Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story

Joey Buttafuoco is introduced on Long Island, playing drums and driving while high on cocaine as he flees the police. He visits his mother's grave, hinting at a troubled past. Back at home, Mary Jo awaits his return, disappointed by his relapse and the strain on their marriage.

Mary Jo tells him that she will leave if he does not quit drugs, and Joey decides to enter rehab. He checks into a treatment program to confront his addiction and rebuild his life. The decision marks a turning point in their marriage.

Six weeks into rehab, Joey emerges renewed and promises Mary Jo he's the man she married. He vows to restore their relationship and regain her trust. Mary Jo cautiously supports his commitment.

Three years later, in the summer of 1991, Joey works in an auto repair shop on Long Island and meets 17-year-old Amy Fisher. Amy asks him to repair her car without telling her parents, drawing him into a tense dynamic given his connection to her father. He knows Amy's youth but agrees to help.

Amy frequently visits the shop, crashes her car, and starts flirting with Joey, dropping hints about a promiscuous past. Joey does not push her away but does not immediately reciprocate, keeping professional boundaries while paying her special attention.

At a carnival, Amy surprises Joey with a kiss in front of her friend Lizzy, and Joey quickly leaves. Later, Amy tells Lizzy that she had been dating him for some time, spreading a rumor about their relationship.

The next day, Amy's claim that Joey gave her herpes leads Elliot Fisher, her father, to file a police report. Joey goes to set things straight but is outraged by the accusation, which threatens his marriage.

Joey visits the Fisher residence to address the situation, and Amy eventually admits that she lied about the herpes claim. He remains outraged but keeps the truth from Mary Jo to avoid further harming their marriage.

In a cafe, Joey reassures Amy that he has no interest in leaving his wife and children, and she shows him a repair shop t-shirt to imply an affair. He ignores the insinuation and reiterates his commitment to Mary Jo, further fueling Amy's fixation.

Six months later, Amy hires a contract killer to kill Mary Jo, paying him $600 and promising more if he sleeps with her. The killer ultimately chickens out, leaving Amy's plans unresolved for the moment.

Six months after the killer attempt, Amy reappears and claims Joey is having an affair, leading to a confrontation at the Buttafuoco home. Amy then shoots Mary Jo in the head; Mary Jo is hospitalized in critical condition and fights for her life.

Mary Jo identifies the attacker via the repair shop shirt, and Amy is arrested while Joey denies involvement. The media paints him as an adulterer, adding to the strain on his marriage and public image. Amy, in prison, continues to write letters professing her love for Joey.