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    =)