Parents Who Killed Their Children Filicide

What could possibly incite parents to kill their own children? This collection of "Filicidal Killers" provides a gripping overview of how things can go horribly wrong in once-loving families. Parents Who Killed their Children depicts ten of the most notorious and horrific cases of homicidal parental units out of control. People like--Andrea Yates, Diane Downs, Susan Smith, and Jeffrey MacDonald--who received a great deal of media attention. The author explores the reasons; from addiction to postpartum psychosis, insanity to altruism, revenge and jealousy. Each story is detailed with background information on the parents, the murder scenes, trials, sentencing and aftermath. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - "{A} valuable resource and reference book for Criminologists and Psychologists on the fraught subject of maternal filicide, supported with ten case studies. A clear-eyed view on the most heartbreaking of crimes." SUSPENSE MAGAZINE - "Parents Who Kill Their Children is a great read for aficionados of true crime. The way the author laid the cases out made the hair on the back of my neck stand up." INSIDE THE BOOK Andrea Yates Darlie Routier Susan Eubanks Lianne Smith Alan Bristol Jeffrey MacDonald Deanna Laney Susan Smith Tonya Thomas Diane Downs "Acclaimed true crime author, RJ Parker, has a knack for collecting high-profile cases under specific themes. This collection about parents who kill their children provides a fast-paced, gripping overview of how things can go horribly wrong in once-loving families. From Andrea Yates to Jeffrey MacDonald to Susan Smith, Parker reports on the stunning case details and suggests reasons why the parental bond can get so twisted. The updates at the end of each chapter add a lot, since popular media rarely follows up. An important reference for true crime readers." -- (Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D.), bestselling author of "The Mind of a Murderer" and "The Ivy League Killer." "Is there anything more reprehensible than filicide--that is, the intended act of a parent killing his or her own child? In "Parents Who Killed Their Children," the award-winning true crime author RJ Parker shines a powerful light on this dark and sordid phenomenon. First, Parker offers a number of possible psychological and environmental causes (or at least correlates) of filicide. Then he presents ten shocking, real life case histories of parents who murdered their children. The result is a book that is bound to make you rethink the absolute sanctity of motherhood and reflect on why some mothers do indeed "eat their young." This is a powerful read and another hard-hitting, compelling entry by RJ Parker." -- (Dr. Scott Bonn, Ph.D), criminologist, professor and author of the forthcoming "Why We Love Serial Killers" NOTEWORTHY This book has been selected by several Universities in their upcoming courses in Criminology, Sociology and Forensic Psychology, including, the University of Utah and Penn State University. Keywords: Andrea Yates Killer Book Darlie Routier Killer Book Susan Eubanks Killer Book Lianne Smith Killer Book Alan Bristol Killer Book Jeffrey MacDonald Killer Book Deanna Laney Killer Book Susan Smith Killer Book Tonya Thomas Killer Book Diane Downs Killer Book

What can possibly incite parents to kill their own children? This collection of "Filicidal Killers" provides a fast-paced, gripping overview of how things can go horribly wrong in once-loving families. This book depicts ten of the most notorious and horrific cases of homicidal parental units out of control. People like--Andrea Yates, Diane Downs, Susan Smith, and Jeffrey MacDonald--who received a great deal of media attention. The author explores the reasons; from addiction to postpartum psychosis, insanity to altruism. Each story is detailed with background information on the parents, the murder scenes, trials, sentencing and aftermath. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - "{A} valuable resource and reference book for Criminologists and Psychologists on the fraught subject of maternal filicide, supported with ten case studies. A clear-eyed view on the most heartbreaking of crimes." CASES INCLUDE: Andrea Yates Darlie Routier Susan Eubanks Lianne Smith Alan Bristol Jeffrey MacDonald Deanna Laney Susan Smith Tonya Thomas Diane Downs "Acclaimed true crime author, RJ Parker, has a knack for collecting high-profile cases under specific themes. This collection about parents who kill their children provides a fast-paced, gripping overview of how things can go horribly wrong in once-loving families. From Andrea Yates to Jeffrey MacDonald to Susan Smith, Parker reports on the stunning case details and suggests reasons why the parental bond can get so twisted. The updates at the end of each chapter add a lot, since popular media rarely follows up. An important reference for true crime readers." - Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D., bestselling author of "The Mind of a Murderer" and "The Ivy League Killer." "Is there anything more reprehensible than filicide--that is, the intended act of a parent killing his or her own child? In "Parents Who Killed Their Children," the award-winning true crime author RJ Parker shines a powerful light on this dark and sordid phenomenon. First, Parker offers a number of possible psychological and environmental causes (or at least correlates) of filicide. Then he presents ten shocking, real life case histories of parents who murdered their children. The result is a book that is bound to make you rethink the absolute sanctity of motherhood and reflect on why some mothers do indeed "eat their young." This is a powerful read and another hard-hitting, compelling entry by RJ Parker." - Dr. Scott Bonn, Ph.D, criminologist, professor and author of the forthcoming "Why We Love Serial Killers" October 2014 from Skyhorse Press. "The only thing more shocking than female serial killers is when mom or dad kills their own children. RJ Parker has collected some of the most notorious and horrific cases of homicidal parental units out of control. Shocking and gripping." - Dr. Peter Vronsky Ph.D., investigative criminal justice historian and filmmaker. The author of the bestselling history of serial murder, "Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters" and "Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters." "The author writes the before, during, and after, like no other. I'm an avid reader, but selective, and will read everything he is associated with." - Lori Smith NOTEWORTHY This book has been selected by several Universities in their upcoming courses in Criminology, Sociology and Forensic Psychology, including, the University of Utah and Penn State University. Parker has written 14 true crime books, available in eBook, trade paperback and audiobook editions and have sold in over 80 countries. He holds Certifications in Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling.

