Murder in Glitterball City Explores Dark Secrets Behind Queer Community

HBO's true-crime documentary challenges assumptions about a couple accused of murder.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Murder in Glitterball City, a two-part HBO documentary, delves into the case of Joey Banis and Jeffrey 'Jase' Mundt, a couple accused of murdering their friend Jamie Carroll, a local hair salon owner and drag queen, in Louisville, Kentucky. As the story unfolds, directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato challenge the viewer's initial assumptions and reveal a darker, more complex narrative about power, abuse, and deception within the queer community.

Why it matters

The documentary highlights the tensions and secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of even tight-knit communities, in this case the LGBTQ+ community of Louisville. It also explores the challenges of identifying abusers versus victims in toxic relationships, and the lasting impact of a senseless murder on those left behind.

The details

Banis and Mundt met in 2009 on a dating app and eventually bought a house together in the Victorian-style Belgravia Court neighborhood. However, their relationship grew increasingly strained, leading to a 911 call in 2010 where Banis was arrested for breaking into their home. While detained, Banis claimed he and Mundt had buried Jamie Carroll's body in their basement six months earlier. The documentary draws from the 2021 true-crime novel 'A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City' by local resident David Dominé, though many of Dominé's interview subjects note he got some details wrong.

  • In July 2010, Mundt called 911 from their home claiming Banis was breaking in to attack him.
  • While detained, Banis made the shocking claim that he and Mundt had buried Jamie Carroll's body in their basement six months earlier.

The players

Joey Banis

One half of the couple accused of murdering Jamie Carroll, with a mohawk and tattoos, the opposite of Mundt's usual type.

Jeffrey 'Jase' Mundt

The other half of the couple accused of murdering Jamie Carroll, a relatively straitlaced gay man coming out of a long-term relationship when he met Banis.

Jamie Carroll

A local hair salon owner and drag queen whose murder is the central focus of the documentary.

David Dominé

A longtime resident and tour guide of Louisville who wrote the 2021 true-crime novel 'A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City' that the documentary is based on.

Kevin and Erika

Friends of Jamie Carroll who provide important perspective on his death and the actions of Banis and Mundt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Regardless of what happened during their relationship, Banis and Mundt sat on his body for six months.”

— Erika, Friend of Jamie Carroll (HBO)

What’s next

Part 2 of the documentary will cover the separate trials of Banis and Mundt for Carroll's murder, delving into deeper questions about toxic relationships and identifying abusers versus victims.

The takeaway

Murder in Glitterball City challenges assumptions about the LGBTQ+ community, revealing the complex dynamics of power, abuse, and deception that can lurk beneath the surface of even tight-knit groups. The documentary serves as a sobering reminder that violence and darkness can exist in the most seemingly beautiful places.