Documentary on Tinley Park Lane Bryant Killings Sparks Controversy

Filmmaker Charlie Minn's film 'Who Killed These Women' criticizes police handling of the unsolved 2008 murders, drawing pushback from authorities.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A new documentary by filmmaker Charlie Minn about the unsolved 2008 killings of five women at a Tinley Park Lane Bryant store has sparked controversy. The film, titled 'Who Killed These Women,' includes a reenactment of the shootings and criticizes the Tinley Park police for allegedly withholding information from the public. The police have pushed back against Minn's claims, saying his previous work on the case generated unhelpful tips. The film has drawn both praise and criticism from moviegoers, with some feeling the police were unfairly blamed while others want the department to share more details about the case.

Why it matters

The Lane Bryant murders have remained unsolved for 18 years, leaving the victims' families and the community without closure. Minn's documentary aims to renew public interest and pressure the police to provide more information, but his confrontational approach has led to a tense standoff between the filmmaker and the authorities.

The details

Minn's documentary includes interviews with family members of the victims, paramedics, Lane Bryant employees, and experts. It also features a reenactment of the shootings. Minn has been critical of the Tinley Park police, calling them 'aloof' and accusing them of withholding information. The police, in turn, have said Minn's previous work on the case generated unhelpful tips that pulled resources away from the investigation. The film has been both praised and criticized by moviegoers, with some feeling the police were unfairly blamed and others wanting more transparency from the department.

  • The Lane Bryant killings occurred on February 2, 2008.
  • Minn's documentary 'Who Killed These Women' debuted in theaters on February 17, 2026.

The players

Charlie Minn

The filmmaker who directed the documentary 'Who Killed These Women' about the unsolved 2008 Lane Bryant killings in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Tinley Park Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the 2008 Lane Bryant murders, which has been criticized by Minn for allegedly withholding information from the public.

Pat Carr

The Tinley Park Village Administrator, who stated that the police department did not release a public statement to Minn as claimed in the documentary.

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What they’re saying

“They don't have to like me. This is about solving the case. This is about results.”

— Charlie Minn, Filmmaker (chicagotribune.com)

“Why would they not allow to be interviewed? It's very suspicious.”

— Karin Hanson, Moviegoer (chicagotribune.com)

“I was angry about speculation in the film that the shooter might be dead, because I said this could mean the victims and public might never receive answers.”

— Kristin Siville, Moviegoer (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

Minn has said he has received new tips and information on the case since the film's debut, which he has forwarded to the Tinley Park Police and the FBI. He has also called for the FBI to become more involved in the investigation and for the $100,000 reward for information on the killer to be increased.

The takeaway

The Lane Bryant murders have remained unsolved for nearly two decades, leaving the victims' families and the community without closure. Minn's documentary has reignited public interest in the case, but the tense relationship between the filmmaker and the Tinley Park police threatens to overshadow the pursuit of justice and answers for the victims.