Dear Zachary isn’t just a movie – it’s an emotional earthquake that exposes how bureaucracy can become an accomplice to tragedy. The 2008 documentary reveals the shocking true story of how Shirley Turner, accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend Andrew Bagby, was allowed to raise his son while awaiting trial.
What makes this story so gut-wrenching is the agonizing inevitability of its outcome. As Andrew’s parents David and Kathleen fight through Canadian courts to protect baby Zachary, viewers witness every red flag ignored, every warning dismissed. The system’s refusal to see Turner as dangerous – despite her violent history and murder charges – culminates in an unthinkable act that will haunt you forever.
The film’s power comes from its intimacy. Kuenne, Andrew’s childhood friend, captures the Bagbys’ anguish with devastating clarity, making their loss feel painfully personal. By the end, you’ll find yourself questioning how many Zacharys are still trapped in similar nightmares today.
