We Finally Know Who Killed Erin McMenamin in HBO’s ‘Mare of Easttown’

It’s official: We finally know who killed Erin McMenamin. HBO Max released the finale of its hit show, Mare of Easttown, on Sunday, which has been referred to by Today as a “master class in full-circle storytelling.”

If you didn’t know, the limited series stars Kate Winslet as a small-town detective named Mare. HBO's official synopsis reads, “As her life crumbles around her, a small-town Pennsylvania detective Mare Sheehan investigates a local murder. The series explores the dark side of a close community and provides an authentic examination of how family and past tragedies can define our present.”

The seven-episode series came to a close in the finale, titled "Sacrament." It seemed to (almost) completely wrap up within the first few minutes when John Ross—the father of Erin's son, D.J.—confessed to her murder and was arrested.

In the following weeks, things appear somewhat normal for Mare and the rest of the characters. Per Today, it ties up several loose ends: Carrie (Sosie Bacon) dismisses her custody case for Mare's grandson, Drew (Izzy King). Frank (David Denman) and Faye (Kate Arrington) get back together and plan their wedding. And finally, Mare and her mother, Helen (Jean Smart), start fresh in an attempt to get their relationship back on track.

However, as Mare begins to find holes in Ross’s story, she realizes the case might not be as tidy as it originally appeared. Later in the episode, she runs into one of Ross’s mistresses who reveals that she lied about having an affair with Ross. In addition, while investigating a break-in at Mr. Carroll’s home, Mare discovers surveillance footage of John’s son, Ryan (Cameron Mann), stealing stealing the gun that was linked to Erin’s murder.

That’s right—the real murderer is Ryan, who was concerned about his father’s affair with the victim. (It’s important to mention that John wasn’t completely innocent because he helped his son get rid of the body.)

The entire episode wraps up with Mare finally coming to terms with her own son’s suicide. She even visits the attic where the horrific incident took place.

You can now watch season one of Mare of Easttown on HBO.

Want HBO's top movies sent right to your inbox? Click here.