New docuseries featuring Dakota James case premiered Saturday night

PITTSBURGH — A new documentary series called "Smiley Face Killer: The Hunt for Justice" on Oxygen featured Dakota James.

The series follows retired New York City police detectives as they try to learn why "hundreds of college-aged men have mysteriously drowned after a night out drinking with friends," according to the series description.

There is one distinct mark left near where many of the bodies were found: a graffiti smiley face, according to the description.

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James, a Duquesne University student, went missing from downtown Pittsburgh in January 2017. His body was found in the river in Robinson Township in March 2017.

The parents of James recently announced a new investigation into their son's death. James' parents announced that a team of retired New York City Police Department detectives and independent experts from Pittsburgh will investigate the 23-year-old's death.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled James’ death an accidental drowning, a finding his family disputes. They believe James’ death was a homicide.

The series premiered Saturday night at 7 p.m.

Cox Media Group