ITV is set to air a chilling true crime documentary titled Look Into My Eyes, which explores the harrowing story of Dr George Kenney, the former principal at a Florida high school who hypnotised students, leading to three tragic deaths.
The Case of Dr George Kenney
Dr George Kenney was once a beloved principal at a high school in Florida. However, his reputation began to unravel when it was revealed that he had been practising hypnosis on students. According to a synopsis for the documentary, in 2011, three students died in separate incidents, prompting widespread scrutiny and a national news story. The series examines the events surrounding these deaths and the questions that followed, including the extent of Kenney's influence and the debate over responsibility.
The documentary features interviews with the victims' families, along with experts, eyewitnesses, and other people connected to the case. It closely examines the events leading up to the tragic deaths and the lasting impact on the community.
Production and Release Details
Directed and executive produced by Brent Hodge, known for the 2021 documentary Pharma Bro, the series is produced by Blumhouse Television and Anchor Entertainment. Jason Blum, best known for horror films like Insidious, The Conjuring, and The Purge, is one of the executive producers. The documentary will air on ITV on August 18.
The Victims and Investigation
An investigation into Dr George Kenney was escalated after three of the students he hypnotised died: two by suicide and one in a car crash. It is believed that Kenney hypnotised between 70 and 75 students since 2006. All of the students who died were 16 years old. Wesley McKinley killed himself a day after being hypnotised by the former principal. Brittany Palumbo took her own life a month before Wesley, and Marcus Freeman died in a car crash a month before Brittany.
After an investigation by the Florida Department of Health, the former principal resigned in June 2012 and pleaded no contest to practising therapeutic hypnosis without a license. He served no jail time but was sentenced to two consecutive sentences of six months of probation and 50 hours of community service.
Legal Aftermath
The parents of the students who died sued the school board in December 2012 for wrongful death. In October 2015, each family received the maximum sum of $200,000 after both the families and the school board settled.
Look Into My Eyes is available to watch on ITV from August 18.
