GUILTY SC - Twins Davion & Trevon Wilson, 9 mos, smothered, Moncks Corner, 11 Oct 2006

[southcitymom]

There is no mental illness component to being a sociopath. Rather it is a lack of conscience. Here's some reading on the subject:

People who cannot contain their urges to harm (or kill) people repeatedly for no apparent reason are assumed to suffer from some mental illness. However, they may be more cruel than crazy, they may be choosing not to control their urges, they know right from wrong, they know exactly what they're doing, and they are definitely NOT insane, at least according to the consensus of most scholars (Samenow 2004). In such cases, they usually fall into one of three types that are typically considered aggravating circumstances in addition to their legal guilt -- antisocial personality disorder (APD), sociopath, or psychopath -- none of which are the same as insanity or psychosis.

Much more at this link:

http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/428/428lect16.htm....snip

Antisocial Personality disorder is absolutely a mental illness. Is it the same as insanity or psychosis? No, but it is classified and treated (though, as we know, getting better isn't likely) as a mental illness. If someone is "simply a sociopath" they are, by definition, mentally ill.

 

[SewingDeb]

I believe a person with Anti-social personality disorder (The "New" term for a Sociopath or Psychopath) is indeed mentally ill. I also believe a Sociopath is bred and not born.

That being said, I don't think there is "help" for a Sociopath, I don't believe medication can make them normal. But they do strive very hard to appear normal. I also don't see a Sociopath beginning their criminal career by killing their child.

If this woman were a Sociopath she would not feel enough for her children that she would put them in her bed with her to sleep. These babies would not have mattered to her yet they are described by police as well dressed and well cared for with no signs of previous abuse or neglect. She had the babies Baptized.

This is not Sociopathic behavior.

This stuff begins in childhood and there would be a hell of a long line of people telling stories of the horrible things this woman has done to them.
This girls pastor said "She was a very, very quiet and orderly girl"

No, I don't see this girl being a Sociopath.

Do we know her criminal history? You may be right that she is not a sociopath but I recall many cases where the killer has been described as very quiet...never bothered anyone, etc.

We need more information before we can conclude that she was mentally ill and unable to stop herself from killing her children.

 

[SewingDeb]

Antisocial Personality disorder is absolutely a mental illness. Is it the same as insanity or psychosis? No, but it is classified and treated (though, as we know, getting better isn't likely) as a mental illness. If someone is "simply a sociopath" they are, by definition, mentally ill.

I believe psychologist differentiate between mental illness and personality disorders.

 

[OneLostGrl]

The words in this post are just outrageous! :furious: :banghead: I know plenty of wonderful black mothers and white mothers and mothers of all races, And bad ones also of all races. And some are young.

You know, I love websleths. But I think I just have to leave here. I know there are several people here that will be glad to hear that.

I just can't understand why racist statements like that are o.k. here. And I know I'll be jumped on for saying it, but dear god that is totally racist.

I know there are some horrible black mothers but it is not just limited to them.

montana,
I am sorry that your feelings were hurt by a comment in this thread but I really don't think the poster meant it the way it "sounded".

Please don't leave us!

 

[OneLostGrl]

There is no mental illness component to being a sociopath. Rather it is a lack of conscience. Here's some reading on the subject:

People who cannot contain their urges to harm (or kill) people repeatedly for no apparent reason are assumed to suffer from some mental illness. However, they may be more cruel than crazy, they may be choosing not to control their urges, they know right from wrong, they know exactly what they're doing, and they are definitely NOT insane, at least according to the consensus of most scholars (Samenow 2004). In such cases, they usually fall into one of three types that are typically considered aggravating circumstances in addition to their legal guilt -- antisocial personality disorder (APD), sociopath, or psychopath -- none of which are the same as insanity or psychosis.

Much more at this link:

http://faculty.ncwc.edu/toconnor/428/428lect16.htm

The site you linked here for us was at first discussing violent criminals in general. Explaining that everyone that kills does not have a mental illness.

"People who cannot contain their urges to harm (or kill) people repeatedly for no apparent reason are assumed to suffer from some mental illness. However, they may be more cruel than crazy, they may be choosing not to control their urges, they know right from wrong, they know exactly what they're doing, and they are definitely NOT insane, at least according to the consensus of most scholars (Samenow 2004). In such cases, they usually fall into one of three types that are typically considered aggravating circumstances in addition to their legal guilt."

