Anyone's Son

It was Thanksgiving Weekend, 1976, in the quiet suburban town of Montvale, New Jersey; high school football and quiet, reflective dinner gatherings for many families. But by the end of this holiday weekend, life in this small community would be shattered forever.

Based on actual events, the film 'Anyone's Son' tells the story of a young man named Harry De La Roche, who murdered four of his family members in cold blood while they slept. Nearby residents were stunned when news spread of this traumatic event, and were further shocked during the trial that would follow nearly a year later.

This film will not only explore the events that took place leading up to the grizzly killings, but also will examine the context in which they took place, and the community they took place in. Even though this is a film based on actual events from nearly 30 years ago, the themes of gun control, family values, and peer responsibility, ring true for any era, including today.

On the outside, the De La Roche family seemed normal and happy. Yet, as we examine things closer, things were anything but normal and happy. This film will also focus on the subsequent trial, in which young Harry was charged, and eventually convicted, on four counts of murder.

What is it that led Harry to reach a level so unconscionable that he would murder his own family? The poor family life, the endless tormenting by his peers, and an absolute loss of self-identity were certainly major factors in Harry De La Roche turning from 'Anyone's Son' into a cold blooded killer.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Anyone's
• Son
• Harry
• DeLaRoche
• Starline
• Films
• Danny
• Aiello

[stevegoff420]

He is anti social and dont speak to many people inmates. He doesn't like stupid people (a lot of them in prison) He is a recluse in there. But he has been there the longest so he has immense "juice" / Trustee status. He is a tall dude. And I am tall guy telling ya that. I am deeply sorry your family suffered this tragic event. I wish better days for you."

[stevegoff420]

"well for starters....he is obviously institutionalized mentality. When I was on his block....he was there 20 some years already. And no....he never expressed any signs of being sorry. He most of the time acts like it never happened. Mostly because he feels he will never leave prison alive. I also never asked him directly if he did it or not....it was none of my bussiness. Not out of fear....just thats because who I am. He is very intelligent and I discussed and learned much from him.

[stevegoff420]

I wrote this about him one time to a distant family member who contacted me after I posted an article about him in the cell next to me for 3 out of my own 5 year prison term there.

[cperrius]

I knew this family well. I was on Eric's baseball team for several years and his dad was the coach, his mom was our den mother in cub scouts, I went to their house many times. The dad did have a bad temper and was one of those crazy coaches who screamed like mad when you made a mistake, and he was much harder on his own kids, who I saw him hit several times, hard. I can believe it was worse behind closed doors. But this film seems like crass exploitation and I hope it never gets completed.

[Pawlowski2001]

I lived in Wasington Township at that time, and I was visting my Grandparents on Pennsylvania Ave that Thanksgiving 1976. I remmember passing the house everytime I went to my grandparents. The house is still there just different paint.

[justme3able]

i have read this book many years ago. I have never forgot it

[MrJim12341121]

Harry Delaroche, joseph mcgowan, Chris Righetti. I grew up in river vale and knew about these three killings. I Played ball and was a classmate of chris righetti. All three are cold blooded killers and should rot in jail. I have no mercy for any of these animals.

[IloveNickJonas822]

i know the person who lives in the house now, and my mom knew the whole family...and i still live like a block away from the house...

[babel1967]

@Rockhound6165 I worked at yardville and sat and talked with Harry once a week. A nice, intelligent guy who's company I really enjoyed.  Pretty weird, huh?

[babel1967]

I used to sit and talk to Harry once a week for about 3 years when I worked at Yardville prison. Harry seemed the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. The staff and the correction officers like and respected him because he never ever caused any trouble. Harry is quite intelligent and was a real pleasure to talk to. I can't believe I'm saying that about a guy who I do believe did what they say he did but it is true. A real good guy.