Mom Of Tragic ‘Alpha Dog’ Teen Horrified That Elliot Rodger Was Inspired By Film About Her Son’s Murder
June 5 2014, Published 3:11 p.m. ET
The kidnap and murder of her son was retold in gritty detail in the 2006 drama Alpha Dog, starring Justin Timberlake and Emile Hirsch. But now California mom Susan Markowitz is horrified to learn that the movie about her son’s death may have partly inspired Santa Barbara shooter Elliot Rodger
Susan Markowitz and Nick Markowitz
PICTURED: 13-year-old Nick Markowitz looks happy as he stands with his mom, Susan, while celebrating his Bar Mitzvah.
Nick Markowitz
Nick was only 15-years-old when he was kidnapped and murdered.
Nick Markowitz
The story of Nick's murder inspired the 2006 movie Alpha Dog.
Nick Markowitz
Nick studied hard for his Bar Mitzvah.
Nick Markowitz
Nick was kidnapped by drug dealer Jesse James Hollywood and his gang in August 2000.
Nick Markowitz
A young Nick Markowitz looks dapper as he poses for a photo.
Nick Markowitz
A young Nick Markowitz looks dapper as he poses for a photo.
Nick Markowitz
Susan Markowitz, Nick's mom, says she has received hundreds of messages from teens saying the tragedy portrayed in Alpha Dog scared them straight.
Nick Markowitz
"The only thing to be angry about in Alpha Dog is that about 32 people could have saved one life," Markowitz says.
Nick Markowitz
The Markowitz family had some good times before Nick's untimely death.
Nick Markowitz
The Markowitz family had some good times before Nick's untimely death.
Nick Markowitz
Toddler Nick was an animal lover.
Nick Markowitz
Nick's mom is "horrified to learn that the movie about her son’s death may have partly inspired Santa Barbara shooter."