” serves as a cautionary tale about addiction, manipulation, and the LGBTQ+ community often being overlooked in cases of violence. The film not only sheds light on a tragic crime but also underscores the importance of addressing systemic biases that allow such injustices to occur. For entertainment audiences, it offers a gripping narrative of love, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked power dynamics.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/20/2026