Documentary filmmaker Vanessa Roth, left, and director of photography Arthur Yee sort through family photographs at the home of Yvonne Mena, the cousin of Juan “John” Chavez, during a visit for Roth’s documentary about Chavez and the girl he was convicted of killing, Risa Bejarano. (Christina House / For The Times)
Yee, center, Roth and sound mixer Misho Stawnychy interview Yvonne Mena, left, the cousin of John Chavez, who was convicted of gunning down Risa Bejarano in a South Gate alley. Roth felt compelled to tell how John’s and Risa’s lives had become intertwined. She would make a film questioning the death penalty, and the prosecutor’s decision to use the film to influence the jury. (Christina House / For The Times)
Roth, left, and Yee listen to Mena talk about Chavez. “His favorite thing was to play soccer and be on the skateboard,” said Mena, who had been like an older sister to John and tried hard to set him on the right path. (Christina House / For The Times)
