She Fought Alone

"She Fought Alone" is the Lifetime original movie based on Caitlin Rose, a teenager who joins the coolest group in high school which boosts her popularity but when she is raped by a football player, Caitlin reports it and soon becomes an outcast by her so-called friends.

The movie starts with Caitlin getting ready for a big night out with "the crew". It's her initiation night to see if she is accepted to "the crew". She likes the quarterback of the football team, Ethan but his best friend Jace, another football player, likes Caitlin. On her initiation night, a party is thrown similiar to prom night. Caitlin is covered in raspberry syrup. She is accepted and joins "the crew". They all start hanging out together, running the school, by all the pranks and goofing around in class. The principal doesn't discipline them at all no matter how many complaints are made.

She really likes Ethan and thinks that they have something special going on after they end up sleeping together but Ethan doesn't want anything serious with any girl. After seeing Ethan with another girl at the movie theater, Caitlin runs out upset. Jace follows her to comfort her but she doesn't want any of his help. Later at Caitlin's house, Jace shows up to talk with her. Caitlin tries to get him to leave but he starts kissing her and touching her. Caitlin tells him to stop and tries to get away but he is too strong. He takes her to her bedroom and closes the door. He rapes her.

The next day, the whole school is talking about Caitlin and Jace hooking up together. Caitlin stayed home from school because she didn't want to see anyone. She told her mother but her mother didn't believe her. She thought Caitlin invited him over and things went too far. Caitlin stormed out and went to the local malt shop where everyone hung out. She saw Ethan and Jace there. She was so upset, she went up to Jace and screamed rape. Of course, no one believes her so she starts getting harassed at school. Her mother gets upset and tells the principal that it's Ethan and Jace and the rest of the crew but she doesn't do anything about it. She doesn't see a problem so since nothing is being done, the harassing continues.

After the harassment continues, Caitlin's mother speaks with the principal again due to all the fights, graffiti on bathroom walls, and Caitlin's locker being tagged with rude comments. All the principal does is suspend Ethan and Jace from a couple of football games. When they find out, they attack Caitlin and cut her hair.

Caitlin's mother calls an investigator from the Office of Civil Rights to check out what's going on. When the investigator arrives, Caitlin and her mother let him know what has happened and what the school's involvement has been by not protecting her. He lets Caitlin know that writing on the walls or rude comments in school are illegal now and she has a very good case for the lawsuit against the school. He then speaks with the principal and lets her know how much trouble the school is in.

Jace finally admits to Ethan that he raped Caitlin so Ethan tries to apologize to Caitlin for everything that has happened. Soon Ethan is being harassed for turning on Jace. They spray paint his car and bust his windows. Ethan and Jace get into a fight and Jace gets stabbed in the leg.

The lawsuit against the school starts and it proves that Caitlin was not being protected by the school. The superintendent of schools promises to change things as far as harassment goes. Ethan admits to participating in the harassment and so does Jace who got injured and he is not able to play football anymore. They both get punished for their actions. Caitlin graduates and is off to junior college. She says good-bye to everyone.

Lizzy   =)

The Green River Killer

Part 4 of the miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" starts with David speaking with Seth about who could possibly be the killer but Seth doesn't want to listen. Seth thinks since Joe Jakes killed himself, that he was the killer but David doesn't think he was the killer. As of March 1987, thirty-seven women are dead and seven women are missing. Five years have passed and victims' remains are still being found near the Green River. David does find a clue in one of the victims. A piece of paper that shows a date of April of 1986 and Joe Jakes killed himself in February of 1986 so it couldn't have been Joe Jakes. David now knows that the killer is still out there. After investigating further, David finds more clues and realizes that it might have been Gary Ridgway.

On April 8, 1987, the police have warrants to search Ridgway's house, truck and work locker. They take hair samples and collect DNA swabs from Ridgway. After all the lengthy time and hard work in investigating Ridgway, the police have found no evidence. David is getting very frustrated and he thinks that these dead women are counting him to find the killer. At home, David is watching a television show that provides a hotline for any information on any crimes that witnesses may have knowledge about so David gets the idea to do the exact same thing to find out any information on the Green River Killer.

Kat knows something is wrong when she hasn't heard from Helen so she reports her missing to the police. Then the movie shows Helen speaking to the camera. She states, "I never thought about the dead being just as lost as I was. Not in heaven or hell but in a different place where all you do is try to figure stuff out. Life and death and the reasons why. But now I know because now I'm one of them."

As of March 1989, thirty-nine women are dead and six women are missing. One of the women missing is Helen. David, not knowing what to do, starts investigating again. He looks at all the tips he received and with looking through all the evidence once more, he finally finds out who did it. It was Gary Ridgway all along. David looks into Ridgway's background and finds out more about his lifestyle. But he needs more evidence.

On March 16, 1990, David's boss wants to get rid of all the paperwork on the murders and tells him that he got promoted to Sheriff. It is now 2001, and unfortunately, as time has passed on, there are no more victims being found. More and more, the investigation slows down and the cases are put to the side from the police except one and that's David. Curious, David then looks again at the DNA evidence taken from Ridgway. On September 10, 2001, the test results get back and the results show that Ridgway is the killer.

