HOUSTON — Netlfix will release a new documentary on the life of slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen later this fall.
"I Am Vanessa Guillen" will share how Guillen went from a 20-year-old Houston woman with dreams of having a military career to being murdered in April 2020. Guillen's remains were discovered on June 30, 2020.
The documentary is set to air on Nov. 17.
Director Christy Wegener said the documentary will also shed light on how Guillen's death sparked historic military reform and how they've handled reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
"At the core, this is a story about overcoming the greatest odds imaginable in the name of family, love and justice," Wegener said. "This is David vs. Goliath on steroids."
Prior to her death, Guillen told family members she was sexually harassed by a superior in her unit. Guillen's family said Vanessa never reported it for fear of retaliation, and they claim she had suicidal thoughts as she struggled to cope.
Back in August, Guillen's family filed a lawsuit seeking $35 million in damages from the U.S. government.
“Nothing is going to bring her back," Vanessa's sister Mayra told KHOU 11 after filing the lawsuit. "I would truly wish to have her here than any of this but this is where we are today."
The lawsuit alleges that Guillen was the victim of sexual harassment, abuse, assault, rape, sodomy and wrongful death. It details two accounts of harassment during her time as a soldier.
The lawsuit was filed in San Bernadino County, California, where Guillen’s family claims she was harassed during training. The Department of Defense has six months to respond, either to reach a settlement or take it to a jury trial.