If you’ve seen the documentary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father, you probably haven't been the same since. It’s one of those rare films that leaves you staring at a blank screen for twenty minutes after the credits roll, just feeling... numb. Honestly, it’s gut-wrenching. The story of Dr. Andrew Bagby, his killer Shirley Turner, and the tragic fate of baby Zachary is a masterclass in how a justice system can fail a family. But that documentary came out in 2008. It’s been a long time.
Naturally, anyone who has felt that deep empathy for Andrew's parents wants to know: Are Kate Bagby and David Bagby still alive?
Yes. As of early 2026, David and Kate Bagby are still with us. They are living in California, continuing a life that has been defined by a resilience most of us can’t even wrap our heads over. They didn't just survive; they stayed active. They fought for law changes. They kept their son’s and grandson’s names from fading into some forgotten police file.
The Current Status of David and Kate Bagby
People often worry about the Bagbys because, frankly, the movie ends on such a heavy note. You see these two people who have lost their only child and their only grandchild. You see the rage. You see the "black hole" of grief they described.
But they are still here.
David Bagby is now in his late 70s (born in December 1945), and Kate is in her mid-80s (born in April 1941). They still reside in the San Jose area, specifically Sunnyvale/Gilroy. For years after the documentary, they remained very public figures in the world of victims' rights advocacy.
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They’re still married. That’s a miracle in itself, right? Statistics say most couples don't survive the loss of a child, let alone the double-trauma the Bagbys endured. But they've hit their 50th wedding anniversary and kept going. They are the definition of "standing by each other."
Where are they now?
They’ve pulled back from the spotlight a bit recently, which is totally fair. They spent over a decade being the faces of a tragedy. Nowadays, they mostly focus on:
- The Andrew Bagby Scholarship: This is a huge deal for them. They use the money raised to help medical students at Memorial University of Newfoundland and other institutions. It’s their way of finishing the work Andrew started.
- Small celebrations: Friends and family still gather for "Andrew's Birthday" or milestone dates. Kurt Kuenne (the filmmaker) remains incredibly close to them.
- Quiet retirement: After years of flying back and forth to Canada for court dates and legislative hearings, they’ve earned some peace.
How they changed the law (Zachary's Bill)
You can't talk about whether they are alive without talking about why they stayed alive. For a long time, it was pure, unadulterated spite and a drive for justice.
David Bagby wrote a book called Dance with the Devil: A Memoir of Murder and Loss. If you haven't read it, be warned: it is raw. He doesn't hold back. He talks about the "murderous" thoughts he had toward Shirley Turner. He talks about the incompetence of the judges who let a suspected murderer out on bail to care for an infant.
That book, combined with the film, led to Bill C-464, also known as "Zachary's Bill." ### What did the bill actually do?
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Basically, before this law passed in Canada, the bail system was a bit of a mess regarding the safety of others. Shirley Turner was out on bail for a murder charge when she killed Zachary. The Bagbys fought like hell to change the Criminal Code of Canada. In 2010, the bill was signed into law.
Now, Canadian courts can refuse bail if it’s necessary to protect the safety of the public—including children. It’s a legacy. It means that while they couldn't save Zachary, they probably saved dozens of other kids whose parents might be in similar legal limbo.
Dealing with the "Is Kate Bagby Okay?" Rumors
Internet searches sometimes bring up obituaries for "Kathy Bagby" or "Kathleen Bagby." This causes a lot of panic in the Dear Zachary fandom.
Just to clear the air: Kate Bagby (the one from the documentary) is still alive. There was a Kathy Bagby from Kansas who passed away in 2022, but she was a different person entirely. Our Kate Bagby was born in England, worked as a nurse, and is the mother of Andrew. It’s an easy mistake for a Google algorithm to make, but it’s a vital distinction. Kate has always been the "softer" counterpoint to David’s vocal rage in the film, but don't let that fool you. She’s tough as nails.
She once said in an interview that she wanted to live long enough so that when she finally sees Andrew and Zachary again, she can tell them she did everything she could.
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The Bond with Kurt Kuenne
A lot of people wonder if the filmmaker just disappeared after the movie became a hit. He didn't. Kurt Kuenne is essentially an honorary member of the Bagby family now.
He still provides updates on the scholarship and the family through the official Dear Zachary website and social media. The documentary wasn't just a project for him; it was a tribute to his best friend. That connection has kept the Bagbys linked to a global community of supporters.
They still get letters. People still send them messages from all over the world saying how much Andrew’s story impacted them. Honestly, that kind of support is probably a big reason why they've managed to keep their heads up for twenty-plus years.
Actionable Insights: How You Can Support the Legacy
If you’ve recently watched the film and are feeling that "I need to do something" energy, there are actually things you can do. The Bagbys never wanted pity; they wanted action.
- Support the Scholarship: You can still donate to the Dr. Andrew Bagby and Son Zachary Andrew Turner Memorial Fund. It helps students who embody Andrew’s spirit—people who are kind, dedicated, and want to help others.
- Advocate for Victims' Rights: Check out the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. The Bagbys worked closely with them. Understanding your local bail laws and how they protect (or fail to protect) children is a great way to honor Zachary.
- Watch the Epilogue: There is a 15-minute "Epilogue" to Dear Zachary that Kurt Kuenne released. It shows the passing of the law and more footage of the Bagbys’ journey toward some semblance of healing.
- Read the Book: If you want the full, unfiltered story from David’s perspective, buy Dance with the Devil. It gives way more detail than the movie ever could about the legal battle in Newfoundland.
The Bagbys are a living testament to the fact that you can walk through fire and still come out the other side. They aren't "over it"—you never get over losing your family—but they are living. And in a story that started with so much death, their continued life is the ultimate victory.
Next Steps: You might want to look up the Andrew Bagby Memorial Scholarship at Memorial University to see the latest recipients and how they are carrying on Andrew’s medical legacy. Alternatively, searching for the Dear Zachary Epilogue on YouTube will give you the most recent visual update on David and Kate's advocacy work.