The movie then shows all the pictures of the innocent women that have passed away. After nearly 20 years, David has finally found the Green River Killer and has helped find peace for all of these women. On November 30, 2001, the police arrest Ridgway. David, in order to find the rest of the women that Ridgway has killed, decided to make a plea bargain of life in prison without parole in exchange for Ridgway's confessions of where the bodies are buried. On June 13, 2003, David finally meets with Ridgway to hear his gruesome confessions of the killings. Ridgway tagged along with the police to sights of where the remains of other victims were located. Sadly, Helen was never found.

Ridgway was convicted of 49 murders, but he confessed to at least 71 murders. He states that murdering young women was his "career".

It was a long miniseries showing the man who was responsible for these gruesome murders and it was a sad, heart-warming movie that showed one dedicated man who didn't quit to find the killer and showed so much determination in helping these women rest in peace. The movie was dedicated to the victims of the Green River Killer and their families.

Lizzy   =)

Chasing The Devil

Part 3 of the miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" begins with the police station announcing the Green River Task Force which is dedicated to finding the killer of these unsolved murders of these young women. It's being reported that this murder investigation is the longest running unsolved serial case in history. The task force is being pressured to find a suspect. The task force goes back and looks at the previous suspects to give them another lie detector test. Still no suspect.

Helen did come back but was crying and had met Bobby who took care of her. She told him that she was taken by the Green River Killer. Bobby took her back to his house. She didn't want to go to the police.

In February 1984 (two years after the first killings), David received an anonymous letter with biblical quotes. David thinks the killer is trying to send him a message but doesn't understand yet. As of March 1984, nineteen women are dead and twenty-two women are missing. Searching the woods, David and the police find more remains of victims. Bodies are being discovered 30 feet apart from each other. As of April 1984, twenty-four women are dead and nineteen women are missing.

David hates finding all these victims and not having anyone in custody. He is becoming distant from his family and more determined in finding the killer. FBI agent, Seth, comes to help David and tells him he knows of someone who can help and who knows the mind of a serial killer. He is speaking about Ted Bundy. On November 16, 1984, David and Seth make a visit to the prison in Florida where Ted Bundy is being held. He tells them the killer is violent, he is very low-key, he could be single or married, wants the feeling of power and it's all about the hunt.

As of May 1985, twenty-nine women are dead and eleven women are missing. A few women come forward about getting away from the killer. One of the women give a description of the man who attacked her. On June 12, 1985, two victims are found. The bodies are identified as 24 year old Denise Bush and 26 year old Shirley Sherrill. As of June 1985, thirty-one women are dead and nine women are missing.

Helen decides to go speak with the police about what happened to her. She meets with David and explains the night she was taken. She tells him about the truck. The FBI inform David about a suspect, Greenwald, who fits the profile of the killer. They picked him up and the first words out of his mouth were, "What took you so long?" Now they think they finally found the killer and start celebrating but David has a feeling that this isn't the killer. Unfortunately, David was right. Greenwald was cleared due to lack of evidence and Joe Jakes had committed suicide so the police have to work extra hard to find another suspect. As of June 1986 (four years after the first killings), thirty-seven women are dead and five women are missing.

Helen isn't the same anymore. She is sad and depressed so she turns to prostitution. She is walking the streets until she sees the truck that picked her up. She starts chasing it but can't so runs up to a truck and asks for a ride and gets in. She is not seen again.

To be continued....

Lizzy   =)

Much More Tragedy

Part 2 of the original miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" begins with Detective David Reichert  finding out the news and posting pictures of more missing women in the area. No more bodies have been found as of yet. No suspects are in custody as of yet either. Reporters are putting pressure on the police force to find out who the killer is. David has no idea who is doing these unspeakable crimes. He wants to hurry up and find the killer before he finds anymore victims.

At home, David is having a conversation with his daughter and she tells him that one of her friend's mother says that these are bad women and the police are wasting their time. David told her that these women are helpless and that God is helping him to help these women.

As of April 1983, seven women are dead and fifteen women are missing. David's first encounter with Gary Ridgway comes from a witness informing the police of Ridgway's truck being seen at the strip, a sidewalk where prostitutes walk along, and he states his girlfriend was taken from there. David spoke with Ridgway but nothing indicated that he was guilty of anything at this time. So there was no need to speak with him further. But little did David know, he was speaking with the killer all along.

Helen is narrating at this time and states, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" On May 8, 1983, another victim is found and is identified as 16 year old Carol Christensen. David gets help from an FBI agent to get a better profile on the killer. In order to be more organized with the women that are still missing, David invests in a computer to put the women's files online. While typing, many names of women that have disappeared are flashed across the movie screen. Helen narrates, referring to the tragedies of what happened to these women and states, "What were their lives like before they hit the streets? Did they come from happy homes? Did they run away? Did they have boyfriends?"

On June 17, 1983, Joe Jakes, a cab driver, is arrested after a woman informs the police that he tried to kill her and called him "The Green River Killer". At the police station, Joe takes a lie detector and says he didn't kill anyone so they let him go. David is frustrated as of right now. He is trying so hard to find the killer of the innocent women. He hopes to find him soon.