But then went on to define what the author says are 3 different Personality disorders that most criminals may be afflicted with. Antisocial personality disorder, Sociopathic personality disorder, and Psychopathic personality disorder. Then they informed us that these illnesses do not mean the same thing that society considers "insane" or "psychotic".

The author is right when he/she says these illnesses do not = insanity.

Insanity itself is actually a legal, not a medical, term that is used to declare if someone can tell the difference between right and wrong. Insanity is not the same concept as mental illness. A person can have a mental illness and yet be found "sane".

A mentally ill person with a grasp on reality is not insane. Rather, people that have more severe forms of mental illness such as schizophrenia with hallucinations and a different reality then the rest of society are considered insane.

"Normal" people adapt to social norms. "Abnormal" people try very hard to adapt to social norms. "Insane" people do not know what social norms are!



Now- onto personality disorders...

First of all the Psychiatric community no longer recognizes Sociopath and Psychopath seperate illnesses and are no longer found in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

"Psychiatric Diagnoses are categorized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition. Better known as the DSM-IV, the manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and covers all mental health disorders for both children and adults. It also lists known causes of these disorders, statistics in terms of gender, age at onset, and prognosis as well as some research concerning the optimal treatment approaches.

Mental Health Professionals use this manual when working with patients in order to better understand their illness and potential treatment and to help 3rd party payers (e.g., insurance) understand the needs of the patient. The book is typically considered the ‘bible’ for any professional who makes psychiatric diagnoses in the United States and many other countries...."
http://allpsych.com/disorders/dsm.html


They kind of shoved all the symptoms together and now refer to it as "Antisocial personality disorder" which is an Axix II The DSM refers to Antisocial personality disorder as follows-

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Category
Personality Disorders


"This disorder was previously known as both psychopathic and Sociopathic personality disorder. Like most personality disorders, there are many factors that may contribute to the development of symptoms. Because the symptoms are long lasting, the idea that symptoms begin to emerge in childhood or at least adolescence is well accepted. The negative consequences of such symptoms, however, may not show themselves until adulthood.


Research has shown that a large percentage of individuals with this disorder have recognizable behaviors prior to age 15. These behaviors include difficulty with authority, legal altercations, cruelty to animals, fire setting, and a dislike or anger toward authority. This disorder is diagnosed much more frequently in males....."
http://allpsych.com/disorders/personality/antisocial.html


As you can see, Antisocial personality disorder is a personality disorder. The DSM refers to personality disorders as follows-

"Personality Disorders are mental illnesses that share several unique qualities. They contain symptoms that are enduring and play a major role in most, if not all, aspects of the person's life. While many disorders vacillate in terms of symptom presence and intensity, personality disorders typically remain relatively constant..."
http://allpsych.com/disorders/personality/index.html

 

[OneLostGrl]

Do we know her criminal history?
You may be right that she is not a sociopath but I recall many cases where the killer has been described as very quiet...never bothered anyone, etc.

As a matter of fact, no, we don't know her criminal history but we do know that until she killed her children, she took very good care of them. We also know that her pastor feels that she is/was "A very, very quiet and orderly girl".

The symptoms of Anti-social personality disorder(ASPD) (previously known as both Psychopathic and Sociopathic personality disorder) are pretty severe, as I'm sure you read when you looked up "sociopath".
It is not something that you could mistake for anything else. If she has it, everyone around her would know!

They have complete disregard for anyone but themselves Versus: She took good care of her children until this.
They do not know how to love, they anger quickly, they have NO real feelings... they are deceitful and irritabile Versus: Her pastor calling her quiet and orderly. They cannot conform to societys "norms" Versus: she had healthy, well taken care of 9 month old twins.

Although I'm no Shrink I'd say there is no way this woman has ASPD. The behaviors (being a good mom until she killed them. Being considered quiet and orderly) are sooo far away from the symptoms of ASPD that even a lay person can see it.

We need more information before we can conclude that she was mentally ill and unable to stop herself from killing her children.

Even if she *IS* mentally ill it does not mean she should be excused from punishment. That's what I have been getting at through this whole thread!

I have said that *I* myself have been sick and did not act out when I felt I could harm my child. I have said that this woman, mentally ill or not (Obviously someone like Andrea Yates is a completely different relm), CHOSE to kill her kids!

I have not seen anyone defending this woman. You have me kind of confused with this last quote of yours.

