The Real Life Murder That Inspired This Hollywood Movie

[@BNXBMBERS2012]

That Movie ''When a stranger calls'' from 1979 ( I have the DVD) was one of the scariest i've ever seen, especially the part after the stranger made a number of calls to her, the Police said they could trace the call & after he called again, the Police called her back & told her the call was coming from inside the house, that was the one moment that scared me the most.

[@joycebrackbill-henderly8311]

I was babysitting at the age of 16. This was a very scary movie!!!

[@redroads4598]

1000000% I was in High school, babysitting in the neighborhood...to this day, its scary!

[@dearlylovedbyhim]

A classic - I thought the ending was terrifying as well. Creepy

[@cynthiascott8209]

After watching this in the theater when it was first released, it was weeks before I would babysit by myself! 🫣

[@redroads4598]

Yes!!!! They did a remake, but nothing is as scary as the original.@@cynthiascott8209

[@crashlight2]

Holy crap! That house is literally on my street, about five blocks away! I freaking love that movie and had no idea it was based on a murder in my town, much less on my street. Thanks Lamont!

[@gigigiseleworld]

Who would have ever thought "?? I always assumed it may have been based upon a novel similar to Stephen King fictional characters in the 1970's ..

[@benjaminstarks4071]

I went to College in JC. Creepy.

[@rachelmiller3057]

Wow that's crazy! And I didn't know that this movie was based on a true story either. And I have seen when a stranger calls but the 2005 or 2006 movie

[@averydaymond1560]

@@rachelmiller3057 The most memorable scene in the movie is when a police officer is on the phone with Carol Kane’s character Jill, the police officer is trying to help Jill by tracing the whereabouts of a harassing male caller. Jill finally is able to keep the harassing caller on the line a long time as suggested by the officer. The officer calls her back and says Jill we’ve traced the call, the caller is calling from inside that house. I thought maybe this real life story was going to include that part.

[@larauch13]

They were burying her when they should have been celebrating her 14th birthday. How very tragic. Rest in blessed peace.

[@Sapphirering147]

This is a case that DNA can solve. A cold case detective should step up. RIP.

[@kvl627]

Unfortunately, I read all the evidence in this case was lost.

[@latasha195]

@@kvl627😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@ericv1989]

4 years before the murder of Janett Christman, a black man was apprehended and executed for a similar crime in those parts. I know exactly what tree I'd shake if I was state or federal and it was my case

[@tammylewis2408]

@@kvl627 There is a program called Cold Justice, hosted by a former prosecutor, Kelly Siegler. She solves cold cases and has had success when evidence is scarce, and some of those episodes are on YT.

[@MegCazalet]

@@ericv1989 What tree? Go to the top over the local cops?

[@shirala1972]

I’m sorry, but as a parent, if my babysitter did not answer the phone, I would’ve left the party immediately and raced home

[@THE-michaelmyers]

I agree, but if I was more than 15 or 20 minutes away I think I would attempt to call the police and tell them first!

[@southerntiger3107]

Totally agree!

[@kbell0]

He probably thought she was asleep!!

[@davidedwards1218]

Me too.

[@djr6876]

For back then ( before cell phones with every teen having one attached to their hip) it wouldn’t be uncommon for someone to not hear the phone ring from certain parts of the house or be temporarily unable to answer if using the rest room. Based on that I don’t think most parents would have been overly concerned by 1 unanswered call. Yet,I do think most parents would have followed up with a second call which they did not do.

[@sycho-blud]

Janett would've turned 14 yrs old 3 days after her death. R.I.P

[@latasha195]

😢😢😢😢😢 my son will be 14 this year! It angers me that she was robbed of 13 years and no one has been held accountable! The killer evil monster is the guy who has since passed himself I suspect! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 May her and her parents and the rest of her family please be at peace! I doubt it tho since it has never been solved! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@carolyncruse5495]

Poor Baby Girl😢

[@LaNereNere]

😔

[@HeatherR-yw9qk]

How did the guy get into the house? I never knew it was a true story

[@HeatherR-yw9qk]

​@@latasha195 he had to answer to God

[@patreich8690]

I’m accused of being a worrier by my children and grandchildren but if I called the house to check on them and there was no answer I would have waited five minutes in case she was in the bathroom then called again! Still no answer then I’m on my way! Heartbreaking for both families!😢