As of October 1983, twelve women are dead and twenty-three women are missing. David and the police are searching through fields near the Green River and find remains of  three more victims. One victim found was pregnant and there was a skull of the baby. The body was identified as 24 year old Mary Meehan. The other two bodies were identified as Jane Doe so they had no identity.

Helen and Kat get tattoos and get really drunk. Helen goes home and gets into an argument with her mother and then runs away. She is walking along the strip. While walking, a truck picks her up and she gets in for the ride.

To be continued....

Lizzy  =)

The Beginning Of Evil

Lifetime's original miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" is based upon the true story of serial killer, Gary Ridgway. Ridgway was responsible for the horrible, gruesome murders of numerous women, mainly prostitutes, that were committed in Washington State between the early 1980's and the late 1990's. Sheriff David Reichert, for nearly 20 years, was the dedicated police officer, with his determination in hunting down the killer of these murders. David Reichert also wrote a book "Chasing the Devil: My Twenty Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer." Ridgway earned the name "Green River Killer" when the first five victims were found near the Green River. The miniseries is told through the eyes of one young runaway, Helen "Hel" Remus whose fate lead her to the encounter with the notorious serial killer.

Part 1 of the miniseries opens with Helen speaking in front of the camera about a book of poems she received. She reads, "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." The picture fades and then pictures of the Green River are shown. Detective David Reichert gets injured after an encounter with a criminal he was arresting for domestic abuse and then is ordered to sit at his desk and is not to take on any more cases until he heals.

July 15, 1982, the first victim is found near the Green River. The body is identified as 16 year old Wendy Coffield. On August 12, 1982, David Reichert takes the phone call that gives him the case that will change his life forever. The call informs him that another victim is found near the Green River. The body is identified as 17 year old Marsue Haller. Now, feeling troubled, David has to figure out who killed these two young women. He's thinking it might be a serial killer. Someone like Ted Bundy but he doesn't want to jump to any conclusions.

August 15, 1982, a fisherman finds another victim in the Green River. When David and the police search the area, two more victims are found. The bodies are identified as 16 year old Opal Mills, 31 year old Marcia Chapman, and 17 year old Cynthia Hinds. The autopsies are being done on the victims. David is speaking with the coroner to find out how the victims were killed. All of the victims, that the coroner could see, died from strangulation. Some of the victims have been dead for more than 2 weeks.

Meanwhile, in the middle of all the murders being discovered, Helen is living her life. She is best friends with Kat, lives with her alcoholic mother, and is getting sexually assaulted by her mother's boyfriend. She doesn't know what to do. Hurt and confused, she starts stealing money and stealing clothes.

Back at the police station, the officers gather around to hear the investigation about the murders. There's five bodies and no clues as of yet. David stands up and gives the other officers details about each victim and their lifestyle in prostitution, friends and boyfriends. Looking into the victims' backgrounds may give them some clues about their killing. The police then bring in a suspect. A cab driver, Jeb Dallas, who took a lie detector test and says that he didn't do it. There wasn't any evidence connecting him to the murders so they had to let him go. Sadly, another victim was found. The body was identified as 17 year old Laura Meeks. David's boss was upset and hassled him about finding a suspect already due to political and public pressure. As of November 1982, there were six women dead and seven women missing.

Helen is now thinking her life is crappy. She told her mother about what her boyfriend did to her. Her mother slapped her. Her mother's boyfriend left and blames her. She talks with Kat about what happened and asks her, "Do you think what happens to us is our fault?"

To be continued.....

Lizzy   =)

A Killer Among Friends

Lifetime's original movie "A Killer Among Friends" is based on the true story of the 1985 murder of Michele "Missy" Avila committed by her two best friends, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle due to jealousy. In the movie, the names are changed. Jenny is the changed name for Missy. Ellen is the changed name for Karen. Carla is the changed name for Laura.
The movie begins with home movies of the three of them as little girls playing together and being the best of friends. Jenny does notice that her, Ellen, and Carla are going in different directions. At her home, Ellen sees her boyfriend, Dan with Jenny. At a picnic, Carla sees her ex-boyfriend, Steve with Jenny. The next day, Jenny goes out with Carla. Later that night, Carla calls Jenny's mother, Jean, asking where Jenny is. Jean is confused because she thought Jenny was with Carla. Jean starts calling around and no one knows where Jenny is. In the woods, two hikers are walking through and find a body. Sadly, the body is Jenny. The police arrive and inform Jean of finding Jenny's body.

The investigation soon begins with trying to find out who killed Jenny. Jean is at the police station speaking with Det. Staley who doesn't have many suspects yet. Det. Staley speaks with Carla about her story of Jenny leaving with guys in a red monte carlo. Det. Staley doesn't believe that story and tries to find more clues. Jean, upset about Jenny's death, goes hunting for Jenny's killer. Jean sees a news article with the description of how Jenny was killed and gets outraged. She speaks with Det. Staley, who doesn't know why the story is in the paper but is going to find out.

Ellen offers to move into Jean's house and help her find Jenny's killer. Jean accepts. She soon starts becoming like a daughter to Jean. Ellen thinks she belongs there and wants to replace Jenny.

