A Murder in the Park

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A Murder in the Park

PG-13

2015

1h 31m

Documentary

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76%

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17 Reviews

68%

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250+ Ratings

Anthony Porter's death sentence is commuted when another man confesses to the crime. After his release, many doubt his innocence and suspect that both men are pawns in a much larger plan.

Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

"A Murder in the Park," with a whopper of a twist near the end, is often mesmerizing, even as its story remains unfinished. Justice, in this case, seems to remain elusive.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 16, 2015

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Rech and Kimber make a damning case against Protess as well as the private investigator who helped him incriminate Simon and the attorney who negotiated Simon's guilty plea.

Jul 9, 2015

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

Whatever your feelings on capital punishment, "A Murder in the Park" has a gripping story to tell ...

Jul 2, 2015

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Joe Bendel

Epoch Times

A staggering and infuriating expose of advocacy journalism run amok.

Rated: 4/5

May 22, 2016

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Marc Mohan

Oregonian

[An] explosive, riveting documentary.

Jul 24, 2015

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Brian Miller

Seattle Weekly

Amid such murky, conflicting motives, Hale's Murder in the Park tries to draw a bright line of rectitude where any fair-minded filmmaker -- Errol Morris comes to mind -- would recognize that's an impossible task.

Jul 16, 2015

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mark g

What happens when a bunch of law students with zero street smarts and a political dislike for capital punishment conspire to end capital punishment by overturning the conviction of a guilty man? This film shows you. A lot to unpack in this film, but the biggest takeaway is that a lot of these innocence projects will use any methods they can to end capital punishment, including distorting the truth to free a murderer.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/07/25

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Audience Member

If this case did not affect at LEAST four lives, then it would be LAUGHABLE! The Chicago Police beating up and coercing confessions?? Do you find that hard to believe? Well, feel free to google Commander Burge and the equally horrifying HOMAN SQUARE. (Completely separate.) I live in Illinois and know for a FACT the states attorney does not like to admit they are wrong in ANY case! Google GARY DOTSON, AARON PATTERSON, Jeanine Nicarico murder) Lastly, they are NOT quick to let ANYONE out of prison. I say follow the money because it was the SAME state that agreed to the deal and they HAVE the resources to have investigated the Simon plea deal BEFORE accepting it.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Audience Member

The cover of this documentary got me and I am glad I watched.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

Unbelievable.. as in amazing and incredible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

A must see. This riveting film is full of twist and turns. Wow!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

Excellent documentary! Very well produced. Intriguing and informative. I was happy to see Alstory Simon set free.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Christopher S. Rech

Director

Brandon Kimber

Director

Aswan Harris

Jerry Hillard

Dexter Hammett

Alstory Simon (1999)

Denny Castiglione

Paul Ciolino

Tamicka Scruggs

Inez Jackson

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Synopsis

Anthony Porter's death sentence is commuted when another man confesses to the crime. After his release, many doubt his innocence and suspect that both men are pawns in a much larger plan.

Director: Christopher S. Rech, Brandon Kimber
Producer: Ralph McGreevy
Screenwriter: Brandon Kimber
Distributor: IFC Films
Production Co: Transition Studios, Whole Truth Films
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Crime Scene Photos|Disturbing Crime Reenactments|Brief Language|Drug Material)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 26, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Runtime: 1h 31m

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