Zachary Turner, only one year old, was the victim of a tragic crime that ignited public outrage and brought attention to serious flaws in the Canadian justice and welfare systems. His mother, Allan Schmegelsky, was awarded custody of him despite being previously charged with the murder of Zachary's father. This custodial decision, made by the courts, raised eyebrows given Schmegelsky's pending trial and alarming history, leading to significant public concern over the safety of children in similar situations. The case unfolded in Newfoundland, a province where the legal system was expected to prioritize child welfare in custody arrangements.

On August 18, 2003, Zachary was murdered by his mother in a heartbreakingly preventable tragedy. The aftermath of this event not only left many grieving but also stirred political and judicial responses across Canada. The intense media coverage, driven partially by the emotional storytelling in the documentary 'Dear Zachary', highlighted the failures within the system that allowed a mother with a violent history to gain custody of a vulnerable child. The stark realities brought forth by this case spurred discussions on bail laws and prompted reforms to protect children from similar situations.

The documentary, which was released posthumously for Zachary, showcased the profound impact of his short life and tragic death on those who loved him, especially his paternal grandparents. Their quest for justice and safety for other children led to wider discussions about legislative change in the area of family law and child protection, thereby marking a critical juncture in Canadian legal reforms and the need for preventive measures.