Ellen calls Carla but Carla is nervous over the phone. She says that the police keep asking her about the red monte carlo but Ellen advises her to stick with the story and lets her know that she is staying at Jean's house. She advises for Carla to get a grip or she could end up in jail for the rest of her life. Ellen speaks with Kathy, another one of Jenny's friend, who is having nightmares and can't take it anymore and has to tell someone what really happened. Ellen threatens her and then Kathy leaves town.

Over the next couple of months, Ellen is helping Jean look at several different possible suspects but doesn't really know who killed Jenny. Jean soon discovers that she has to let it go and let the police handle the case. She tells Ellen she has to move out. Ellen gets upset but leaves. She then returns and gives a lie about how she remembered something about the killing. Det. Staley suspects Ellen but can't prove it.

A year passes, Kathy then returns, guilt has been on her mind the whole time, and tells Det. Staley what really happened. Ellen, Carla, Jenny and her drove towards the woods. Ellen and Carla start arguing with Jenny about stealing their boyfriends. They start punching her and kicking her. They cut off her hair. They stick her head in the creek water until she drowns. They threw a log over her to pin her down. After hearing Kathy's story, the police arrest Ellen and Carla for Jenny's muder. Their sentence is 15 years to life in prison.

Jean can finally put to rest her fight in trying to find Jenny's killer. She's standing on her porch looking up to the sky and whispers, "Good night, Jenny. Sleep with the angels."

Lizzy    =)

For The Love Of Nancy

"For the Love of Nancy" is the true story of Nancy Walsh, a graduating senior who is afraid of facing the future and turns to the habit of not eating, which she learns that this is the only thing that she can control in her life.

The movie opens with Nancy at her senior prom, having such a great time, and she doesn't want it to end. She not excited about graduating or about going to college. The next morning, she has a dentist appointment to get her wisdom teeth pulled. Unfortunately, the wisdom teeth being pulled starts her with the excuse of not eating. It's only the beginning of the dangerous road she is about to take.

Nancy starts preparing to leave for college and she still has the fear of facing college and starting a whole new life away from home. After starting college, Nancy still feels sad and she doesn't fit in so she starts to become withdrawn. In her own way of coping, she starts to exercise alot more. She begins to obsess about her weight. She looks in the mirror and doesn't like what she sees. She also continues the habit of not eating which is taking more and more control of her day by day. Nancy's family and friends start noticing her weight loss. They start to worry. Her mother, Sally, who doesn't want to believe any of this nonsense of her daughter being anorexic, ignores the remarks from the others. She thinks Nancy is still the same girl she always was.

At the family Christmas party, Sally soon discovers what everyone is talking about. She goes up to Nancy's room and is shocked to see Nancy standing there in her dress all skin and bones. She looks like a skeleton. Nancy walks downstairs to say hello and everyone is shocked to see how much weight she lost. Her parents confront her and she doesn't know what answer to give to the reason why. She promises to eat and get better. Sally's brother advises her to put Nancy into a rehab to get better instead of letting her do it on her own.

Her parents, against Nancy's consent, send her to the rehab center name Parker Pavillion that help with eating disorders. Right from the start, Nancy refuses to eat, participate in group therapy, or talk to the doctor. She throws away food. She stores food in her bedroom walls. The doctor then sets her up with a IV to feed her but Nancy punches a hole in the tube. Not knowing what to do next, the doctor recommends a feeding tube. Nancy weighs herself and, surprised she had gain six pounds, wants to go home. She signs herself out and goes home. Her parents are upset but there was nothing the doctor could do. Her no eating continues at home. Soon, she gets sick from malnutrition and is hospitalized because of a kidney infection.

Her parents don't know what to do but then decide to speak with a lawyer to get a document stating that Nancy is incompetent and unable to make decisions on her own concerning her health issues. Nancy, deciding that her parents love her and just want to help her, makes the decision to let her parents have guardianship over her health issues. She is doing better now. It hasn't completely gone away but she is taking one day at a time. Now, she speaks to others with similiar problems and opens up about her own situation.

It's a warm movie that teaches you how serious anorexia can be. The actress that played Nancy Walsh was Tracey Gold, who actually was going through a similiar problem of her own facing this disease. She played a great role of someone who she can be familiar with and understand what needs to be done.

Lizzy   =)

Introducing Ryan White

Lifetime original movie "The Ryan White Story" is the true story of Ryan White, the Indiana teenager who contracted AIDS and fought for the right to attend school. Ryan White was born in Kokomo, Indiana on December 6, 1971 to Jeanne Hale White. When he was three years old, the doctor diagnosed him with Hemophilia A, a hereditary blood coagulation disorder. He received weekly transfusions of Factor VIII, a blood product used for treatment.

The movie follows Ryan, 13 years old, as a normal, healthy, and active teenage boy. He plays around with his friends. He likes a girl in his class. But soon, he starts couging, running a fever, and not feeling well. His mother, Jeanne takes his temperature and decides to take him to the hospital. He becomes ill with pneumonia. On December 17, 1984, during a partial-lung removal procedure, Ryan is diagnosed with AIDS. The doctors believe that he became infected from a contaminated blood treatment of Factor VIII but don't know exactly when. Ryan has to stay in the hospital until he feels better but the doctors only give him three to six months to live.

