A retired police officer has spoken out against a new drama series based on the murder of Reena Virk, saying it does a great disservice to the victim and her family.
The series, titled “The Reena Virk Story,” is set to air on CBC Gem on April 23. It follows the 1997 murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk, who was brutally beaten and drowned by a group of teenagers in Victoria, British Columbia.
Retired Staff Sgt. Chris Horsley, who was the lead investigator on the case, expressed his disappointment with the series, stating that it does not accurately portray the events that led to Virk’s death.
Horsley, who spent over 30 years with the Saanich Police Department, believes that the series sensationalizes the tragedy and focuses too much on the perpetrators rather than the victim.
He also expressed concern that the series may cause further harm to Virk’s family, who have already endured immense pain and suffering.
Virk’s mother, Suman Virk, has also spoken out against the series, stating that it is too soon to be reliving the traumatic events and that it may trigger painful memories for the family.
Horsley believes that the series should have consulted with the Virk family and the police before its production to ensure accuracy and sensitivity.
He also expressed concern that the series may glamorize the crime and the perpetrators, which could potentially lead to copycat incidents.
The Saanich Police Department has also released a statement, stating that they were not consulted or involved in the production of the series.
The murder of Reena Virk sparked national outrage and brought attention to the issue of bullying and violence among teenagers. It also led to changes in the Canadian criminal justice system, including the creation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
While the series may bring attention to the tragic events, it is important to remember the victim and her family and to handle the subject matter with sensitivity and accuracy.
The series is set to air on April 23, but it is clear that it has already caused controversy and concern among those involved in the case. It remains to be seen how the series will be received by the public and whether it will accurately portray the events surrounding Reena Virk’s death.
