Hey guys! Hope you've recovered from last weeks video because that was intense! I just want to apologise for the audio issues in this video, I'm still transitioning to the new equipment and it's not going smoothly! But when I went to edit the video I sounded like a chipmunk....so I did the best I could to make me sound normal but there's the odd clip or word that sounds distorted so I'm sorry! 💜💜💜
I didn’t think about it that much but started thinking about it more after I saw that clip from the Netflix Dahmer series where they brought his dad in and told him what Jeffrey Dahmer had done to his victims. I can’t imagine discovering someone you love and are close to committed such horrific acts.
Oh, my gosh YES! When someone commits a murder, they are hurting everyone involved, even their own family. That is important for everyone to remember, especially would be murderers.
I know the feeling. Diagnosed with ptsd after a year of my mental state declining from it. complex grief that isolates you because almost no one can understand. Unrelenting shame.
I absolutely agree!!!! When I first saw this a few week's ago, that's almost what broke my heart the most. I'm a psychologist, but I get psychiatric and psychological help for my own issue's, and agree medication can be great, but it's gross negligence on behalf of the psychiatrist to just prescribe meds and not follow up with therapy. And when they brought into trial about the antidepressant increase possibly causing this, I can say without doubt, playing with medication can definitely increase self harm and negative thought's towards oneself to begin with, but I've very very rarely heard of it causing homicidal issue's, plus she had them so long beforehand. It's just scaring people off meds, when they can be very beneficial, and making people think this girl isn't responsible for her action's, but that's just not the case. Xxx
As a former "emo" kid I was constantly writing song lyrics on my walls obviously this girl had issues but most of the things the media focused on is average teen angst
Same here. But mine was usually like self discovery and depression angst not violence, but absolutely true in the characteristics of he culture. Very expressive and emotional but in private ways. (I was goth) .
not on my walls bc strict household but i would write them on notebooks, sneakers, or pieces of paper that i would stick on the wall. i would also post them. they were definitely focusing on the wrong stuff
Bring me the horizon is also a very popular band then! Them and Pierce the veil were some of the bands that got me into more emo music type and I'm sure others too
@darcymeadows1349 I was honestly the teenage dirt bag at 11 I was drinking and smoking and other self destructive behavior but the music I listened to had no part in my behavior it was my escape from a terrible home life
It really is. I was tearing up for her grandmother. And it hurt even more hearing her in the background screaming “It will never be okay,” which is shown in the interrogation video. That part wasn’t shown here though.
also thank you for not demonizing goth/emo culture the way a lot of people or outlets who covered this case. what alyssa did was horrific but it had not much to do with her being emo
I have schizoid personality disorder and when i was an unmedicated tween I used to act exactly like Alyssa. I contemplated murder and suicide all the time, i threatened my school mates, I got violent with a lot of kids to the point of throwing one down the stairs and breaking another's arm. Thing is, I got help. Proper help. I got proper medicine, and therapy, and had an amazing support system, and throughout the years I learnt to have at least a little bit of empathy for others and to accept this world a little more. I'm 21 now and none of my friends would ever believe me if I told them how I used to be. I haven't been violent with anyone in years, I've become an artist and express myself through art and music, I have three wonderful cats who give me reason to love, and being alive isn't so bad anymore. I am certain - *certain* - of two things: if I hadn't received the help I needed, I would do something horrible; and if Alyssa had received the help I did, she wouldn't have done something horrible.
Thanks for sharing. I feel like Schizoid personality disorder is not seen and recognised enough, especially in young children. It might be one of the least known about personality disorders.
I can relate to this case so much as I have BPD, and I too got the help I needed. I'm glad you were able to get the help you needed, I'm just sorry she didn't.
Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy that you got the help you needed and that you now find joy in your art, music and kitties. I too think that if Alyssa had been given behavioral therapy instead of just upping her meds that little Elizabeth may not have been the victim of such a horrible death. Too many doctors ignore the signs that some teens are seriously ill and brush it off as “drama”. You are so brave to share your story and I wish you the best in life. ❤
@@OkieTLBur saying that as if it was the doctors fault for the a little girls passing. It was Alyssa and it doesn't matter what kind of sickness she has, unless you are not aware of ur behaivor you are not justified for hurting others. Besides unless you are hallucinating you will be aware of ur behavior. If she knew it was bad and was scared for ppl to know, she was aware. Gross human being
I think they thought they were doing everything they could but it sounds like no one was ever addressing her past trauma. You can't sweep things like that under the rug and expect them to go away. It's sad because they really were good to her and had the best intentions.
I think they trusted the doctors. And that is the problem. If the doctors do not think she needed more help, then what could the grandparents possibly do?
@tarakennedy707 what are you talking about? She was going through therapy for years. What else can couple of old people do? apart from taking care of 4 kids, feed them, take care of them and support their adult daughter on top of that? Some people are just emotionally stunted sociopaths. It is not their mistake. They did everything right. If anyone is to be blamed it is Alyssa's mother and father.
The grandmother bursting into tears in the interrogation room really hit me hard. I remember being Alyssa's age, and while not angsty and homicidal like she, I was an anxious and depressed teen. I still can't ever imagine doing anything that would make my Meemaw sob like that.
DUDE THIS IS SO CRAZY, I'm less than 3 minutes in and this girl's story mirrors my own sister's, also named Alyssa, story SO MUCH. She was born to a teen mom, parents heavy into drug use, and so my parents stepped in and adopted her. Thankfully the parallels stop there, my sister is doing very well in life now and my parents raised us all nicely, nothing else bad.
I adopted two of my grandchildren. My son was sick, he passed in 2019. Their mother was a drug addict/thief that couldn’t stay out of prison! Here it is 2023 and she is doing her third stent in FEDERAL prison. The girls are grown with kids of their own. No drugs. Please stop with the bad childhood bullshit, it is not an excuse, it is their reason. Big difference. I’m glad your grandparents took y’all in and raised you. I’m also proud that you and your sister are doing well.
The perspective of hindsight is so annoying sometimes. I totally grabbed electric fences. Dared people to pee on them. I also had my older siblings trick me into licking a 9-volt battery. I never hurt anyone like her. I can honestly say I never wondered what it was like to kill someone. That's probably a red flag, especially if it's said with more excitement rather than bewilderment.
All of us kids who grew up in the countryside have done this. Not a single one of us became a murderer. It's a prank, a game. That's it. I think all those psychologists are such narcissists, wanted to hear themselves talk and put their name on the map since this was such a "big case."
Seconded. We had this one goofball who had some peculiar bodily talents and would eat spaghetti through his nose. Kids dared him to snort all kinds of foodstuffs! Teenagers do all kinds of weirds things for shock value and lack of anything particularly constructive to do. See also, our school’s cafeteria must have been the only entity on Planet Earth that could eff up spaghetti - that’s a genuine feat… Now he’s a lovely fella with a beautiful lady partner and they have cats! I don’t think I’ve heard or read of anybody I grew up around who grew up to be life-threateningly violent, whether or not they were part of that particular lunchtime circle.
Been there, done that! I think anyone who grew up in a rural community participated in weird things. I grew up on a horse ranch and we would grab (on purpose or accident) electric fences all the time. You were constantly moving and swinging fences, either for cattle or horses. You were gonna get zapped. My brother had me lick a 9v battery because he was my brother and that’s what brothers do. Heck, I got zapped about a week ago, but that’s more about me getting old and forgetful than anything else. To sum up, they’ve made WAY too big a deal than it needed to be.
