Sep 6, 2024, 8:39 AM
Sep 6, 2024, 8:39 AM

What turns a child into a cold-blooded killer?

Provocative
Tragic
Highlights
  • Two teenagers were recently convicted of murder, including a 17-year-old for the murder of Holly Newton.
  • Dr. Murphy highlighted that children who kill are often deeply disturbed and have likely experienced trauma.
  • These cases raise critical concerns about youth violence and the need for mental health interventions.
Story

In recent court cases, two teenagers were found guilty of murder, highlighting the disturbing trend of youth violence. Dr. Murphy, an expert with nearly two decades of experience with dangerous criminals, emphasized that children who commit such acts are often deeply troubled and damaged. The 17-year-old who murdered Holly Newton claimed he had no memory of the incident and was obsessed with her prior to the attack. This case, along with others, raises questions about the mental health and backgrounds of young offenders. The court revealed that one 15-year-old boy was convicted of murder and possession of a knife, while another was found guilty of manslaughter after encouraging the stabbing. The use of knives among youth is often a misguided attempt to project toughness. The psychological state of these young individuals is concerning, as they exhibit behaviors that suggest they have experienced significant trauma themselves. During the trial, it was noted that the 17-year-old had been stalking Holly, indicating a premeditated aspect to the crime. The chilling nature of these cases suggests that the offenders may be using bravado to mask their fears and insecurities. Dr. Murphy pointed out that a healthy child would not be capable of such brutality or derive pleasure from another's pain. These incidents underscore the urgent need for addressing the underlying issues that lead to such violent behavior in children, including mental health support and intervention strategies to prevent future tragedies.

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