Early 1985, Ryan begins to feel better and wants to go back to school. Jeanne explains to him that school officials told her that he shouldn't come back to school. Ryan doesn't understand. He is able to do everything else but can't go to school. Jeanne and Ryan go to speak with a lawyer, Mr. Vaughn, who takes the case to help Ryan get back in school. Soon the parents of other children and the town are against Ryan coming back to school. They have close meetings and start signing petitions to argue his return. The lawyers are fighting hard to keep Ryan out of school. Through it all, Ryan is being so brave and Jeanne is trying to keep just as brave. His situation becomes national news.

It soon becomes a bad situation for Ryan. The press is always following him and standing in front of his house. Town people soon ignore and become rude towards Jeanne and her family. The girl that Ryan likes tells him that she can't see him anymore. He starts beoming weak and coughing up blood. He soons start being afraid that he will soon die. Ryan soon returns to the hospital to get better. In the movie, the real Ryan White makes a cameo appearance as another patient in the hospital.

In February of 1986, the court case wins for Ryan to go back to school but he was treated differently by the faculty and other children. Parents even kept their children home from school. Ryan had to use a separate bathroom from the other children. He had very few friends. All the cruel people made Ryan's 8th grade year unpleasant and he became very depressed.

After finishing the school year, Jeanne decides to move from Kokomo to Cicero, Indiana where Ryan would enroll to a whole new school where he will start his freshman year of high school. When he arrived at his new school, the principal and all the students greeted him and welcomed him with open arms.

Ryan White lived for five additional years, much longer than doctors predicted. On March 29, 1990, with a respiratory infection, Ryan was admitted into the hospital. He was placed on a ventilator but unfortunately, his condition was deteroirating. Sadly, Ryan passed away on April 8, 1990. His passing was one month before he was to graduate from high school.

Lizzy    =)

Snapped

Oxygen Network airs the true crime television series, "Snapped." The series is a detailed documentary of the women who committ murder or attempt to committ murder. Narrated by reporter Sharon Martin, the series follows the events of the tragic crimes committed, as well as, interviews with law-enforcement, lawyers, journalists, friends and families of both the victims and the accused, and at times, the criminals themselves.

Out of the many episodes, one followed Brigette Harris, guilty of killing her father, Eric, in July of 2007, claiming that she was sexually abused by him. Brigette, trying to have a normal life and getting help, was unsuccessful at letting go of the abuse. Unable to let the abuse continue, Brigette found herself committing an unspeakable crime on July 28, 2007.

The 911 call came into the police. The dispatcher sent the police. Once they arrived to the apartment, the door was wide open and they didn't know what to look for. The young girl who made the call asked, "Is he alive? Is Eric alive?" The dispatcher didn't know what she was talking about. When the police went upstairs of the apartment, they find the body of Brigette's father bound and gagged. He was dead. The dispatcher called back the number of the young girl who made the 911 call. She gave her name. Brigette says she is on her way to the police station but never shows up.

Brigette, 26, worked at the JFK Airport as a security guard and lived in Queens, New York. Brigette was very much into the goth lifestyle. She had different color hair and many piercings. No one really knew the truth in her family life. She kept very secretive when she was asked about her family. Her parents didn't really care about her. Brigette's mother left the country and abandoned her when she was two. Her father, Eric, had never accepted her as his daughter but took care of her. She moved back and forth from several family members homes. She suffered physical and sexual abuse while living in these different homes. When she reached the age of 18, she moved out on her own.

Her father came back into her life in June 2007 and tried to get close to her again. She was hesitant but decided to give him a chance. She noticed that he was paying close attention to her nieces and right away thought he was molesting them as well. She didn't want them to go through what she went through so she had to stop him. She had first confronted him about the abuse she recieved by him but he still denied any wrong doing. Upset by his denial, Brigette started physically fighting with her father. She wrestled him to the ground and stuck a towel into his mouth so he wouldn't scream. She then handcuffed him. Next, she grabbed a scapel and, without hesitation, cut off his penis.

At her trial in 2008, she testified of the sexual abuse she endured since the age of three and didn't really mean to hurt her father. She just wanted to stop him from doing it again. In 2009, the jury found her guilty of Manslaughter in the 2nd degree and the judge gave her 5 to 15 years in prison. She will be eligible for parole this year 2012.

All Brigette wanted was someone to listen to what was going on with her and to be there for her but no one was. She didn't have anyone. Now she tries to speak with others who are going through the same abuse hoping to help and reach out and prevent any more criminal acts committed.

Lizzy    =)

A Girl Like Me

Lifetime's original movie "A Girl Like Me. The Gwen Araujo Story." is the true story of Gwen Araujo, born Edward Araujo Jr. on February 24, 1985, a transgender teenager who was brutally murdered by four men in 2002 after it was discovered that she had male genitalia. The movie follows Gwen's life growing up, the horrible tragedy that she faced, and the trial of her four killers.

The movie starts with a part of the trial where the witness is describing the condition of the body. The body was found tied up and wrapped in a shower curtain, covered in dirt and blood, marks on the neck from rope, a star-shaped laceration on the back of the head, and a black sock inserted in the mouth. The autopsy showed that she died from strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. The attorney asked the gender of the victim. The answer was a normally developed male.

