Watch The Cheshire Murders

The Cheshire Murders is a true-crime drama film that explores one of the most devastating crimes in the history of Connecticut. The movie centers around the brutal murders of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley Petit and Michaela Petit, in their home in Cheshire, Connecticut. Jennifer Petit, the mother of the two girls, was a nurse and volunteer at a local church. Hayley was 17 years old, and Michaela was just 11. William Petit Jr., Jennifer's husband and the girls' father, was an accomplished endocrinologist who had served on the board of directors of the American Diabetes Association. The family was well-known and respected in their community.

The story begins in the early morning of July 23, 2007, when two men, Josh Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes, broke into the Petit family home with the intention of stealing money. They overpowered William Petit, tied him up in the basement, and then proceeded to assault Jennifer and her daughter, Michaela. The men then took Hayley to withdraw money from a local bank.

When they returned to the house, they set it ablaze in an attempt to destroy the evidence. However, William managed to free himself and stumble out of the house, screaming for help. The police arrived on the scene and confronted the two intruders. After a brief standoff, the men were arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, arson, and sexual assault.

The Cheshire Murders is a harrowing and heart-wrenching account of the crime and its aftermath. The movie portrays the Petit family as loving and kind-hearted people who were tragically taken from this world far too soon. It also highlights the bravery and resilience of William Petit, who managed to survive the attack and became a vocal advocate for the victims of violent crime.

The film includes interviews with family members, police officers, and journalists who covered the case. It also features footage from the trial, including the chilling confession tapes of the two perpetrators. The filmmakers also delve into the backstory of the two men, exploring their troubled pasts and the events that led them down the path of violence and destruction.

The Cheshire Murders is a difficult film to watch, as it deals with a truly horrific crime that affected so many lives. However, it is an important reminder of the dangers of unchecked criminal behavior and the need to protect our loved ones from harm. The movie is a poignant tribute to the Petit family and a call to action for all of us to work towards creating a safer, more just society.

Overall, The Cheshire Murders is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy and a reminder of the importance of seeking justice for those who have been wronged.

The Cheshire Murders is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.