Chenango County is getting unwelcome, wide-spread publicity in connection with a Guilford couple accused of killing their adopted, autistic son and setting their house on fire and it's linked to an Oscar-winning movie.

Reports have quickly spread beyond the Southern Tier after Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride said during a bail hearing for 35 year old Ernest and 33 year old Heather Franklin that the couple had just watched “Manchester by the Sea” and were inspired to kill 16 year old Jeffrey and set the house on fire.

The movie involves a man who is told he cannot be prosecuted for the death of his children after accidentally setting a fire.

Firefighters from several departments responded to the scene on State Route 6 in Mount Upton at 1:15 a.m. March 1.

While investigators had said the fire appeared to start in a wood stove, an autopsy revealed the disabled teen was dead before the fire.

The adoptive parents are charged with murder, arson and evidence tampering.

 

 

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