In the bedroom, a young Eddie is standing there looking at his sister's dress. He says he wants to be a girl. He starts sleeping with dolls. His mother starts noticing but doesn't want to think anything is wrong. She catches Eddie wearing make-up, jewelry, and a bra. She has Eddie promise not to do this anymore. Sylvia asks Eddie, now 17 and going by the name Gwen, to behave and not act strange at her new school. Once she arrives, she puts lipstick on and all the kids stare. She then meets her new best friend, Lisa. Walking away, she bumps into Jaron Nabors, one of Gwen's killers, who criticizes her and starts a fight. The altercation is broken up. Sylvia is trying to cope with the lifestyle of Gwen but she is finding it hard to understand but she will always love Gwen. Excited her sister is getting married, Gwen wants to be the maid-of-honor but her mother won't allow it. At the wedding, she meets a man named Joe who she takes an instant liking to. They go out for nine months. Sylvia doesn't think it's right so she tells Joe the truth about Gwen. He right away stops talking to Gwen.

Finding out the news upsets Gwen and she leaves. She meets up with a friend, Nicole. They go to a party at Jose Merel's house, another one of Gwen's killers. They're drinking and Gwen, who is drunk, starts making out with Jose. She also meets Michael Magidson and Jason Cazares. Then Jaron shows up and, not remembering Gwen, starts making out with her. Nicole, jealous of the attention Gwen is getting, notices manly things about Gwen so she tells the guys. They get so upset, they make up a story for Gwen to stop by. Once she's there, they attack her, pull down her pants and discover her male genitalia. All four boys, enraged, started beating her and continue the beating for five hours, tied her up and then threw her into a grave. A few days later, Sylvia, not knowing where Gwen is, spots a police car driving up to her home. They found Gwen's body. Her murder was top news. The day of the funeral, television stations and protesters crowded outside the funeral home. Even with all the commotion of people, the funeral was still a peaceful and beautiful memorial.

After two trials, three of the boys are found guilty. Michael Magidson and Jose Merel are convicted with second-degree murder. Jaron Nabors pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Jason Cazares pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter.

She started seeing herself more as a female than a male. No one understood. No one wanted to understand. She lived her life as she wanted. In the end, she faced a horrible tragedy all because no one understood.

Lizzy   =)

Caught, Charged, Convicted

Part two of  the 1976 original movie "Helter Skelter" follows the investigation into the Tate-LaBianca murders. Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi is assigned to the case and starts forming his own investigation trying to find witnesses and prove Charles Manson was responsible. The only true success the police have had is arresting Susan Atkins for the murder of Gary Hinman. While in prison, Susan speaks about all the other murders with another inmate, Ronnie Howard, who then turns and tells the police of what she confessed. Vincent is ready to charge Manson but can't due to not having enough evidence. He hopes to find more evidence to arrest Manson and prove he ordered his followers to committ these murders. He speaks to members of Manson's "family" and finds out that these members think of him as Jesus Christ and that he is Love. He finds out that Manson preached about believing Helter Skelter to be an impending apocalyptic race war and the murders that were committed were going to start the war. Manson took the term from The Beatles hit song, Helter Skelter.

Successfully, evidence such as fingerprints, bloody clothing, the knife, and the gun had been found. The evidence was taken to the grand jury and the following indictments were issued. Leslie Van Houten was charged with two counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Linda Kasabian were charged with seven counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to committ murder. Now, Vincent had enough to arrest Manson and he can now work on his case. Charles Manson was finally charged with seven counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to committ murder. Laura Kasabian decides to testify against Manson to recieve immunity. Actually, Vincent finds out she didn't have anything to do with committing the murders. She only tagged along to drive the car.

On June 15, 1970, the trial against Manson and his "family" begins. Prosecutor Bugliosi calls Laura Kasabian to the stand to testify. It was very hard for her but Laura starts describing the gruesome events of the murders of each victim. She gives details of all the horrific stabbings and the heartless shootings. During the trial, Manson and the three women on trial are very disruptive and shout out every chance they get to try and get a mistrial but it doesn't work. The trial goes on. After 14 months of trial and hearing all the testimony, the jury finds all the defendants, including Charles Manson guilty on all counts being charged against them. They were all sentenced to the death penalty but since California banned the death penalty, they all received life in prison. Charles Manson is still in prison as of today and has been denied parole eleven times. He is 74 years old and will be able to re-apply for eligibility of parole sometime this year in 2012.

Part documentary, part thriller, part drama, part horror film, and ALL true -- "Helter Skelter" is a true nail-biter.

Lizzy   =)

Helter Skelter

The 1976 mini-series "Helter Skelter" is based on the 1974 best-selling book by Manson prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi which chronicles the true story of cult leader Charles Manson, his followers (The Charles Manson Family), the horrific 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders of seven people, the investigation, and the 1970-71 trial of Charles Manson.

