Crime After Crime is a powerful documentary film that tells the dramatic legal battle to free Debbie Paegler, a domestic abuse victim imprisoned for over a quarter century because of her connection to the murder of the man who abused her.
Paegler’s strength of spirit served her well during 26 years in prison where she suffered injustice and abuse. Inspiring woman that she is she led the prison gospel choir and taught other inmates to read and write.
Her fate took a dramatic turn when two rookie attorneys with no background in criminal law offered to take her case. Inspired by Paegler’s indomitable strength, the attorneys brought to light witnesses, new testimony from the men who committed the murder, and proof of perjured evidence. Their investigation attracted global attention to victims of wrongful incarceration and abuse. The cause of Debbie Paegler took on profound urgency when the case becomes a matter of life and death.
Filmmaker Yoav Potash filmed the documentary in and out of prison for over five years. The resulting documentary tells an unforgettable story of a relentless quest for justice. Crime After Crime has received national acclaim ranging from the Sundance Film Festival award to appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Locally, the Womens Prison Book Project, in cooperation with Hamline University, will offer a free screening and discussion of the film on Thursday, May 31, 7:00 p.m. at Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Avenue in St. Paul. The screening and discussion will be in the Giddens Learning Center, Room 100E. Free and open to the pubic.
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