When the Killer Is Family: A Conversation with Filmmaker John Kastner

In this episode, Mark Gordon talks with acclaimed filmmaker John Kastner about his gripping documentary Life with Murder. The film unpacks the devastating real-life story of the Jenkins family in Chatham, Ontario, whose world was shattered when 18-year-old Jennifer Jenkins was found shot to death in their home. Her brother, Mason, quickly became the prime suspect—and was ultimately convicted of her murder. But Life with Murder is not just a crime story. It’s a powerful exploration of grief, denial, and the unfathomable complexities of familial love in the face of tragedy. In the interview, Kastner offers rare insight into the making of the documentary and the emotional toll it took, not just on the subjects but on the storyteller himself.