[@aliciaortega1140]

Yes me too 💯

[@tinagreen7502]

My grandsons are older but I still do! One lives nearby and has been depressed. I made spaghetti and thought he'd come over but didn't. Once day ok. I check, I knew he had thought a food made him sick day before. He had to work his day off so ok I'm cool now. Next day nothing, I text throughout the day, thought maybe he got called in again. But never an answer. So, finally I put some spaghetti in the card (a ruse) and drive over. House completely dark. It's not late and we all are night owls. I thought his roommate would at least be up. I park, I drive back by. Park, drive back by. He's 29, what do I do!? I kept thinking of those three guys at that football party, or yhe three Marines in the car found dead at a convenience store. So, I plunged in. No I didn't kick the door in (that would be my sister, once worried about my Mom). I texted his roommate, just as bad! Whew, he reassured me he was fine, was sick and had a fever the night before. He said he made him tea and gave him something for fever and melatonin and he seemed to be sleeping like a baby. I said I'm sorry I had to text you and he said no problem grandma, I understand I'd be worried too. I said don't tell him I texted you or he'll kill me😅 I'm the OG Auntie Josephine!😂

[@karenwoodward7291]

The town I grew up in KY had a rapist on the loose for several weeks. I used to do babysitting for several people and wonder if the messing with the front door knob one night was him? I thank Jesus for His protection in my life!!!

[@Mimi2thebestboysever]

I grew up in KY too! Western KY. What town was this in?

[@darian2948]

Eastern Ky here. 😊

[@HazelAdoreRaven]

I grew up in a small suburb of Louisville Kentucky. In the late 1970's there was a man who was doing that very thing. He seemed to always stay within one neighborhood. I wonder if he was a drifter because the late evening break-ins suddenly stopped. My mother and her mother (my grandmother) were loyal readers of the Courier Journal. I would think had he been caught it would have made news within the Courier Journal. Yet this is something that never happened to their knowledge.

[@karenwoodward7291]

@@Mimi2thebestboysever Wilmore, KY that is South West of Lexington.

[@karenwoodward7291]

@@HazelAdoreRaven This guy turned out to be a seminary student attending Asbury Theological Seminary in town. They caught him after the third rape.

[@ChantelAnderson-e5g]

"Have you checked the children?" This and the sequel scared me growing up

[@myraclayton1860]

The 1979 movie is on Tubi right now.

[@marisawoods]

Scared me to death, too!

[@IamVintage72]

Ya. When she went running out of the house after the police called telling her it was coming from inside the house

[@TTFN-g9d]

Yes ,even the music made it more frightening.

[@marionneary1128]

​@@myraclayton1860I was Born in 1979

[@thejourney1369]

In the early 70’s there was a story in True Story magazine titled The Night I Babysat for Murder. I didn’t watch the movie, but from the trailers, it seemed to have followed the story exactly. In the story, the police discover that the murderer is calling in the house. Don’t know what happened to the kids in the movie, but in the story, they were murdered. I was probably around 15 when I read that story and I’m 67 today and when I think of it, I get fearful.

[@cutetattooedgirl5322]

As a former officer. Why hasn't the department stepped in and focused on the dna.? Finger prints ? This case should be solved even if the suspect is dead. RIP Janet. 🙏🏻

[@addicted367]

Someone said in another comment that all the evidence was lost

[@cutetattooedgirl5322]

@@addicted367 that is so interesting 🤔 was intentional

[@pammiedoodle8693]

Thank goodness the children weren’t murdered too! Incredibly sad😢

[@ddivincenzo1194]

In the movie it was the opposite.

[@pammiedoodle8693]

@@ddivincenzo1194 I know😢

[@latasha195]

@@ddivincenzo1194😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@doriangray6735]

@@ddivincenzo1194 " Have you checked the children"

[@jett8193]

Truly tragic, Lamont. You did a very thoughtful job covering Janett's murder. Yep, that movie scared me silly, as a pre-teen; I couldn't help remember it when I was actually babysitting!

[@catmom7447]

This movie scared the heck out of me. RIP Janett.