 

[southcitymom]

I believe psychologist differentiate between mental illness and personality disorders.

My father-in-law, a psychiatrist of many years, says personality disorders are mental illnesses. That's my only point. If she has APSD (which I don't think for a second that she does, given the facts we know about the case), then she is mentally ill.

Mental illness is a broad category. You can differentiate between a seagull and a bird, but if you are a seagull, you are, by definition, a bird.

Mental illness does not "excuse" her actions, but I'll bet it's a component in this case.

 

[SewingDeb]

Thanks OneLostGirl.

 

[SewingDeb]

My father-in-law, a psychiatrist of many years, says personality disorders are mental illnesses. That's my only point. If she has APSD (which I don't think for a second that she does, given the facts we know about the case), then she is mentally ill.

Mental illness is a broad category. You can differentiate between a seagull and a bird, but if you are a seagull, you are, by definition, a bird.

Mental illness does not "excuse" her actions, but I'll bet it's a component in this case.

Thanks.

 

[Malapoo]

Let me start this by saying I am not arguing with ANYONE here. When I hear of some tragic crime, I always start wondering WHY this happened. So Basically when I "wonder aloud" if she was having hormonal issues combined with maybe less then stellar mental health etc, I'm only searching for a reason why people do horrible things like this. I'm also in NO WAY excusing her/anyone or saying she should walk for this. There should always be legal pursuit and anytime someone is hurt or killed there should be a sentence even if it's for mental health counseling. I believe even those who are mentally ill should at the very least serve "mental health probation" where they must see a therapist as mandated by a court at a set interval (daily/weekly) and if they fail to do so just like parole violaters, go to jail.

But it's hard for me to say "I suffer from major recurring depression (I do) so anyone who does, shouldn't commit suicide etc because I never have". First of all, I haven't died of old age or natural causes/murder, so how can I say next year I won't kill myself? I had a great family from Great Grandmother all the way down as well as Aunts, Uncles, cousins ect and they're all supportive and strong people. I had a good law abiding unabused childhood with friends who were the same. We weren't rich or even upper middle class, but while we were semi poor, it wasn't "abject poverty". So it's tough for me to disallow other depressed people being worse then me or committing suicide or crimes etc. I can't say how life is for other "mentally ill" folks because I can't walk in their shoes. Does this make sense? I'm not arguing with those who say otherwise, I just really like to explore reasons why people do the things they do.

I just think your upbringing CAN play a factor in being able to stop yourself from crime when you have emotional issues. I thinnk until we can truly understand all the factors that play into crimes like these, we're less able to prevent some of them (it'll never be all by any means) or help people like this woman if she is salvageable. I would much prefer we be able to truly rehabilitate those who can be (not the Dahlmers etc of the world because they're beyond saving) rather then lock em up and throw away the key.

I haven't said this well, but basically I'm just speculating and tossing out ideas as to things that may have contributed to this tragedy. It may just be a case of the babies bugged her so she killed them and if so lock her up. Even if she "went nuts" she needs to be treated/investigated THOROUGHLY, but if there are issues, we need to find all of them and over time find ways to "fix" these types if it can be done.

 

[eve]

Mentally ill is different than legally insane. The question will be whether she could differentiate netween right or wrong at the time of the act -- to form intent and carry it out knowing the consequences, i.e. that the baby would die at her hand and that it was wrong.

Andrea Yates does come to mind but I still think she knew right from wrong. I can't remember for sure but she called the police didn't she? She knew what she had done.

These cases are so tragic. Not limited to any age or race. I think it has happened for centuries.

Eve

 

[SewingDeb]

Let me start this by saying I am not arguing with ANYONE here. When I hear of some tragic crime, I always start wondering WHY this happened. So Basically when I "wonder aloud" if she was having hormonal issues combined with maybe less then stellar mental health etc, I'm only searching for a reason why people do horrible things like this. I'm also in NO WAY excusing her/anyone or saying she should walk for this. There should always be legal pursuit and anytime someone is hurt or killed there should be a sentence even if it's for mental health counseling. I believe even those who are mentally ill should at the very least serve "mental health probation" where they must see a therapist as mandated by a court at a set interval (daily/weekly) and if they fail to do so just like parole violaters, go to jail.

