The years-long standoff between a small, local family-run newspaper and the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office is examined in the new award-winning documentary “Kill. Bury. Print.” that debuted Sunday on Peacock.
The documentary, filmed between May 2024 and June 2026, focuses on the McCurtain County Gazette News and its years-long investigation into the county sheriff’s office. NBC News’ Rachel Maddow first covered the story in 2023 after the paper released secretly-recorded audio of local officials discussing their desire to kill and bury journalists exposing corruption. Maddow would go on to partner with director Ben Klein to make the documentary.
“Towards the end of our film, the mayor of Idabel, Craig Young, puts it well by saying, ‘Success is hell.’ Although the Gazette’s reporting helped bring about change at the sheriff’s office, the Willinghams paid a dear price for doing so,” Klein said. “I hope viewers will consider the cost of sticking to their own principles, and how far they would be willing to go to defend their ideals.”
On Oct. 16, the duo will be honored for their work when they are presented the Montclair Film Festival’s 2026 David Carr Award For Truth In Non-Fiction Filmmaking.
Klein took part in an email Q&A to discuss “Kill. Bury. Print.” and what he learned about Oklahoma in the process of making the doc.
How did you learn about this story and what was the draw to you to do this documentary?
I first heard about the controversy in McCurtain County in 2023 after the Gazette published the audio from the infamous county commissioners meeting, which made national news. It struck me immediately as the type of story I’m interested in, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. After our first trip to McCurtain, I was convinced there was a rich and challenging story to tell.
McCurtain County feels like a microcosm of America in many ways, and this story touches on issues that are in the zeitgeist nationally — namely the fight for freedom of the press, and the fiery ways that can manifest in a small town.
This project comes at a time when press freedom and access, and journalists themselves continue to be under attack as the industry deals with numerous changes and challenges.
You feature KJRH reporter/anchor Erin Christy, who has since had to deal with the changes happening, plus what happened in McCurtain County … What are your thoughts on all this after doing this project?
Local newspapers are dying, and I don’t think we’re prepared for a world without them. We spoke to so many people in McCurtain County who were affected by what was happening at the sheriff’s office, and without the Gazette’s reporting, I’m not sure anything would have changed or come to light. However people feel about the mainstream media, or where they fall politically, I think this story shows the value and importance of local newspapers, and what we stand to lose if they shutter entirely.
For decades, the Gazette and the sheriff’s office had a symbiotic relationship and relied on one another. Obviously, this came crashing down in a rather dramatic fashion, and I think this story is an example of what can happen when our institutions lose faith in one another.
Gazette reporters Chris and Angie Willingham had to relocate to Tulsa, which is covered in the film. Are you staying in touch with them? If so, how are they doing?
I have stayed in touch with Chris and Angie. They seem happy in Tulsa but are still dealing with the fallout from this conflict. They’ve faced immense scrutiny for doing their jobs, and were forced to leave their careers and family behind. It’s a very unfortunate situation, and I hope they are able to find some sort of closure.
You worked with Rachel Maddow, who is a local favorite through her Magic City Books appearances. What was it like collaborating with her on this, and did she give you any tips about Tulsa?
Rachel and her team were incredible collaborators throughout this process, and were extremely supportive of our vision for the film. We dealt with explosive claims on both sides of this conflict, as well as ongoing litigation. Rachel’s journalistic guidance was indispensable — especially given the stakes and complexities of this story. She also has a darkly funny sense of humor, which meshed well with me and my editor, Connor Smith.
Sadly, Rachel didn’t give me any tips about Tulsa, but I would like to give a shoutout to Tulsa’s own Bull in the Alley, which is one of the coolest restaurants I’ve ever been to.
Are there any favorite Oklahoma memories from working on this project?
I have many fond memories from the shoots. The stunning Oklahoma sunsets rank very high among them, as well as the many working meals we had at Phat Tabbs BBQ, which I highly recommend if you’re ever in Idabel. Ultimately, my favorite memories from working on this project were from the time we spent inside the Gazette office. It feels like a time capsule, and I was immensely inspired by the small but mighty team that keeps that paper afloat.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’d like to thank all the people from McCurtain County who shared their stories with us. McCurtain is a very unique place, and the people there have a lot of pride and passion for their hometown. As an outsider, I was very grateful for the hospitality they showed us, and for their openness and honesty.
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