While some might dismiss made-for-TV movies, the 90s were packed with gripping dramas that often starred actors before they hit the big time. Think Brad Pitt in Too Young to Die? before Thelma and Louise, or Sydney Sweeney and Austin Butler in The Bling Ring. But beyond the rising stars, many of these TV movies tackled serious, real-life events. Let’s dive into ten TV movies from the 90s inspired by shocking murder cases.
Deadly Whispers (1995)
Starring Tony Danza, Deadly Whispers tells the story of the 1987 murder of 19-year-old Kathy Bonney in North Carolina. Her father, Thomas Lee Bonney, claimed it was an accident during an argument, but the brutal reality was far more sinister. Kathy’s nude body, riddled with 27 bullets, was discovered near a canal. Bonney’s insanity plea fell flat, leading to a death sentence, later reduced to life in prison. As of 2024, he remains incarcerated in a minimum-security facility.
What Happened to Bobby Earl? (1997)
Also known as Murder in a College Town, this movie stars Kate Jackson as Rose Pratt (renamed Rose Earl), whose son Roger “Butch” Pratt (Bobby Earl in the film) was murdered in 1988. Butch, the first in his family to attend college, befriended Edward “Eddy” Swiger. Jealousy and fear drove Eddy to orchestrate Butch’s kidnapping and murder, burying him in a shallow grave. Eddy is still serving his life sentence in Ohio.
Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story (1994)
Jaclyn Smith stars as Donna Yaklich in this disturbing story. In 1985, Donna hired two teenage brothers to murder her husband, police detective Dennis Yaklich, claiming he was abusive. The brothers testified that Donna promised them $45,000 for the hit. Donna received a 40-year sentence but was paroled in 2006, sparking outrage from Dennis’s family, who denied the abuse allegations.
Death in Small Doses (1995)
This film recounts the arsenic poisoning death of Nancy Lyon in 1991. Her husband, Richard Lyon, was convicted of her murder. Despite appearing happy, their marriage crumbled when Richard had an affair. Nancy fell ill after drinking wine left anonymously at her door and later suffered from multiple bouts of sickness after Richard gave her drinks or vitamins. Richard, who had purchased large quantities of arsenic, is still serving his life sentence.
Beauty’s Revenge (1991)
Starring Tracey Gold, Beauty’s Revenge (also known as Midwest Obsession) tells of Lori Esker’s murder of Lisa Cihaski in 1989. Fuelled by jealousy over a love triangle involving dairy farmer Bill Buss, Esker strangled Cihaski to death. Convicted of first-degree homicide, Esker was sentenced to life but released on parole in 2019.
A Killer Among Friends (1992)
Tiffani Thiessen stars in this gripping movie based on the 1985 murder of Michele “Missy” Avila. Jealousy drove Karen Severson and Laura Doyle to drown Michele in the Angeles National Forest. They even placed a log on top of her body to weigh her down. Severson and Doyle were sentenced to 15 years to life, much to the dismay of Michele’s mother, who had to witness their parole in 2011 and 2012.
Deadly Medicine (1991)
Based on the book Deadly Medicine, this film tells the horrifying story of nurse Genene Jones, who is suspected of killing up to 60 infants in the late 70s and early 80s. Originally sentenced to 99 years for the murder of Chelsea Ann McClellan, a legal loophole threatened her release. Thankfully, the case was reopened, and Jones received a life sentence in 2020 for the murder of Joshua Sawyer. She will be eligible for parole in 2028.
Lies of the Heart: The Laurie Kellogg Story (1994)
Jenny Garth stars as Laurie Kellogg, who was convicted in the murder of her husband, Bruce Kellogg, in 1991. A teenage neighbor, Denver A. McDowell, confessed to the crime, claiming Laurie had influenced him. The trial drew media attention due to allegations of drug use and abuse. Laurie was released on parole in 2019, angering McDowell, who was also paroled later that year.
No One Would Tell (1996)
Inspired by the murder of Amy Carnevale, No One Would Tell stars Candace Cameron Bure as Stacy Collins. In 1991, Jamie Fuller murdered his girlfriend, Amy, after luring her into the woods. He stabbed her to death and, with the help of friends, weighted her body down in a pond. Fuller was sentenced to life in prison without parole and remains incarcerated.
Black Widow Murders: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story (1993)
Elizabeth Montgomery portrays Blanche Taylor Moore, who was convicted of poisoning her boyfriend, Raymond Carlton Reid, with arsenic in 1986. She is also suspected in the death of her first husband, James Taylor, and the poisoning of her third husband, Reverend Dwight Moore, who survived. Blanche Taylor Moore is still on death row in North Carolina as of 2024.
These 90s TV movies offered a glimpse into real-life murder cases that shocked the nation. From jealous lovers to calculated poisonings, these stories continue to fascinate and disturb. They remind us that sometimes, truth is stranger—and darker—than fiction.
What are your thoughts on these true crime TV movies from the 90s? Leave your comment below!
