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Netflix’s new ‘Untold’ documentary has just resurfaced the shocking Michael Barisone case, putting the 2019 shooting back in the spotlight. The Olympic dressage trainer and his trainee’s explosive feud culminated in gunshots that gripped the nation. Now both sides speak out.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: Netflix released ‘Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill’ on April 21, 2026
- The Incident: Michael Barisone, 62, shot trainee Lauren Kanarek, 45, on August 7, 2019 at his farm in Long Valley, New Jersey
- Trial Outcome: Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity in April 2022 on two attempted murder charges
- Documentary Reaction: Kanarek’s family claims Netflix’s coverage is biased and harmful to her healing
A Feud Escalates Into Violence at Hawthorne Hill
Michael Barisone was a decorated United States Olympic dressage team member and accomplished Grand Prix competitor. He had won more than 100 Grand Prix events during his prestigious career and served on the U.S. Equestrian Federation board. In 2018, Barisone agreed to train promising equestrian Lauren Kanarek at his Hawthorne Hill farm in Long Valley, Morris County, New Jersey.
Kanarek paid $5,000 monthly for training, boarding, and housing on the property with her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin. Initially a professional relationship, tensions mounted quickly. By July 2019, Kanarek posted cryptic messages on Facebook, later alleging Barisone engaged in racist, homophobic, and antisemitic behavior. Barisone denied everything and claimed harassment instead.
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The Shocking Shooting and Legal Aftermath
On August 7, 2019, Barisone retrieved a 9mm handgun and confronted Kanarek and Goodwin. Police arrived to find Kanarek in critical condition with two gunshot wounds to her chest. She was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent emergency surgery on her left lung but survived. Goodwin had subdued Barisone, who was badly beaten during the confrontation.
Prosecutors charged Barisone with two counts of attempted murder, carrying up to 80 years in prison. His defense team mounted an insanity plea, arguing harassment and social media attacks had caused a mental breakdown. Psychiatrist Dr. Steven Simring testified Barisone developed a delusional disorder through repeated incidents.
Trial Details and Conflicting Accounts
Barisone’s two-week trial lasted from March to April 2022 at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown, New Jersey. Defense attorneys argued their client was legally insane at the moment of shooting and couldn’t distinguish right from wrong. Prosecutors countered that Facebook posts and perceived slights did not justify attempted murder.
| Trial Element | Details |
| Verdict Date | April 14, 2022 |
| Charges | Two counts attempted murder, weapons charges |
| Verdict | Not guilty by reason of insanity |
| Post-verdict placement | Ann Klein Forensic Center, then Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital |
In a controversial verdict, the jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity on all charges. He was transferred to psychiatric facilities and remained civilly committed until November 2023, when he was released after undergoing treatment and evaluation.
“Netflix thinks it’s more valuable to try and say this young girl drove this famous man crazy than to tell the truth about it.”
— Jonathan Kanarek, Lauren’s father
Netflix’s Documentary and Family Backlash
Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill’ premiered on April 21, 2026, featuring 73 minutes exploring the complicated dispute. Both Barisone and Kanarek participate in interviews. However, Lauren’s father, Jonathan Kanarek, immediately criticized the production as biased and harmful.
The family’s attorney, Steven Beer, called it a “classic and regrettable true crime documentary” that prioritizes “commerce over compassion.” Kanarek spoke with producers for only approximately two days, while Barisone received significantly more screen time. The family claims crucial evidence supporting Kanarek’s account was excluded from the final edit, despite being provided to the production team.
Where Are They Now and What’s Next?
Michael Barisone currently lives in Long Valley, New Jersey and has relocated to property in Florida, where he continues riding and training horses. He is engaged to Lara Osborne, who operates a GoFundMe that has raised over $85,000 to rebuild his life. However, Barisone was permanently banned from U.S. Equestrian Federation competition in December 2025 due to SafeSport allegations of sexual harassment and emotional misconduct.
Barisone has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Equestrian Federation, claiming the organization ignored his repeated appeals about Kanarek’s behavior. He continues disputing the SafeSport sanctions through ongoing arbitration. Meanwhile, Kanarek, now 45, has resumed equestrian pursuits and received a settlement from Barisone following her civil lawsuit.
Watch: Netflix Untold Documentary Trailer
Sources
- Biography.com – Comprehensive coverage of Michael Barisone’s background, trial verdict, and current life status following his acquittal
- NJ.com – Family’s response to Netflix documentary, criticism from Kanarek’s father Jonathan, and details about trial proceedings in Morris County
- North Jersey Media Group – Documentation of the shooting incident, trial length, psychiatric evaluations, and ongoing legal disputes involving SafeSport sanctions
