Judge Bans Lifetime Movie About ‘Romeo Killer’

A Judge banned a Lifetime movie about the “Romeo Killer” as the film was set to air. The movie, produced by Lifetime Television, is based on the true story of Christopher Porco, who was convicted for the murder of his father.

Peter and Jean Porco were brutally attacked in their home in 2004. When authorities arrived they found Peter dead in a pool of blood. Jean was found in the bedroom, alive, with massive head and facial wounds. The couple had been attacked with an axe that was recovered from the scene.

Investigators at the scene noted that Joan was conscious and lucid. As reported by TruTv, Jean was able to respond to the detectives questions by nodding or shaking her head. When asked if her son Christopher was responsible for the attack Jean has stated that she shook her head indicating that he did not. Detectives contend that she indicated to him that he was responsible, by nodding, when they asked.

That controversy, along with others, caused the case to gain national attention. Additionally, Lifetime Television created a TV movie titled Romeo Killer: The Christopher Porco Story.

A New York Supreme Court judge has banned the Lifetime movie just days before it was set to premier. As reported by NBC News, Christopher Porco filed the lawsuit under New York civil rights law. Porco claims that the movie violates his rights as his name has been used without his permission. Additionally, Porco claims that Lifetime “fictionalized” the facts of the case.

Porco’s defense claims that investigators had their mind made up and did not explore any other possible suspects. Furthermore, they criticized the prosecution’s lack of physical evidence throughout the trial.

Prosecutors argued that Porco had a criminal history and had recent arguments with his parents about finances. They also pointed out that his mother identified him as the attacker when detectives arrived on scene.

The jury sided with prosecution and convicted Porco of second degree murder of his father, and attempted murder of his mother. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of 50 years in prison.

Lifetime Television asserts that the film is accurate. They have cited use of police records and legal documentation.

Although the judge has banned the Lifetime movie, they have filed an appeal and hope to continue with the planned release soon.