ITV has announced it will air a new true crime documentary, Look Into My Eyes, exploring the story of Dr George Kenney, a Florida high school principal who hypnotised students, three of whom died in 2011. Directed and executive produced by Brent Hodge, known for Pharma Bro, the documentary examines the events surrounding the deaths and the subsequent investigation.
Background of the Case
Dr George Kenney, principal at North Port High School in Sarasota, Florida, was once beloved but his reputation unravelled after it emerged he had been practicing hypnosis on students. In 2011, three students died in separate incidents: Wesley McKinley, 16, died by suicide in April; Brittany Palumbo, 16, died by suicide a month earlier; and Marcus Freeman, 16, a star quarterback, died in a car crash a month before Brittany. Kenney admitted to hypnotising Wesley a day before his death.
Investigation and Legal Consequences
An investigation by the Florida Department of Health found Kenney had hypnotised between 70 and 75 students over five years. Despite being told in 2009 to only perform hypnosis in a psychology class, he continued. Kenney pleaded no contest to practising therapeutic hypnosis without a license and resigned in June 2012. He received two consecutive six-month probation sentences and 50 hours of community service.
Impact on Families and Community
In December 2012, the parents of the deceased students sued the Sarasota County school board for wrongful death. In October 2015, the families settled, each receiving the maximum sum of $200,000. The documentary includes interviews with victims' families, eyewitnesses, and experts. Brittany's mother stated: 'I don't think that he programmed her, obviously, to go in and [die by] suicide. But I think he possibly gave her a tool that allowed her to do what she did, because she did not remember most of that hypnosis session. She did not remember the form in which she sat, she didn't remember what he said. Was that what took away her fight and her desire to live?'
Production and Release
Look Into My Eyes is produced by Anchor Entertainment and Blumhouse Television, with Jason Blum, known for horror franchises like Insidious, The Conjuring, and The Purge, serving as executive producer. The series will premiere on ITVX on August 18.