But it's hard for me to say "I suffer from major recurring depression (I do) so anyone who does, shouldn't commit suicide etc because I never have". First of all, I haven't died of old age or natural causes/murder, so how can I say next year I won't kill myself? I had a great family from Great Grandmother all the way down as well as Aunts, Uncles, cousins ect and they're all supportive and strong people. I had a good law abiding unabused childhood with friends who were the same. We weren't rich or even upper middle class, but while we were semi poor, it wasn't "abject poverty". So it's tough for me to disallow other depressed people being worse then me or committing suicide or crimes etc. I can't say how life is for other "mentally ill" folks because I can't walk in their shoes. Does this make sense? I'm not arguing with those who say otherwise, I just really like to explore reasons why people do the things they do.

I just think your upbringing CAN play a factor in being able to stop yourself from crime when you have emotional issues. I thinnk until we can truly understand all the factors that play into crimes like these, we're less able to prevent some of them (it'll never be all by any means) or help people like this woman if she is salvageable. I would much prefer we be able to truly rehabilitate those who can be (not the Dahlmers etc of the world because they're beyond saving) rather then lock em up and throw away the key.

I haven't said this well, but basically I'm just speculating and tossing out ideas as to things that may have contributed to this tragedy. It may just be a case of the babies bugged her so she killed them and if so lock her up. Even if she "went nuts" she needs to be treated/investigated THOROUGHLY, but if there are issues, we need to find all of them and over time find ways to "fix" these types if it can be done.

Excellent post.

 

[OneLostGrl]

Let me start this by saying I am not arguing with ANYONE here. When I hear of some tragic crime, I always start wondering WHY this happened. So Basically when I "wonder aloud" if she was having hormonal issues combined with maybe less then stellar mental health etc, I'm only searching for a reason why people do horrible things like this. I'm also in NO WAY excusing her/anyone or saying she should walk for this. There should always be legal pursuit and anytime someone is hurt or killed there should be a sentence even if it's for mental health counseling. I believe even those who are mentally ill should at the very least serve "mental health probation" where they must see a therapist as mandated by a court at a set interval (daily/weekly) and if they fail to do so just like parole violaters, go to jail.

In a sense, I agree with you. I think Law enforcement in every state should have to be trained in "Crisis Intervention" such as the program described @ this link http://www.cjmh-infonet.org/ov_newlondon_cit.html

For non-violent crimes, I absolutely think that every state should have a mental health court and deal with each case on an individual basis with the emphasis on treatment and not punishment.

Info on Mental health courts here- http://consensusproject.org/mhcp/info/MHC-defined

But it's hard for me to say "I suffer from major recurring depression (I do) so anyone who does, shouldn't commit suicide etc because I never have". First of all, I haven't died of old age or natural causes/murder, so how can I say next year I won't kill myself? I had a great family from Great Grandmother all the way down as well as Aunts, Uncles, cousins ect and they're all supportive and strong people. I had a good law abiding unabused childhood with friends who were the same. We weren't rich or even upper middle class, but while we were semi poor, it wasn't "abject poverty". So it's tough for me to disallow other depressed people being worse then me or committing suicide or crimes etc. I can't say how life is for other "mentally ill" folks because I can't walk in their shoes. Does this make sense? I'm not arguing with those who say otherwise, I just really like to explore reasons why people do the things they do.

Yes, what you are saying makes sense and you do make a good point.

However, IMO, Each "type" of mental illness has a set of symptoms that not only aid in diagnosis but are typically pretty accurate in judging how the persons mind works.
Let me try to explain what I mean in terms of a "body" related illness rather then an illness of the mind...

One Diabetic may need Insulin and another may not but we do know one thing for sure- they cannot eat sugar. Their symptoms would be the same regardless. Most would not to eat the sugar even if they are craving it but some would eat it anyway. Same Disease different choices.

I just think your upbringing CAN play a factor in being able to stop yourself from crime when you have emotional issues. I thinnk until we can truly understand all the factors that play into crimes like these, we're less able to prevent some of them (it'll never be all by any means) or help people like this woman if she is salvageable. I would much prefer we be able to truly rehabilitate those who can be (not the Dahlmers etc of the world because they're beyond saving) rather then lock em up and throw away the key.

Again, I agree with some of what you are saying here. I too think that a persons upbringing effects how a person acts and how they treat people (Mental illness or not).

I'm a firm believer that prevention is key.

This woman killed someone, two someones! Because of that, *I* do not think she can be rehabilitated, nor should she be in Society. When it goes so far as not being able to control your anger and that loss of control makes you murder someone- that person has lost their right to live amungst us! They obviously need to be in a controled environment.

