Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four

Deborah S. Esquenazi's film about a miscarriage of justice tells the story of the so-called San Antonio Four: lesbian couple Anna Vasquez and Cassandra Rivera, along with their friends Elizabeth Ramirez and Kristie Mayhugh. After Ramirez babysat her young nieces, the children accused all four of sexually abusing them. Despite a complete lack of physical evidence, the quartet were convicted in a trial in which homophobia, as well as some highly dubious medical testimony and suspicions of Satanic practices, played a role. The women were incarcerated for years before an independent Canadian researcher took an interest in their case and referred his findings to the Innocence Project of Texas. New evidence, along with a recantation by one of the girls, led to their ultimate release, although they still had to go through a torturous legal process to be fully exonerated. Esquenazi has smoothly edited extensive interviews with the women, their supporters, and other experts—along with archival footage—to tell the story. Viewers might wish that Esquenazi had been more forceful in questioning Javier Limon—Ramirez's former brother-in-law—who probably coached the girls into making the original accusations because Elizabeth had rejected his advances, and that the documentary had included interviews of the judges and prosecutors who conducted the trials. But while it fails to cover all sides, the film nevertheless presents a powerful and compelling brief on behalf of the San Antonio Four. Extras include additional courtroom footage and later interviews with the freed women. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)