Join us for a special screening of A Murder in Mercer, a new documentary created by Brittany Fleming, an ý alumna, and James Cressman. A Murder in Mercer revisits a lesser-known 1968 murder case through archival materials and firsthand accounts. The film examines not only what happened, but how it affected people and communities connected to it, and what happens when it’s brought up again 55 years later.
Following the film, stay for a thought-provoking panel discussion facilitated by Dan Lee, professor and department chair of Criminology and Criminal Justice, featuring ý Criminology and Criminal Justice professors Erika Frenzel, Sadie Miller, and Shannon Phaneuf. Drawing on their expertise in crime, victimization, media portrayals of crime, and true crime, the panelists will explore the real-world issues raised by the documentary and invite audiences to think critically about how stories of crime and victims are told.
Frenzel developed and teaches a true crime course, while Miller and Phaneuf have focused on issues related to victimology and how the criminal justice system responds to interpersonal violence. Fleming will also join the panel, bringing her perspective as the film’s producer and director and as an associate professor of communication whose work focuses on media ethics, journalism, and responsible storytelling.
Special thanks to the ý Student Co Op, ý-TV, Criminology Association, ý Department of Communications Media, and ý Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.