[@Liz-cmc313]

The movie is intense. I knew it was based loosely on a true story but didn't know the real story. So sad. And no one was caught. RIP Janette.

[@taraleemoore5199]

The girls from that era were more mature looking and so so pretty! There's bad people in every era but that time in life was allot more innocent & so much better than things are today. 🙏🏻❤️ Prayers for the family.

[@gigigiseleworld]

In that Era,,it was easier for killers to get away with homicide. Today they aren't so fortunate... I can't imagine the horror she endured,,. Another cold case,, unsolved,".

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

I was thinking she looked MUCH older than 13.

[@gailcoelho8605]

I’m glad the children weren’t hurt. How scary!

[@robertakost2228]

Love the stories Lamont. Sad for another unsolved crime.😢

[@Brodypuppycrazyadventures]

Janet was a responsible kid. Alot of kids these days are spolied and need to understand the value of a dollar. Once they grow up and get jobs and have a mortgage or rent, they will realize. Thank you Lamont for another interesting and unfortunately sad story.

[@Erin-cw4ct]

Agreed 👍

[@watermelon520b]

like the greatest generation weren’t spoiled

[@macgrad1]

A lot of kids these days are also informed, responsible, hardworking, and involved in community service and churches. I’m in my seventies and I have known lazy, entitled people in my parents and my generation. Every generation has some undesirable people and some wonderful people.

[@brownwoman64]

@@watermelon520b well most folks wouldn’t have money to spoil them like the current generation does.

[@brownwoman64]

@@macgrad1 true. But the amount we see today is staggering to say the least.

[@marionneary1128]

Thanks Lamont for the Story this is so Sad 😢 it is Horrible that most of theses unsolved Murders Case's will Never get Solved. R.I.P. Janett Christman & Mary Lou Jenkins Fly High with the Angels. Stay Safe & Be Careful Lamont 🙏🏼❤️😍

[@Manistak1988]

I swear you have the ability to tell a story and you cant help but listen

[@HeatherR-yw9qk]

You're getting great with your stories Lamont

[@susanhurst3292]

Rest in peace to them all! Sad when you enjoying life and a monster decided your life will be taken away!

[@breakablehandlewithcare]

a monster , yes 😢

[@HeatherR-yw9qk]

You think you're safe in a house, and some creep is calling

[@leesashriber5097]

This is so sad knowing the background of this bright and beautiful girl. Terrifying. Thank you Lamont Rest peacefully and eternally Janet. ❤️🙏🕊️

[@jasonking7736]

we had when a stranger calls on VHS, Carol Kane is an underrated actor... or as my mum would correct me "Actress"

[@radiogirl85]

Thank you for keeping these victims memories alive Lamont. Be safe out there.

[@chargerr3508]

Respect Lamont from NJ

[@rtatum1]

Great job, Lamont!! What a tragic case. RIP Janet.❤

[@angelpurcell3156]

I can't imagine what she went thru at her moment of torture and then her parents. I don't think I would have had the strength to keep going Great video, and as always, you are so caring compassionate for them and their families Take care and be safe

[@melanienance4920]

Thanks Lamont such a sad story for Janet so young.

[@s.williamc.]

Thank you Lamont. Your work is a powerful remembrance of awful things done to innocent victims that the collective conscience of this country should never forget.

[@Persephonie22]

Thank you for posting this video Lamont. I didn't even know that this horrible murder occurred to this young girl. Rest in paradise Janett and your soul be free and in peace🙏🏼. Sad that a young went through that.

[@mamaw49]

Lamont I just found your channel. I really enjoyed your telling of this sad story. The movie that was based on this scared the heck out of me when I saw it in 1979. Thanks again. I'll look forward to your next video. 😎👍

[@juliewessels4045]

Stay safe out there, and rock on, Lamont! 💜✌

[@kristinegodfrey877]

Thank you for sharing. I didnt know the back story behind the movie . Loved When a stranger calls .

[@managerof3monsters]

Nothing had us more scared as teenage babysitters than that movie. What a nightmare for that poor little girl…🤍🪽 Stay safe out there, Lamont 🙏🏼♥️✨

[@KG_614]

You got that right! That movie terrified me!

[@HeatherR-yw9qk]

Thanks Lamont

[@jonnawiseman9458]

She was buried in the burgundy suit she had put on layaway.