Now, if we were talking Non-violent crimes, then I'd agree with your quote completely!

I haven't said this well, but basically I'm just speculating and tossing out ideas as to things that may have contributed to this tragedy. It may just be a case of the babies bugged her so she killed them and if so lock her up. Even if she "went nuts" she needs to be treated/investigated THOROUGHLY, but if there are issues, we need to find all of them and over time find ways to "fix" these types if it can be done.

This woman not only broke a law but what she did was morally wrong. If she is mentally ill but not "Insane", I think she needs to go to prison so she wont ever have the chance to hurt anyone else. If she is "just" mentally ill then she knew full well what she was doing, chose to do it, and needs to be punished like all other murderers.!

It's not like all she did was steal a candy bar, like I said, if that were the case, I would agree that she is salvageable and should have some sort of court-based initiative rather then jail time.

If this woman is or was insane at the time of the murders- she obviously needs to be in a Hospital and IMO should never be let out into Society.

 

[hoppyfrog]

This woman killed someone, two someones! Because of that, *I* do not think she can be rehabilitated, nor should she be in Society. When it goes so far as not being able to control your anger and that loss of control makes you murder someone- that person has lost their right to live amungst us! They obviously need to be in a controled environment.

Now, if we were talking Non-violent crimes, then I'd agree with your quote completely!

This woman not only broke a law but what she did was morally wrong. If she is mentally ill but not "Insane", I think she needs to go to prison so she wont ever have the chance to hurt anyone else. If she is "just" mentally ill then she knew full well what she was doing, chose to do it, and needs to be punished like all other murderers.!

It's not like all she did was steal a candy bar, like I said, if that were the case, I would agree that she is salvageable and should have some sort of court-based initiative rather then jail time.

If this woman is or was insane at the time of the murders- she obviously needs to be in a Hospital and IMO should never be let out into Society.

So that's how we should deal with people who are mentally ill: lock them up and throw away the key?? What century is this?

How about getting them the treatment they need so they can be healthy again and not be a danger to themselves or those around them?

Sheesh!

Hoppy

 

[s_finch]

Mentally ill is different than legally insane. The question will be whether she could differentiate netween right or wrong at the time of the act -- to form intent and carry it out knowing the consequences, i.e. that the baby would die at her hand and that it was wrong.

Andrea Yates does come to mind but I still think she knew right from wrong. I can't remember for sure but she called the police didn't she? She knew what she had done.

These cases are so tragic. Not limited to any age or race. I think it has happened for centuries.

Eve

I agree with the bolded part. Ever go to an old family cemetery plot where there's like 5 or 6 dead infants belonging to the same parents. Seems like usually none of these infants reached 1 year of age. Until recently I always thought "How sad, if they'd had any of our modern medicine capabilities, this family would have had a baby to survive" ----then I began reading on here and books by profilers, etc... and I've begun to wonder if all those infant deaths years ago were ALWAYS accidental (disease, genetics, etc...) Before I'm attacked, I do realize that a vast majority of them were accidental deaths. They didn't have immunizations, so the infants were exposed to a plethora of deadly diseases, they didn't understand about germs, often cousins married cousins for so many generations that genetics no doubt played a part in infant mortality, but still I wonder. You know there had to be nut job mom's back then too; those who loved the attention they received when they had a sick or dead child, those who snapped when the infant wouldn't stop crying, those who were paranoic schizophrenics, etc..... JMHO

 

[s_finch]

So that's how we should deal with people who are mentally ill: lock them up and throw away the key?? What century is this?

How about getting them the treatment they need so they can be healthy again and not be a danger to themselves or those around them?

Sheesh!

Hoppy

I"m all for getting people the treatment they need, but I also know that each person's willingness to comply to their treatment regimen, whether it be counseling, medication, etc... is very subjective and I would have a difficult time allowing a mentally ill murderer the right to walk the streets based on the fact that they are in treatment. Using the diabetes example (as referenced above) there are some diabetics who take their disease seriously and take great care to follow their treatment plan. HOWEVER, there is a vast number of diabetics who are in denial or who enjoy the attention they get from being repeatedly hospitalized---these patients completely ignore doctors advice, do not take care of themselves at all and repeatedly end up in a crisis condition. I guess what I'm saying is that the willingness to comply with counseling and therapy isn't a guarantee. I would not think that someone suffering from mental illness to begin with is someone who is going to be eager or motivated to voluntarily and regularly comply with therapy.

