Clovis man working on documentary

A Clovis man is working on a documentary about the effects of violence in the city.

Daniel Murrell, pastor of The Church of the Brethren in Clovis, said the idea came from a series of funerals.

"I was preaching a funeral for a kid and a bunch of kids were there," Murrell said. "Two weeks later I was preaching a funeral for a kid who was at the first funeral. A month later I was preaching a funeral for a kid who was at both of the earlier funerals.

"The youth in our community need to be aware of the impact violence has on our community," he said. "Not merely from the victim's family's perspective but from the impact on the perpetrator's family."

Murrell said he wants to bring emotion to the film and allow people to grasp the different factors that contribute to the violence the city experiences.

Murrell said he believes factors that contribute to violence in Clovis and other communities include lack of strong male role models, poverty, drugs and mental illness.

"This is not about bashing," Murrell said. "I won't be bashing anyone. This is a problem we need a solution to, rather than pointing fingers."

Murrell said he's getting input from many people.

"I've been talking with school superintendents, psychotherapists, funeral home directors, many people," Murrell said. "Victims of the Clovis library shooting of 2017 are in the film."

Josefita Griego, a Clovis community activist, is involved in the project.

"Daniel wants to interview me about why I've been so involved with social media and the work we're doing on a non-profit neighborhood crime watch, working on helping people get back to work," Griego said.

"Crime and poverty go hand in hand," Griego said.

Griego said Murrell's documentary is a great way to open the door to show "what the community is going through, what the community is suffering."

Kathy Elliott is helping Murrell as media advisor.

"We work together around town," Elliott said. "I applaud him for trying to have a civil discussion. Or at least bringing to light awareness, a community awakening."

Elliott believes what she termed "the intense crime" the rest of the state is experiencing is creeping in to Clovis.

"Dan is on the front lines," Elliott said, "as a pastor who has preached for 75% of the funerals for families who have lost young people to violence."

Elliott described the project as a lot of work and "a big deal."

"Once it is done I hope people will seek it out and understand the changes in our community," Elliott said. "They need to open their eyes.

Murrell said the film is still in its production phase.

"It's probably going to take us about six months to get everything together and wrapped up," he said.

He plans to release it on social media platforms.

"We hope that it is shown on television stations and networks," Murrell said.