Kowal Makes TV Debut on HBO Max True Crime Show

2025 Windsor Central High School graduate Rachel Kowal is hoping her small-screen debut could be her big break. She plays Kara Robinson, who was 15 years old when she escaped from serial killer Richard Evonitz in 2002 before helping police solve three other murders, in “The Serial Killer Connection” on HBO Max.

"It was really cool. It was my first real professional production. We were shooting in this old house, so it had real serial-killer vibes. The crew was amazing; the director has won an Emmy and worked on Oscar-winning projects. It was cool to talk to him. We were shooting some serious, heavy stuff and it was great that the crew was so cool,” said Kowal.

Kowal attends SUNY Broome and plans to transfer to Rutgers-Camden to study filmmaking and acting. She worked with the Hudson Valley Casting agency to land the role.

“They emailed me in the spring and said that we have this series coming and we need someone who’s 5’6, blonde, blue eyes,” said Kowal.

Kowal fit the description. She was also prepared for the opportunity, in large part because of the training she had at WCHS. She was a veteran of musical ensembles and drama productions during her time in Windsor.

“Windsor is the foundation of who I am and everything I love to do. The music program is so incredible and unlike others in the area. It got me comfortable performing and auditioning. I can’t imagine my life without the performing and auditioning I did at Windsor. I had to keep going with that,” said Kowal.

Kowal says she is grateful to her Music Suite teachers Kris Gilbert, Bobby Morano, and Tim Zapach for their guidance and support.

“Mrs. Gilbert was really good with getting us comfortable on stage and working with your peers and being productive in rehearsal. That translated on (the professional) set,” said Kowal.

Kowal is exploring other projects and constantly working to get onto film sets.

“It’s kind of surreal. I know it’s just the beginning for me and I’m excited to see what comes next,” said Kowal. “It’s an incredible story and I’m honored to tell Kara’s story because she’s such a strong woman. I’m happy it was my first project.”