[@DukeHalliday-cv4fx]

Sad

[@SallyBowles5050]

💔

[@Charlotte66666]

As a parent, this is the stuff of nightmares 💔

[@aaphotofilm]

Great video, i actually remember when you was at this location live streaming and kids were sat on the stair ways which was a distraction

[@jenncalifornialove414]

Great video Lamont! That building is beautiful.

[@Catlover1974]

that was one of the scariest movies that I saw in my early childhood. The scariest part was when the police rang the phone and told her that the call was coming from inside the house. scariest scene ever!

[@j.c.curnes]

I think I remember you being there before. Long time subbed thanks.

[@nelda7071360]

I was thinking he did this video before. Or maybe went there and said he was going to do a video on it. I remember him matching up the picture with the exact spot where they were sitting on the ground. Sad story although I loved the movie.

[@breakablehandlewithcare]

Thank you Lamont 💖

[@marisawoods]

You do the best job, Lamont! Thank you!

[@breakablehandlewithcare]

👍💕

[@rikjones5924]

Thanks Lamont

[@NetWit20]

Well done. The before and present day establishing shots make these historic crime segments really take flight. Good research as always and you prove you don't need any fancy dialogue to put on a good production. You let the story tell itself, nice job.

[@RandyFrench-z4c]

That's good reporting, awesome job

[@elizabethcochrane9015]

Thanks Lamont you tell the stories with such feeling. RIP darling

[@paradiseana7634]

Janet was an inspirating individual. At such a young age. For her family,, community and school. So appalling and unjust. That this happen to her and the children. I remember watching the original movie. And it was frightening then. They always say based on a true story. But you wonder if thats really true. Thank you! For telling their story and remembering them. With such compassion and respect. Well done! Rest in Heavenly peace. Janet and the precious children.😥😥😥🕊️🙏✝️

[@pamelapurcell187]

So sad. I m sure that man meant his maker. Thank you Lamont. Poor little girl 🙏

[@donnaroach4524]

I remember that movie....scared the life out of me....I use to babysit a lot at that time and the movie really did a number on me. I remember it vividly

[@barbarabaker1726]

Thank you for sharing this 😢 video young man you have a great day

[@gerry1620]

Thanks Lamont for covering this story! I never knew the story behind it. But I do remember that I was eleven when the movie came out and the late nite advertisements for the movie on tv scared the crap outta me. We lived in a two story house with a basement and had a landline on each floor.

[@reconstructingleslie4597]

Wow! Never knew that movie was based on a true story!

[@jamesbaker6265]

I saw that movie in Miami beach. Just thought it was 100% fiction. But inspired from a real life murder. I had no idea

[@gillnelson9037]

Very sad story thanks for sharing love from West Yorkshire UK 🇬🇧 💜 🫰

[@jillgross6232]

So very sad. I babysat for many families growing up. It's hard to hear stories like this. You always wonder why for some young girls and not yourself. If that makes sense? RIP: Jane, you're remembered.🎉

[@christicovington]

I remember when you were showing a bit of behind the scenes of filming this and that guy wouldn't move then the guy kept riding the bike around or something. Neat to see the making of these videos. Thanks for another great one. 👍😊

[@sallykohorst8803]

Thanks Lamonte for her story.

[@mustangsallie]

I saw the movie in the theater when it came out and it was very scary back then cause life was different growing up way back then. So very different!

[@DianeKennedy-yg5qj]

Great story Lamont! Strangely she was murdered on my actual birthday so very sad even as a teen I would babysit and lock the doors and never answer to strangers but this is sad RIP to her❤

[@DianeKennedy-yg5qj]

@@RS-fk3cj no I didn't know her we just share a bday!

[@abeldyer8316]

Another tragic story. R.I.P. Janet. Thanks once again Lamont for the video and take care out there. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏

[@kristytimm1727]

That movie was originally a short called The Sitter. It was later expanded into a full length movie. The original short is posted on KZbin.

[@timothyscavo8510]

Yes indeed. Those poor parents could empathize with other families of murder victims. Consider Fred Goldman. Sometimes I wonder how he feels, even 30 years after his son was murdered by that savage beast.

