This isn't about children who are intimidated by authority. These two men, aged 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, had their entire lives ahead of them. They should have done what many people age 18-21 do: get a job, find a place to live, build a life and a future for themselves. I don't believe for a moment that two athletes with active social lives couldn't figure that out.Abusers often threaten their victims so the abuse remains a secret.
There's has long been a debate about whether murderers can blame an unfortunate childhood on their decision to kill people. Many have tried. The answer is no. Ted Bundy cannot blame his childhood family dysfunction for his decision to kidnap, torture, and murder young women.
If Lyle and Erik believe that they were mistreated during childhood, they should have reported their parents. They had options, they made choices, and they should live with the consequences.