Studies show (don't have the studies in front of me) that many homeless people are themselves mentally ill and have chosen to walk away from counseling, refuse to take their medicaiton, etc.... I feel for these people. I wonder where their families are. But then I also know that families can only handle so much and when you are trying to deal with someone who doesn't think they need help or doesn't want help, then it is nearly impossible to MAKE that person receive help.

Throw away the key?? No. But is it a fair service to let the mentally ill roam the streets and live at the mercy of more sinister criminals? What about children born to these mothers, what rights do those children have? What burden of responsibility do we as a society have to protect those children????

I don't have all the answers, heck I probably don't have all the questions either. I do, however, feel that we owe a level of protection to children born to seriously mentally ill mothers, especially when those mothers have already murdered.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

The original poster explained herself later in this thread. I agree that the post sounded racist. I am willing to give the poster the benefit of the doubt that she did not intend it that way. Also, she could be accused of ageism by lumping young mothers in there, but I am not willing to accuse her of that either.

It sounds like she had recently read two similar stories regarding two young black women and this flavored her post.

I agree with Southcitymom. The poster you referenced has enough credit in my book to agree that it was not intentionally racist and accept that. Let's move on.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Mentally ill is different than legally insane. The question will be whether she could differentiate netween right or wrong at the time of the act -- to form intent and carry it out knowing the consequences, i.e. that the baby would die at her hand and that it was wrong.

Andrea Yates does come to mind but I still think she knew right from wrong. I can't remember for sure but she called the police didn't she? She knew what she had done.

These cases are so tragic. Not limited to any age or race. I think it has happened for centuries.

Eve

Yes Eve. You're correct. However, in the "Yates" case, "legal" definitions and "moral" definitions were jumbled in her mind. She knew that her actions would end their mortal lives, but she believed she was saving their eternal souls. Hardly a comparison in her mind I believe. She knew her "earthly" body would be punished by the acts, but I honestly believe she thought that she was doing the right thing. So, you can see that the "difference between right and wrong" is sometimes blurred when it comes to mental illness.

 

[OneLostGrl]

So that's how we should deal with people who are mentally ill: lock them up and throw away the key?? What century is this?

How about getting them the treatment they need so they can be healthy again and not be a danger to themselves or those around them?

Sheesh!

Hoppy

Read all of my posts on the matter before you judge my opinions!

But yeah, if a person was not "legally Insane" when they murdered someone, I absolutely think they should be locked up and the key thrown away.


You think murderers should roam the streets unpunished simply because they happen to have a mental illness? Most murderers ARE mentally ill but in most of the cases their illness did not cause the murders! "sheesh" back atcha!

I think the misconception is that people seem to blur the lines between Insanity and Mentally ill.

Prior to treatment, I was arrested several times for non-violent things. Bipolar surely had a hand in the impulsivity behind my crimes but "it" didn't commit those crimes, I did! It's about accepting what you did wrong and then facing the consequenses. Those are the rules in Society and my children have to live in this world.

We teach our kids at a young age to follow rules and as they get older we then teach them to follow the law. My son, 12 yrs. old, was recently diagnosed with Bipolar and OCD, on top of the Tourettes syndrome... but he is in NO WAY insane. If he hops off his bus today and tells me he killed someone, that is NOT ok and he would need to be punished, as is the law, as well as continue with his medication and therapy.

We can not give the mentally ill a "walk" simply because they are mentally ill! And I'm one of 'em!

As I have stated in another post, I feel differently about the Mentall Ill and "NON-Violent" crimes. But the case we are speculating about here is indeed a violent crime!

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Read all of my posts on the matter before you judge my opinions!

But yeah, if a person was not "legally Insane" when they murdered someone, I absolutely think they should be locked up and the key thrown away.


You think murderers should roam the streets unpunished simply because they happen to have a mental illness? Most murderers ARE mentally ill but in most of the cases their illness did not cause the murders! "sheesh" back atcha!

I think the misconception is that people seem to blur the lines between Insanity and Mentally ill.

I think the blur is happening because the confusion is between mentally ill and "criminally insane." You can be mentally ill or even insane without ever committing a crime in your lifetime. Those who are "criminally insane" cannot ever stop the compulsion and must be removed from society.