Summer Heats Up with Lifetime's Crime and Suspense Programming

(NewsUSA) - This August, escape from the heat and the stress with a slate of suspense, crime, and justice programming on Lifetime.

The network's Ripped from the Headlines lineup kicks off August with a pair of original movies inspired by best-selling true crime author Ann Rule. "Sleeping with Danger" premieres on August 1 and stars Elisabeth R?hm and Antonio Cupo.

On August 2, audiences get more of Ms. Rule's work with "A Murder to Remember," which marks the directorial debut of Robin Givens and stars Carolyn McCormick, Maddie Nichols, and TC Matherne. Leslie Hendrix, of "Law & Order," also stars in both films.

In "Sleeping with Danger," flight attendant Grace Tanner is swept off her feet by Paul Carter, a man who quickly turns violent. Grace is able to escape additional attacks and bravely works with the police to bring him to justice. "A Murder to Remember" tells of a couple, Javier and Robin Rivera, celebrating their anniversary on a camping trip. But Javier ends up dead and Robin places her trust in another camper, the mysterious Sam, who may or may not have her best interests at heart.

The premiere of "A Murder to Remember" is followed by a documentary in the series, "Elizabeth Smart: Finding Justice," hosted by kidnapping survivor and advocate Elizabeth Smart. This documentary special goes behind-the-headlines to present the real-life case that inspired the movie.

The Ripped from the Headlines lineup also celebrates Lifetime's 30th anniversary with a special edition of the 2013 original movie, "Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret," on Saturday, August 8, followed by a special program, "Jodi Arias: Cellmate Secrets," that reveals the stories of two women who became Arias's loyal disciples while confined with her.

Ripped from the Headlines wraps up on August 9 and 10 with the debut of the investigative documentary, "Surviving Jeffrey Epstein." The two-night event coincides with the anniversary of the death of Epstein, a disgraced billionaire financier and alleged sexual predator. The event features stories from eight women who survived Epstein and includes insights from others who knew him.

As part of the network's ongoing Stop Violence Against Women initiative, Lifetime has partnered with Rise to run a special PSA [public service announcement] during the airings of the documentary to encourage other survivors to use their voices to Rise Up and help establish the Survivors' Bill of Rights in their states. The documentary also will include a public service announcement from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), the largest U.S. nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization . The documentary is directed by award-winning filmmakers Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern.

Visit mylifetime.com for information about the August programming and other summer programs and events.