Theme: Murder

Martha Swetzoff was seated by the time I entered the room. She had arrived with Robin Casarjian, noted author of Forgiveness and Houses of Healing. Martha was politely introducing herself to the group participants. I acknowledged both Robin and Martha and selected a chair within the circle, unaware of how unprepared I was for the documentary, "Theme: Murder", I was about to see and the emotions exhibited this afternoon.

In 1968, when Martha was 9 years of age, her father was killed in an unsolved murder. Her mother, divorced years earlier, went to the school to bring the sad news to Martha and her brother, David. Afterwards, there was very little discussion about the brutal death of Hyman Swetzoff, known affectionately as "daddy", to a scared, confused little girl.

Who killed him? Why would anyone want to hurt him? How come no one is feeling pain like me? It didn't seem possible for a very popular man to be murdered in the Back Bay section of Boston without witnesses or concerned citizens. In an effort to protect the children, her mother tried to silence any inquiry about the incident. This deprived Martha of any comfort or solace. She felt very angry during her adolescent years and says, "I hated people." Martha wanted revenge on the killer, but not knowing his identity, she sought to address needs through other risky behavior.

The documentary, "Theme: Murder" is chronicled with early family photos, Hyman's writings, news coverage of murder and extensive interviews with family, friends and law enforcement "cold case" personnel. The initial mission to record this documentary began in 1979. It was entitled "The Garden" in recognition of the gathering place for consolation after Hyman's death. In search for the truth, many family secrets are revealed. A major one was that Hyman was gay and his roommate, Kostas, was the last person to have contact with him. The police investigators conducted interviews with Kostas and others, but produced no credible evidence. Kostas was never a suspect and died five years later in New York City.

So who is there to blame? The roommate (possibly lover) that died? The police and the insufficient pursuit of a "gay" killer? The neighbors' refusal to assist? The divorce and her mother's detachment? The lifestyle? Can a victim actually be responsible for the murder?

The total expenditure for this venture is not indicative of the value. Dollars and cents will never determine its cost-effectiveness because Martha needs to complete this project for personal balance and ultimate survival. Although she presents fond memories of attending movies and
sharing time in galleries with her father, there are images of Hyman alone in a puddle of blood. There must be a period to reconcile differences and promote some healing for a more consistent recollection of a father-daughter relationship.

The degree of courage displayed is immeasurable. Martha remained focused during the interviews, even though individuals may have been reluctant to talk about specific details. Because of such perseverance, I know that people have benefited from the viewing and follow-up discussion. Some folks are still talking. More importantly, I hope Martha and her family will discover peace and still waters during the journey.