[@phoenixjnyc]

Very, very tragic. Thank you Lamont for sharing her story. RIP Janett

[@frankwafer6919]

Sad,😢😡🙏👀...Beware the monsters amongst us🙏🏻!

[@cameojennifer1177]

Sad video .. my heart breaks for her and her family … 😢 But hello from Sydney Australia.. I enjoy your videos .. always lots of info and good to see other parts of the world 😊

[@gisellegonzalez4677]

I used to drive my daughters to their babysitting gigs, and pick them up, and I’d call, this was in rural Pennsylvania in the early 90’s. I trusted no one aside from my Mom. This was such a tragedy, she was a baby.

[@PARALEECulbert-kz6qv]

I can't believe that's a 13yr old girl truth she look to me to be in her mid30s. That movie was Kind of scary. Thank you lamont.

[@daynasafranek7807]

You always have the most interesting stories (cases)… your narration is always so relaxing and I like taking these tours. Thanks, Lamont! 😊

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Lamont, that’s a horrific Murder of a young girl. RIP Janet and her Mum and Dad, 💐💐💐💐💐💐, I hope Justice is served one day for Janet 😪😪. Thank you Lamont for remembering Janet. Stay safe xxxx

[@stella474]

Thumbs up Lamont 🇺🇲

[@davidkitterman3952]

When a Stranger calls is playing on Tubi !! 😱😄🍿

[@lisabrucciani5446]

That movie scared the hell out of me.

[@rhondae8222]

Thank you for sharing this story, Lamont.

[@suzanneroberge494]

What a sad story. Poor girl.

[@Islandgirl-p7h]

That was a cute squirrel ran right in front of you Lamont 😊.

[@lasandralee5487]

I loved that movie. Didn’t know its backstory. So sad for anyone that has to lose a child 😢

[@BoneMamaAZ62]

The movie was absolutely terrifying, and one of Carol Kane's rare noncomedic roles. I had no idea this was based on a true story, but not surprised,

[@thepikachuoftexas3871]

Dude your eyes are incredible 😮

[@SheilaRiley-ug9pb]

This is so sad. Wish it could be solved. Thank you for doing this

[@corrinafrench7709]

When A Stranger Calls is in my top 5 most scariest movies that I have seen. Saw it at a drive in with my future husband way way back in the day!

[@eileenallen1986]

So sad. RIP Janet. Your about 20 minutes away from me.

[@BrittonMorgan-pl9ik]

Very Sad😢

[@southerntiger3107]

My condolences are with her friends and the victim's family following the lengthy period since the incident.

[@victoriahazard1181]

This story is so sad 😥 thank u for sharing Lamont Rest in Paradise Janet🙏🙏😇

[@seattlescofflaws]

I remember watching the movie as a kid in the late 70s/early 80s. Creepy.

[@jjeez1977]

I have this same "morbid" curiosity about people's lives, history, etc... Everyone of them lived a life, were human just like us and often met a terrible end. Please keep keeping telling your stories, if you want to tell some of the older ones, come out east, we have some very old graves it here in the Philly area. Would be glad to take you on some tours. I believe you show respect to the victims and families, keep at it.

[@angelakimbrell1214]

Thank you Lamont for telling her story. Stay safe. ♥️

[@keithsifford5326]

One of my favorite movies. No clue it was based on a real event. Very informative. Thanks!

[@sanderijnt8667]

❤another good story from you. I watch your channel everytime there is an upload❤ keeping up the good work😊

[@burrellbikes4969]

If Lamont ever put out his own shirts, they should just say: “Whathaveyou” - Lamont at Large

[@melissaclark6578]

After a few attempts of repeated unanswered calls I would have hauled ass back home to check on the babysitter and my kids. OR called babysitters parents to ask them if they could check on their daughter!

[@starpepper499]

Thanks, Lamont for sharing this amazing video 🌹

[@morningloryke]

I loved that movie but had no idea about the true story. Thanks!!

[@charmainia1]

Saw this on a documentary about urban legends.

[@stephaniephillips2643]

What is the documentary title?

[@charmainia1]

@@stephaniephillips2643 The guy who made Cropsy made it. I think it's actually called Urban Legends.

[@reniemasi5683]

Thank you for the great video.

[@charcoalblues.6121]

The little squirrel running back and forth across the road was cute...lol....