Even as I sit here to write this blog post, I am at a loss for words. How to do you describe a documentary that never should have had to been made?
In 2001, Dr. Andrew Bagby was murdered by his former girlfriend, Dr. Shirley Turner. This was an absolute pre-meditated first degree murder by a woman that could simply not, and would not, accept being broken up with. Turner had a rough and disturbing history with men and she did not even stop her obsessive, stalking ways with Andrew.
Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne originally decided to make the film to find all information about his friend; the life he had that Kuenne did not know about. As the film continued, the goal changed multiple times but its focus was never lost.
It is an amazing tribute to friendship as well as the human condition. The heart warming stories from Andrew's friends, family and parents are ones that everyone should strive to receive upon their passing.
One of my favorite, as well as most painful, features of this documentary are the sections featuring Andrew's parents, Kate and David Bagby. These are without a doubt, some of the strongest people to ever grace this planet and the lives they have touched are truly blessed. They have refused to accept what Turner did to their family as well as the Canadian government.
The Canadian government had much to answer for after the death of Andrew. Unfortunately they allowed Turner to post bail, be responsible for the care of a child and murder again. They did this all while the judge of her case told her exactly, step by step, to write appeals as well as ignore multiple letters and phone calls that the child in her custody was in extreme and grave danger. The Canadian government, at the lost of the family and friends of the Bagby's, found this out the hard way.
The truly extraordinary part of this horrific story is that through the documentary, letters written to Parliament by those that watched it, and the Bagbys dedicating their lives to becoming activists, an bill was passed on December 15, 2010 that amended Canada's bail code with a clause giving courts the power to refuse bail to someone charged with a serious crime who is a potential danger to children under the age of 18.
While an immense victory, this was at the cost of two wonderful lives.
I have left much out of this story because everyone should see the film and experience the transformation of your soul that happens after. I watched this film for the second time yesterday and am once again, so immensely glad I did.
Dear Zachary is available on Netflix for DVD rental as well as instant on your computer and can be found on Amazon and the website.
I also highly suggest everyone go visit the website here to find out more information, donate, or get involved.
Make sure you tell someone you love them today, because you never know when they will be gone.
Image found on the website.
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