The new true crime club at West Broward

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CRACKING CASES: Leah Rodriguez, a junior at West Broward and Vice President of the True Crime Club explains how the club will discuss the Menendez brother’s case. The members of the True Crime club analyzed both the prosecution and defense sides of this case, having an interactive discussion about it. Photo courtesy by Andres Lattas

By: Andreas Lattas

The True Crime Club at West Broward High School began on October 8th, 2025.The club will be exploring true crime cases, examining evidence, reviewing forensic science, and increasing knowledge of the criminal justice system. The officers of the True Crime club are committed to engaging in comprehensive discussions that not only enhance their understanding of the case, but also help them learn more about true crime.

The True Crime Club sponsor is Edita Beuntiempo, a math teacher at West Broward. The president of the club, Sophia Atehortua, came up with the idea herself. Atehortua is excited to create a space for people who love true crime to gather together and interact. Leah Rodriguez serves as vice president, Malak Kahok fills the role of the secretary, Yaseen Dayem acts as the historian. Together they provide a high quality learning environment for the club members.

“It’s always been something that I’ve been passionate about, and I wanted to turn it into something more. I want it to be something bigger where we can have actual people that know about forensic science, psychology, the law, so we can see more of our careers in the future,” said Atehortua.

The club meets every other Wednesday after school. The type of student who would be drawn to this group are ones who have a passion for true crime, like to solve mysteries, and are possibly considering a future career in criminal justice or forensic science.

“I know we have forensic classes that also do activities, but it’s an after school thing that kids can do without a teacher being there.  And it’s just students working together and trying to, like, have fun and learn about the cases,” said Rodriguez.

In the first meeting, the club solved a fictional case. Other ideas for future activities include inviting law enforcement officers to speak, attending a field trip to a courtroom of a mock trial, and playing games to solve cold cases. The officers of the club want to take the club to the next level.

“Maybe visiting a courtroom, we want to pair up, collaborate with a mock trial, we could go to an actual court, see how it goes, see what evidence is provided, and see what law enforcement does with their role in it,” said Atehortua.

The students of the club see it as an opportunity to interact. More importantly, they can develop critical thinking skills and explore the moral elements in crimes. The club advisor, Edita Bientempo, stated her goals for the club members and the benefits of participating.

“Number one is to be updated on current events. To understand how the case can be solved? Is it fair? Is it unfair for the people involved?” said Edita Beuntiempo.

The True Crime club’s members’ ability to discuss gruesome crimes and behaviors inspires people to think differently about the world and why people act the way that they do. Exploring criminals’ motivations for their crimes and their unique situations requires careful thought.

“How unjust the world really is and how much justice people can get. You can’t really know a person that well. I guess you can’t really tell someone, you would never imagine that person could commit a crime,” said Malak Kahok, the club secretary.