Crime After Crime – Review

Reviews, Theatrical Reviews

Documentary film chronicles the true story of an abused woman accused of murdering her abuser

No matter what your opinion about the recent verdict in the Casey Anthony trial, the argument has now shifted to whether or not the American judicial system is flawed. The innocent rotting behind bars while the guilty walk free happen more often than we’d like to admit. That is until a case is brought to popular attention. Crime After Crime is the emotionally-affecting true story of one such case.

Back in 1983 Debbie Peagler was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for her involvement in the murder of her boyfriend Oliver Wilson. Oliver was a handsome young man who took very good care of Debbie and her young daughter and it didn’t take her long to fall in love with him. It also didn’t take long for Oliver to begin selling Debbie into prostitution and beating her if she didn’t cooperate. Her relationship with Oliver got so abusive that Debbie feared for her life if she escaped. One night, Debbie lured Oliver to an area of town where he was beaten to death by rival gang members. Debbie was sentenced to prison for first degree murder because of her involvement.

Inside prison Debbie earned two degrees, became one of the church leaders and choir leaders and has tutored countless women so that they can go on to earn their own GEDs and college degrees. She has become a role model within the Central California Women’s Facility. She has also learned more recently that she was a battered woman, serving time that was well deserved.

Crime After Crime gives a detailed account of the process to free Debbie Peagler and the unwavering effort put into her case by her pro bono lawyers Nadia Costa and Joshua Safran. Debbie Peagler finally was able to enjoy her freedom, but this was after a fight that lasted for seven years. Amazingly, director Yoav Potash was able to document five of those years inside the prison walls (something that is very rare) by posing as the lawyer’s videographers, and by directing a PBS documentary that happened to prominently feature Debbie’s successes within the prison.

Debbie Peagler’s story is an easily relatable one, which makes Crime After Crime that much more affecting. Even the lawyers tell of their own experience with abuse against women. After five years of documenting her story, Potash has grown so close to the material that he has chosen to honor this woman with one of the most heartbreaking and inspiring stories onscreen this year. The film premiered at Sundance and has won honors at several other festivals over the course of the year. It has also been picked up for distribution by Oprah Winfrey and will be shown on her network OWN.

Even though the Debbie Peagler case didn’t make national news like the Casey Anthony trial, everyone in California knew of her story. This film is full of factual evidence to prove that Peagler is fit to function in society, but the legal system continuously denies the appeals by her lawyers. For the frustration at the legal system, for the inspiring way that she finally overcomes it, Crime After Crime is a must-see documentary.


Director: Yoav Potash
Notable Cast: Debbie Peagler, Nadia Costa, Joshua Safran
Writer(s): n/a

Jenny is proud to be the First Lady of Inside Pulse Movies. She gives female and mommy perspective, and has two kids who help with rating family movies. (If they don't like 'em, what's the point?) She prefers horror movies to chick flicks, and she can easily hang with the guys as long as there are several frou-frou girlie drinks to be had.