The tragic story of Reena Virk, a Canadian teenager who was beaten to death by her peers in November 1997, has captured the attention of many.
Born to immigrant parents from India, the Virk family belonged to the Jehovah’s Witness religion, setting them apart from the predominantly Sikh South Asian community they were a part of. Rebelled against her strict upbringing, Reena ran away from home and ended up in a group home where she was reportedly bullied and ostracized by her peers.
On the fateful night of November 14, 1997, Reena was invited to a party in Saanich, British Columbia, where she was brutally attacked by her peers. Nicole Cook accused her of stealing her boyfriend and put out a cigarette on Reena’s forehead, sparking a violent assault by a group of boys and girls.
Despite her attempts to apologize and escape, Reena was attacked again by Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski, who ultimately caused her death by drowning her in the Gorge Waterway.
Seven teenagers were prosecuted for Reena’s death, with varying sentences handed out. Nicole Cook, Nicole Patterson, Missy Grace Pleich, Courtney Keith, Gail Ooms, Kelly Ellard, and Warren Glowatski all faced legal consequences for their involvement in the tragic event.
Ellard and Glowatski were tried as adults and convicted of second-degree murder, receiving life sentences. Glowatski was released on parole in 2010, while Ellard remains incarcerated, citing she is not ready to integrate back into society.
Reena Virk’s story has been adapted into a Hulu series titled “Under the Bridge”, which premieres on April 17, 2024. Starring Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, and Vritika Gupta, the series delves into the events of that fateful night in 1997 through the eyes of different characters, shedding light on the shocking truths behind Reena’s senseless murder.
Audiences can watch the series exclusively on Hulu and explore the hidden world of the young girls accused of the crime.
