British Columbia, Canada – Hulu’s latest true crime drama series, “Under the Bridge,” is based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book of the same name, which delves into the tragic 1997 murder of Canadian teen Reena Virk. Godfrey, who passed away in 2022, served as an executive producer on the series and was deeply interested not only in the identity of Virk’s killers but also in exploring the psychology of the young perpetrators. According to Electric Literature, Godfrey believed that the teenagers involved in Virk’s murder displayed a façade of indifference as a defense mechanism, despite being internally haunted by the consequences of their actions that led to Virk’s death.
The author of “Under the Bridge,” who was played by Riley Keough in the series, grew up in the same small town where the tragic event took place. In her research for the book, Godfrey returned to British Columbia to interview individuals connected to the violent crime, shedding light on the harrowing details surrounding Virk’s death and the actions of those involved.
Reena Virk was just 14 years old when she was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers one fateful night behind a local school in British Columbia. The assault, initiated by a girl identified as “Josephine,” reportedly stemmed from rumors spread about her by the victim. Josephine, along with five other girls, were found guilty of assaulting Virk, but the violence did not end there. Two other teens, Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski, continued the attack by following Virk over a bridge, beating her once again, and ultimately drowning her in the Gorge.
Both Ellard and Glowatski were convicted of second-degree murder, with Ellard facing multiple trials before receiving a life sentence. In a 2017 hearing, Ellard expressed remorse for her actions, stating that she intended to wake Virk up by splashing water on her face, contrasting Glowatski’s claim of purposefully drowning the victim. Despite her apology to the Virk family, Ellard acknowledged that mere words cannot undo the irreparable damage caused by the tragic events.
The heartbreaking story of Reena Virk serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of bullying and violence among young individuals. For those affected by bullying, resources such as PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center can provide support and guidance in navigating such challenging situations. “Under the Bridge” offers a compelling narrative that not only delves into the details of Virk’s murder but also explores the complex emotions and motivations behind such tragic events, shedding light on the darker aspects of human behavior and societal dynamics.