View full sizeAmy Mihaljevic
BAY VILLAGE - Author James Renner, who wrote a 2006 book about the murder of Amy Mihaljevic, is raising money to produce a feature film based on the search for her killer.
Renner recently launched his fundraising effort and hopes to raise at least $35,000.
Amy Mihaljevic, 10, was abducted Oct. 27, 1989 from a shopping center on Wolf Road in Bay Village. Her body was found in February 1990 in a field in rural Ashland County. No one has been charged with her murder.
Renner’s 2006 book, “Amy: My Search for Her Killer,” looked at the case, including clues and suspects.
Working in the film industry before becoming a journalist, Renner now wants to turn Amy’s story into a feature-length film in an effort to spread the word about the case and uncover new clues. He wants to begin filming in February using a local crew.
“My goal is to make the best film possible and, hopefully, get it into national theaters,” he said.
The film will explore the search by local police and the FBI for Amy’s killer. However, Renner said he would not name suspects in the film or try to sway audience opinion.
“It’s just that the search for her killer is so bizarre because you come across the strangest characters,” he said.
Renner said he was surprised to learn how many men were close to Amy.
“There are at least 25 men who had the means, motive and opportunity to commit this crime,” he said. “I don’t know of any other case like this where you have so many suspects.”
He said he hopes his film could help bring the killer to justice.
“Somebody out there has that piece that everybody is missing and they’re not aware of how important that little bit of information is,” he said. “The more widespread we make Amy’s story, the better the chance we will find that person with that last little clue that will crack the case.”
His previous work in film included adapting a Stephen King story starring Harvey Pekar and Michael Stanley, which premiered at the 2005 Montreal Film Festival.
Renner is raising money for his new project at indiegogo.com/amy-movie.
Donations can be made through PayPal or by credit card for amounts of as little as $10. Each donation will earn a special thanks in the film credits. Larger gifts include perks such as tickets to the premiere and film photo albums.
If not enough money is raised, contributions will be refunded, Renner said, adding that he has agreed not to pay himself a director’s fee for working on the movie. Instead, he said, contributions will go toward production expenses.
