I dated a guy early in high school (nothing serious, 4-5 dates) who as an infant, his father shot & killed his mother (while she was holding him), then turned the gun on himself. He was also shot in the leg & carry’s the scars to this day but has no memory of the event. As adults, I was in a circle of friends with him & his wife (and now their adult daughter). On the outside, was a good guy, outgoing, friendly, would do anything for anyone. But I later learned that in private, he had a very dark side; abusing both alcohol and his wife.
I had another friend in elementary school whose adult step-uncle hid in their home and shot & killed two of her sisters as they all came in from school bus, then killed two of the State Troopers who responded later that evening. Her mother had been hiding from him in the barn and was unable to warn the girls. That was in early 70’s. We were 9 y/o. My young friend was also shot but eventually made her wayto a neighboring farm for help. She remained emotionally fragile and “not quite right” through high school. I don’t know whatever happened to her, she moved at some point before we graduated HS & I never saw her again.
My point is, violent trauma as a child can have lifelong psychological effects, whether they remember the event or not - but also, some mental illnesses (even predication for addiction) can be genetic. Then there’s the media/social media. These children will all grow up to learn the truth. And the lies. Someday, they will read about the murders, the trials & themselves. When I think about that, I think of Diane Down’s children - especially the daughter now known as Rebecca Babcock (born in prison then adopted).
As an adult Rebecca said “The impact of Diane Downs being my mom has altered the course of my life so many times.”
As these trials move forward then behind us, as the years move on, please think of them & continue sending up your prayers or positive vibes towards the very best future for these 4 children who have forever had their lives altered. (And also for the families who are raising them).