Part one of the movie first begins with prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, who actually narrates throughout the movie, speaking of the actual events the audience is about to watch. He states, "It's one of the most bizarre chapters in the history of crime." The movie then proceeds to the early morning of August 9, 1969 in which several neighbors are outside of their homes and suddenly hear the sounds of shots and scrambled screams. Later that morning, the maid arrives at director Roman Polanski's home and notices something wrong with the guarded fence but enters anyway then suddenly comes out screaming and calls the police. Soon the home is surrounded by police and reporters. A policemen then comes out with a suspect, William Garrison, who is the caretaker, and takes him away. Mr. Polanski's business manager is on the scene and must accompany the detective to identify the bodies. He first spots a body in a white car parked in the driveway. He does not recognize the man. He then spots a body laying on the ground and he identifies him as screenwriter, Wojciech Frykowski. Laying in the grass, the body of Abigail Folger, of the Folger coffee family, is identified. Inside the house, the body of hair stylist, Jay Sebring is identified and the last body identified is actress Sharon Tate who was 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time. Each body bloodier than the last. It was not a pretty site for anyone.

Back at the police station, William Garrison is being interrogated. He is attached to a lie-detector test and asked questions about the murders. He identifies the body found in the white car as Steven Parent, an 18-year old student making a visit to the home. He denies having anything to do with the murders, but is very nervous about answering any questions. He tells the officer he is confused and states, "How come I wasn't murdered?" Two detectives than arrive at the police station asking questions about similarities of the July 25, 1969 murder of Gary Hinman who the police think was committed by Bobby Beausoleil, who is a member of the Charles Manson family.

The next night, August 10, 1969, the bodies of supermarket executive Leon LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca are found murdered in their home. There are now two investigating teams working on the murders. The detectives start piecing the murders together with evidence of the same writing written in blood on the walls and the ways the murders were committed by the stabbings and shootings. One week after the killing, deputys of the sherriff's department plan a raid on the Spahn ranch, where the members of the Charles Manson family live. They first arrest all the members, including Charles, for auto theft but really do want to see if the "family" had anything to do with the murders.

To be continued......

Lizzy   =)

No One Would Tell

The Lifetime original movie "No One Would Tell" is based on the story of teenager Stacey Collins who just met the greatest guy, Bobby. At least, that is what she thought about him in the beginning. During their relationship, Stacey sustained physical abuse by Bobby. All of their friends notice what's going on. Sadly, only after five short months of dating, Stacey faces a horrible tragedy by the hands of her so-called love of her life.

The movie begins with Bobby and his friend, Vince driving Stacey to the lake. Bobby and Stacey take a walk so they can talk. They start arguing about getting back together. Stacey refuses to get back with Bobby. He becomes upset and doesn’t want to let her go. Vince is sitting in the car and in the background, hears screams and then Bobby comes walking back alone.

Five months earlier, before the horrible incident, Stacey first meets Bobby. Stacey and her friends are at the school’s wrestling match where Bobby is wrestling and after his match, he looks up in the stands and sees Stacey. At the local pizza parlor, Stacey and her friend Nikki walk in and see Bobby and his friends hanging out too. Bobby walks over and talks to Stacey. They start dating. Soon, though, rages of anger start coming over Bobby when they are together. He begins to talk rudely in telling her what to do and what to wear and who to talk to. He starts being very possessive in wanting Stacey to only be with him. He begins to be aggressive and starts physically abusing her. She doesn’t know what to do but she starts to let it go because she loves him and doesn’t want to lose him. Her friend Nikki and other friends start noticing something going on with Stacey and sees the bruises but Stacey defends Bobby and swears that nothing is wrong. But Stacey does knows what Bobby is doing is wrong.

She doesnt want him to hurt her anymore. She doesn't want him to control her anymore. She breaks up with him. Bobby gets furious but pretends to understand and stays away. Stacey then tries and gets on with her life but then gets a phone call from Bobby wanting to talk. She goes over to his house where Vince and Bobby are hanging out. Bobby starts yelling at her about wanting to get back together and Stacey walks away. Bobby apologizes and offers to drive her home. At the lake where Bobby and Stacey are arguing, he becomes upset and pulls out a knife. He hugs Stacey one more time and then stabs her. Vince sees Bobby coming back alone. He tells Vince, "If I can't have her, no one can."      

After searching for so long and hoping that the police will have better luck, Stacey's mom doesn't give up. Vince eventually comes forward and tells police what really happened. Bobby is arrested for Stacey's murder. He is convicted and sentence to life in prison. The judge takes time to address the court with the fact that everyone knew of the abuse that Stacey was receiving and they didn't do anything about it. Stacey would probably still be alive if someone would have only said something but no one would tell.

Lizzy    =)

A Cry For Help

"The Tracey Thurman Story" is the Lifetime original movie based on the real life of Tracey Thurman who suffered physical abuse by her husband, Charles "Buck" Thurman.

The movie first begins on June 10, 1983 with a horrible tragedy about to take place. Buck comes to Tracey's home and starts asking for her. Tracey's friend, Judy says she'll get Tracy. Inside, Judy tells Tracey Buck is downstairs and to call the police. Tracey right away thinks what good will that do. Tracey finally comes downstairs with Buck waiting for her. He wants to get back together with her but Tracey firmly refuses. Buck pulls out a knife, Tracey runs and he chases after her. The movie fades then shows the ambulance rushing to the hospital. In the emergency room, Tracey is on the stretcher surrounded by doctors.

