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Justifiable Homicide

Play trailer Poster for Justifiable Homicide 2002 1h 25m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
When Anthony Rosario and Hilton Vega are shot and killed one night in 1995 in the South Bronx by two police officers, the murders are ultimately ruled as justifiable homicides. In this documentary, the case is reexamined, with one victim's mother leading the charge. The police claim that Rosario and Vega were committing a robbery at the time of the shooting. As more evidence is unearthed, questions arise about whether the right verdict was handed down.

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Justifiable Homicide

Critics Reviews

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Dave Kehr New York Times Nov 6, 2002
3.5/5
The filmmakers build an argument that is both intellectual and emotional, concentrating as much on the forensic evidence as on Ms. Rosario's passionate commitment to finding justice for her son. Go to Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post Nov 6, 2002
3/4
A thoughtful look at a painful incident that made headlines in 1995. Go to Full Review Jessica Winter Village Voice Nov 5, 2002
Meticulously uncovers a trail of outrageous force and craven concealment. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Oct 10, 2005
2/5
Maitland McDonagh TV Guide Nov 6, 2002
3/5
A disturbing examination of what appears to be the definition of a 'bad' police shooting. Go to Full Review Walter Chaw Film Freak Central Sep 24, 2002
2/4
Presents a good case while failing to provide a reason for us to care beyond the very basic dictums of human decency. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nahid N @seasonedcinephile Jan 28, 2026 "Justifiable Homicide": A Devastating Portrait of Institutional Betrayal Jon Osman's 2002 documentary stands as one of the most methodical examinations of police violence in American filmmaking. The film investigates the 1995 NYPD shooting deaths of Bronx teenagers Anthony Rosario and his cousin Hilton Vega, who forensic evidence reveals were shot repeatedly while lying facedown—a total of 22 times. What makes Osman's approach compelling is his restraint. Details slowly unfold, evidence building upon evidence, allowing facts to accumulate devastating weight. At the film's heart is Margarita Rosario, whose refusal to accept the official narrative drives the investigation forward. Through her, we witness the Civilian Complaint Review Board's findings of shoddy police work and systematic cover-ups allegedly reaching Mayor Giuliani himself. The doc's strength lies in its forensic precision, presenting testimony and physical evidence contradicting the official account. Essential viewing. See more Read all reviews
Justifiable Homicide

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Cast & Crew

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Jon Osman

Director

Rudy Giuliani

Actor

Jonathan Stack

Producer

Jon Osman

Producer
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Justifiable Homicide

Justifiable Homicide (2001) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When Anthony Rosario and Hilton Vega are shot and killed one night in 1995 in the South Bronx by two police officers, the murders are ultimately ruled as justifiable homicides. In this documentary, the case is reexamined, with one victim's mother leading the charge. The police claim that Rosario and Vega were committing a robbery at the time of the shooting. As more evidence is unearthed, questions arise about whether the right verdict was handed down.
Director
Jon Osman
Producer
Jonathan Stack, Jon Osman
Production Co
Channel Four Films, Reality, Stargaze Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 26, 2019
Runtime
1h 25m
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