An inside look into patterns and potential prevention plans for one of the most hotly sensationalized crimes A special kind of horror is reserved for mothers who kill their children. Cases such as those of Susan Smith, who drowned her two young sons by driving her car into a lake, and Melissa Drexler, who disposed of her newborn baby in a restroom at her prom, become media sensations. Unfortunately, in addition to these high-profile cases, hundreds of mothers kill their children in the United States each year. The question most often asked is, why? What would drive a mother to kill her own child? Those who work with such cases, whether in clinical psychology, social services, law enforcement or academia, often lack basic understandings about the types of circumstances and patterns which might lead to these tragic deaths, and the social constructions of motherhood which may affect women's actions. These mothers oftentimes defy the myths and media exploitation of them as evil, insane, or lacking moral principles, and they are not a homogenous group. In obvious ways, intervention strategies should differ for a teenager who denies her pregnancy and then kills her newborn and a mother who kills her two toddlers out of mental illness or to further a relationship. A typology is needed to help us to understand the different cases that commonly occur and the patterns they follow in order to make possible more effective prevention plans. Mothers Who Kill Their Children draws on extensive research to identify clear patterns among the cases of women who kill their children, shedding light on why some women commit these acts. The characteristics the authors establish will be helpful in creating more meaningful policies, more targeted intervention strategies, and more knowledgeable evaluations of these cases when they arise.

Moms Who Kill Mothers are supposed to be protective and shield their children from danger and destruction. Every child expects their mom to be there for them and instinctively trusts them. They would never expect their own mother of being able to commit such crimes, but they do. Why Do They Commit These Acts Of Maternal Filicide "Maternal filicide" is the technical term for the act of a mother killing her child. It is usually children under the age of eight who are killed by their mothers; those over the age of eight are more likely to be killed by their fathers. So what can make a mother cross the line and actually kill her own child-or, in some cases, children? A history of mental illness, drug abuse, and even perceived altruistic reasons have all been seen in these horrible cases. Andrea Yates, famous for drowning her children in the family bathtub, had a known history of post-partum depression and psychosis and had been advised not to have any further children. In some cases, the mother may stop taking her medication or avoid the counseling doctors recommend. In the case of Diane Downs, however, who attempted to kill all three of her children but only managed to kill her daughter, it was suspected that she committed the crimes to win the favor of an ex-boyfriend who had stated he didn't want any children. This isn't the only case that circles back around to a relationship. In fact, revenge on a partner might be one of the rarest reasons for filicide, but it happens as well. Beyond Child Abuse Women may only commit 14% of the violent crimes in the country, but filicide still remains prevalent. By learning what motivates these women to kill and attempting to understand their frames of mind it might be possible to identify at-risk behavior in the future and stop the violence. From famous cases such as Susan Smith to lesser known ones such as Michelle Kehoe, all maternal filicides are tragic and horrifying. The murder of a child can never be justified. In the following book we'll look at the murders and the aftermath of their horrifying, unimaginable actions and try to gain an understanding of what motivated them and how those around them seemed to miss the warning signs of their impending actions. Would You Like To Know More? Download now and prepare yourself to be shocked by these acts of maternal filicide. Scroll to the top of the page and select the buy button.

