Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About his Father, a true crime documentary released in 2008, has been described by viewers as one of the most devastating films they have ever seen. The film, directed by Kurt Kuenne, explores the murder of his close friend Andrew Bagby and its aftermath.
Bagby was killed at age 28 after ending a relationship with Shirley Jane Turner, who was arrested on suspicion of his murder. Turner later revealed she was pregnant with Bagby's son, Zachary. Despite concerns from Bagby's family and friends about Turner's behaviour, she gave birth to Zachary while out on bail.
In 2003, as Turner faced extradition to the US to stand trial, she drowned herself and 13-month-old Zachary in a murder-suicide. The tragedy led Bagby's parents to campaign for changes to Canada's bail laws, which they believed had enabled Turner's actions.
Viewers on social media and IMDb have shared emotional responses to the documentary. One wrote: 'It was a rage-inducing watch, finished with a heap of heartbreak.' Another said: 'Your heart will break and fill with fury at the same time.' Many described sobbing uncontrollably.
Producer Kurt Kuenne originally intended the film only for Bagby's family and friends. In an interview, he recalled: 'I decided immediately that it was my responsibility to put together some kind of a tribute film... And then it occurred to me: I was never going to get to visit him at his hospital to see what he was like as a doctor.'
