Who Killed JonBenét?

Who Killed JonBenét? jolts us to Christmas 1996 in Boulder, Colorado. Christmas lights and snow set the backdrop, but instead of feeling the traditional warm and fuzzies you might expect from a holiday season story, this movie recounts the mysterious details of the true-life murder of a little girl, JonBenét.

JonBenét was the six-year-old daughter of John and Patsy Ramsey—wealthy, highly respected church-going citizens of Boulder, Colorado. She was also a petite pageant princess whose talent and precocious nature drew many admirers. Thus when JonBenét’s strangulated body was found the day after Christmas in the basement of the family’s home, the immediate thought was that someone obsessed with the little girl had broken in and killed the child. But that theory was quickly debunked.

Police then took an interest to JonBenét’s 9-year-old brother, Burke, particularly because he had often been left in the shadows of his sister’s pedestal and thus showed little emotion over her loss. But after interviews and further investigation, it became evident that the boy had nothing to do with the killing.

So who did kill this little princess?

Investigations were difficult as detectives found themselves dealing with a compromised crime scene (yes, the body had been moved—a slip-up that can be blamed on a lack of police presence on the crime scene). The came across a ransom note, but upon further scrutiny, the note proved to be fake. Suspicions then turned to the Ramseys.

The film is riveting and revives the JonBenét murder mystery. The story gives provides a window into the Ramsey’s lives and highlights the hindrances the police faced in trying to solve this heinous crime. But what really happened to JonBenét that dismal Christmas in Colorado remains a mystery to this day. No one knows for sure who killed JonBenét.

Who Killed JonBenét? premieres this coming Saturday, November 5 at 8pm ET/PT.

This article also appears n Assist News. 

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © November 2016

www.orphansfirst.org

www.JaneyDeMeo.com

www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

Crackerjack, cheeky Christian comedy

Crackerjack is farcical and humorous. But depending on what you expect when you hear the term Christian comedy,  this movie might seem borderline cheeky. 

It all begins when goofy softball player Bill “Crackerjack” Bailey discovers his live-in girlfriend is pregnant—something he is just not ready to handle. Concerned that Crackerjack would follow the footsteps of his own “loser” father who left him when he was young, Crackerjack’s girlfriend seeks Christian counsel. 

The story takes place in the south where Christianity and the church culture are woven into everyday life. Thus, we should not be too surprised to see a giant Jesus mascot periodically run onto the church football field raising his arms in the air. Yet, while funny to most people, some people might find a Jesus mascot profane. 

The mascot comes into the story when Crackerjack’s, seeking to improve his ways and win back the girl who has now left him, joins a men’s church group softball team. Softball, a stereotype zealous group leader, boyish camaraderie and the Jesus culture, all provide backdrop for hilarious scenarios. 

Narrated by Jeff Foxworthy,  and with a good comedian cast (Wes Murphy, Bethany Anne Lind…), Crackerjack could be described as a flippant movie about Bill "Crackerjack" Bailey IV meets church. Inasmuch as it is funny, well-done and Christian—sorta—it could be compared to Moms Night Out. 

Crackerjack is presented to us in association with “Modest”, and is a film by Brian Coley “Crackerjack,” and was released on March 17. The movie can be found on Amazon, Google, iTunes, Vimeo and VUDU, as well as On Demand with AT&T, Charter, Comcast, DirecTV and Vubiquity. 

Find out more about Crackerjack here

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Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © May 2015

www.orphansfirst.org

www.JaneyDeMeo.com 

www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

To face the death penalty when you are innocent must be one of life’s worst nightmares. And to face it with no family except for one brother must be even worse. Brother’s Keeper, releasing in theaters this month, is a film of suspense with a message of redemption.  

Set in the fifties, Brother’s Keeper conveys the story of two orphaned twins, Pete and Andy Goodwynn, who lost their parents at a very young age and then faced the immense heartache of losing their parents in a tragic shooting. 

As twins, the boys shared a special bond, but when their parents died, and they had to fend for themselves, they become tighter than ever. But the tragedy affected the boys differently. They processed their misfortune differently, and filtered it through their individual personalities, which left them with differing worldviews and ambitions. 

Pete was drawn to the faith and felt called to the pastorate. He was also in love with his high school sweetheart Maggie and planned to marry her after his graduation. He seemed to have it all together. Andy, on the other hand, was not interested in God—likely embittered by the tragic circumstances surrounding his parents’ death—and seemed lost without ambition. Andy seemed to be going nowhere. 

But in an unexpected twist, another tragedy strikes the Goodwynn twins—and Maggie is murdered. Worst still, Pete is blamed for her death. In spite of his innocence, Pete ends up in prison under the death-penalty. The town which is steeped in corruption and conspiracy make attempts to disprove Pete’s innocence and people in high places use their manipulating powers to influence the hearing. 

Only a miracle can change Pete’s fate. That miracle may need to come from the most unexpected place and from his own change of heart. 

Says Director Josh Mills, “The film addresses multiple themes and shows the raw emotion of how truly difficult it is to forgive in extreme circumstances. It captivates the audience into feeling both deep-seeded anger and compassion for the characters.This film will surprise audiences, forcing them to reevaluate what is most important in their own lives.” 

Brought to us by Desert Wind Films and backed by non profit organization, Cleanslate.TV. Brother’s Keeper is a story of redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness and sacrifice. A film that will change your life and keep you riveted to the screen until the end. 

This article will also appear in Assist News Service. 

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © May 2015

www.orphansfirst.org

www.JaneyDeMeo.com 

www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

http://janey-demeo.blogspot.com