This compelling and unique collection of critical and creative work assesses for the first time cultural, literary, legal and historical representations and narratives about mothers who kill and filicide. The idea of a mother killing her child to many presents the greatest taboo, and the most disturbing and distressing aspect of maternal experience. In Toni Morrison's 1987 novel Beloved, escaped slave mother Sethe addresses her daughter Beloved whom she murdered out of desperation, in order to avoid her returning to a life of slavery and sexual abuse. Sethe reflects, "I'll explain to her, even though I don't have to. Why I did it. How if I hadn't killed her she would have died and that is something I could not bear to happen to her. When I explain it she'll understand." This book goes beyond Morrison's widely known literary portrayal, in order to investigate a range of other, less known but no less challenging, examinations of maternal filicide. Have mothers who kill inevitably been portrayed as monsters in cultural representations? Or are there certain contexts that may urge us to reevaluate maternal behavior? And how might we counter the misogynist narratives surrounding maternal

Maternal filicide has been discussed in the medical, mental health, and child abuse fields, yet little research exists with a criminal justice/law enforcement perspective. Nevertheless, criminal justice professionals responsible for investigation and prosecution of these offenders often must give attention to unique behavioral, social, and psychological dynamics not considered in many other types of cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) III – Crimes Against Children identified, collected, and reviewed law enforcement case files in which a biological mother killed her child(ren). Collectively, the cases involve 213 biological mothers who killed 265 children, and are comprised of neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide cases. Data analysis revealed that the offenders ranged in age from 12-46 years, and many were unmarried, unemployed, and had a history of violence. Many of the victims were three years of age or younger, did not live with their biological fathers at the time of their deaths, and had a history of maltreatment most often perpetrated by their mothers. In addition, traditional weapons such as a firearm or knife were used less often compared to asphyxiants and blunt force instruments. The authors explore the tenets of female violence, the mother-child dynamic and mental disorders, and address the complexities associated with investigating and prosecuting maternal filicide offenders. ​

An inside look into patterns and potential prevention plans for one of the most hotly sensationalized crimes A special kind of horror is reserved for mothers who kill their children. Cases such as those of Susan Smith, who drowned her two young sons by driving her car into a lake, and Melissa Drexler, who disposed of her newborn baby in a restroom at her prom, become media sensations. Unfortunately, in addition to these high-profile cases, hundreds of mothers kill their children in the United States each year. The question most often asked is, why? What would drive a mother to kill her own child? Those who work with such cases, whether in clinical psychology, social services, law enforcement or academia, often lack basic understandings about the types of circumstances and patterns which might lead to these tragic deaths, and the social constructions of motherhood which may affect women's actions. These mothers oftentimes defy the myths and media exploitation of them as evil, insane, or lacking moral principles, and they are not a homogenous group. In obvious ways, intervention strategies should differ for a teenager who denies her pregnancy and then kills her newborn and a mother who kills her two toddlers out of mental illness or to further a relationship. A typology is needed to help us to understand the different cases that commonly occur and the patterns they follow in order to make possible more effective prevention plans. Mothers Who Kill Their Children draws on extensive research to identify clear patterns among the cases of women who kill their children, shedding light on why some women commit these acts. The characteristics the authors establish will be helpful in creating more meaningful policies, more targeted intervention strategies, and more knowledgeable evaluations of these cases when they arise.

This edited collection addresses a substantial gap in the existing literature on filicide by presenting the latest research from empirical investigations around the world. Despite its low occurrence, little is known about the incidences, causes and circumstances of filicide nationally and globally, and this international volume address the challenges associated with explaining and understanding filicide. Additionally, the authors also outline the role of professionals in assessing risk, and the importance of support for, and advocacy of, families of victims in the aftermath of these tragic events. Exploring a truly diverse range of countries, from various English speaking countries, to Chile, and Japan, this book presents an authoritative look at research on filicide, and crucially, examines the programs currently being developed for both intervention and prevention. An important and well-researched collection, this book will be of particular interest for scholars of do mestic violence and filicide, as well as professionals such as social workers.