The movie then goes back in time, three years earlier in St. Petersberg, FL, where Buck and Tracey first meet. He works for a concrete company and she worked at a motel where Buck and his co-workers were staying. She noticed him while walking by their room. They both looked at each other and smiled. He right away approached her and asked her out. They start living together and Tracey ends up pregnant. Once she tells Buck, he gets so furious and hits her. She leaves him and goes back to Connecticut to stay with her friend, Judy. Buck follows her and apologizes for hitting her and wants her to come back. She's very hesitant but decides to take him back. They get married. Tracey then gives birth to a baby boy, CJ. Buck starts getting frustrated because he can't find a job and wants to go back to Florida. Tracey doesn't agree but goes to be with her husband. A year passes and they are still in Florida. Buck still has his temper and the abuse does not stop. Tracey leaves him again and files for divorce. Buck starts following Tracey around harrassing her and threatening to kill her. Buck is determined to have her or no one else will. Tracey tries to receive help from the Torrington police department but they don't give any help for her. She keeps calling the police department and she gets little or no response.

The movie then goes back to the dreadful day of her horrible tragedy. After he catches her, Buck starts stabbing Tracey with his knife and then jumps on her head repeatedly. No one stops Buck or even tries to help Tracey. Finally, the ambulance comes to help her. The police come to arrest Buck. Afterwards, in the hospital, Tracey, who survived this horrible ordeal, is visited by a lawyer, Mr. Weinstein, who wants to sue the Torrington police department who failed to protect her against her domestic violence calls. Tracey agrees. Tracey starts recovering but she will never be the same again. The right side of her body works but can't feel and the left side of her body feels but can't work.

In 1985, the trial begins against the police department and after hearing all the testimonies, the jury decides the police department is guilty of not protecting her from Buck and will have to pay Tracey a settlement for her pain and suffering. After the trial, Connecticut passed a new law called "Thurman Law" which provides priority assistance for domestic violence calls to be treated as any other violent crime.

Lizzy   =)

Steven's Home

Part two of the true story "I Know My First Name Is Steven" follows the reunion of Steven and his family. The press surrounds the Stayner home to cover this long awaited homecoming. The police arrest Parnell for kidnapping. Murph is next to get arrested.

Meanwhile, Steven is learning to adjust at being back home with his family. He feels uncomfortable. He doesn't know how to behave. He doesn't know if he can be the same seven year old boy that his parents expect him to be. He was different and he could never change. His parents are worried. He drinks, he goes out all the time and comes home at late hours. His parents are afraid to punish him or yell at him and not knowing what the reaction will be. They don't want to lose him again.

In the middle of all of this horror and trying to adjust, Steven was lucky to have met Jody. She stood by him through every step and all the pain. He loved her very much and felt safe with her. He thought she was the only one who he could talk to and actually feel comfortable with.

In 1981, the trial against Parnell begins and Steven is scheduled to testify against him. He didn't want to bring up the sexual abuse that took place but his attorney advised that Parnell would get more time in prison and prevent this act from happening to someone else. Steven agreed to tell his story. He was so shy speaking in front of the jury about his horrible encounters with Parnell. After hearing the testimony, the jury found Parnell guilty but the sentencing of only two years in prison shocked everyone, especially Steven. But it was finally over with. Steven didn't have to worry about Parnell anymore and he could get on with his life.

Sadly on September 15, 1989, Steven Stayner was killed in an automobile accident. He was only 24 years old. He is survived by his wife, Jody and their two children.

Steven hoped that in having his story told, he could help protect other families and aid the rescue of children now missing.

Lizzy    =)

Taken So Young

The touching true story "I Know My First Name is Steven" was based on the real life story of Steven Stayner who was taken when he was seven years old and held captive by his abductor, Kenneth Parnell.

Part one of the movie begins on December 3, 1972 with Kenneth Parnell standing with his friend, Murph and they are passing out flyers but then start discussing about how Parnell wants a kid. He suddenly goes into a toy store and starts buying lots of toys. The movie then turns its' attention to Kay Stayner, Steven's mother, who is buying Christmas gifts for her 5 children, including Steven. At home, Steven was the troubled child who got into messes and always got yelled at. Kay doesn't know what to do with him.

On the dreadful day, December 4, 1972, Steven is walking home from school and gets distracted by Murph who then gets Steven into the car that Parnell is driving. They make up an excuse of wanting donations from his mother for their church but end up driving farther out of town than where Steven's house is. The first night away from home was very scary for Steven. He kept saying he wanted to go home. Parnell told him lies about how his parents' didn't want him anymore. Steven was upset but actually believed him. He didn't have any other choice but to stay with Parnell.

Parnell changed Steven's name to Dennis Parnell, dyed his hair and told him never to say anything to anyone. Being with Parnell changed Steven's life. He started smoking and drinking. Unfortunately, Steven also had to endure sexual abuse by Parnell. Seven years have passed and the movie now shows Steven at fourteen years old and still with Parnell. Where else would he go? He thought he didn't have any other family. Parnell actually went ahead and kidnapped another child, Timmy. When Steven found out, he decided to finally leave and take Timmy back home. The authorities found out who Steven was. After waiting for so long, Steven's parents got their son back. Steven was reunited with his family.

To be continued.....

Lizzy    =)