I absolutely agree that killing her sister was at least on her mind. Like you said, she dug two graves. I think she wanted to kill Emma but couldn’t quite bring herself to kill her own sister, so Elizabeth was sort of like a proxy for Emma. Maybe Alyssa resented Emma because she hadn’t had to go through as much as she did and she had more of the “happy childhood” that Alyssa had wanted.
I dont think Elizabeth was her sisters replacement, if she dug two graves and was playing with both of them, the origibal plan wpuldve been to kill both, but then decided not to and sent her sister away
Y’all I agree, I grew up on a farm, and raised my kids on a horse farm. Playing with the hot wire fence is a country kid’s right of passage. We did lots of dumb things…. Most people would be appalled! That goodness social media wasn’t a thing in the 80s.
Omgoodnese, I remember touching the electric fence with a piece of hay (country girl here too). My whole arm was shaking until I got the hay out and no longer touching the fence. Years later I would become a nuclear engineer and worked at various power plants. Now I know why I couldn't drop the hay.
I grew up across the street from a horse farm and I don't think I know a single child from my neighbourhood that DIDN'T (intentionally) electrocute themselves on the fences at one point
I remember being at a horse farm with my then boyfriend, his sister and a friend of hers because his sister had a horse there. While she was riding my boyfriend played around with an electric fence, touching his sisters friend and then the fence so she'd be electrocuted too lol. That's really just a countryside kid (or teen, even young adult tbh) thing to do
They're learning so much about childhood trauma, she should have been in *intensive* therapy, not just medicated. When you have that much trauma that young, it literally alters your brain chemistry. She should absolutely 100% be held accountable for the absolutely horrific acts, but everything leading up to it was the loudest cry for help I've ever heard.
OKAY SO THE "IT WAS WRITTEN IN BLOOD" LYRICS HAS BOTHERED ME IN EVERY VIDEO AND PODCAST I'VE LISTENED TO OH MY GOD THANK YOU Edit: again, not excusing her behavior or anything but from an "emo kid" im really glad that someone finally acknowledged this fact
About the meds, I don't think they're the reason that she committed the murder, but you mentioned that they thought she might be bipolar. Taking SSRIs (like Prozac) when you're bipolar can (emphasis on can, bc I'm bipolar and still take Prozac along with my mood stabilizer) cause or heighten manic episodes. That's not the reason she committed the crime; however, she could have been manic at the time. Increasing an SSRI can absolutely cause manic episodes. That could relate to why she thought she could get away with it because of the illusions of grandeur from a manic episode. Again, I want to stress that this is not an excuse; however, it is an interesting thing to consider when analyzing her mental state.
When I was put on prozac, it made my symptoms worse, and I had to switch to another med. In saying that; I only wanted to harm myself more, not harm other people.
I was misdiagnosed years ago and ended up with SSRI induced mania. That is when they figured out I didn't have depression or bipolar, but actually had ADHD. Scary what SSRI can do.
@@Becksy_Boo I agree, it absolutely doesn't lead to violent behavior. In fact, it's already hard enough to fight against the stigma that bipolar people are violent, I just thought it was something to note.
@@stephanienugent7800 It's scary what all meds can do, especially psychiatric ones! Especially when you're in the experimental phase of trying to find something that works for you. Like I said, most people with bipolar have a hard time on SSRIs, and yet Prozac has really helped me even before I was diagnosed with bipolar. It's fascinating how different people can have such opposite reactions, but definitely also scary
I'm from Missouri. This was covered pretty extensively on the news here. It's awful that Alyssa had such a horrific upbringing, but does not excuse what she did. It's just a tragic case all the way around.
I have to wonder if she was properly diagnosed. Apparently "bipolar" is frequently used as a catch all. I myself was misdiagnosed as "bipolar" at basically first glance by my first psych (who wasn't a very professional person). I'm AuDHD, and liking glitter doesn't mean I'm having a manic episode, just like kids messing with an electric fence doesn't mean they're sadists. The entire mental health field is a dangerous wild west, rife with ignorance, biases, and apathy. So many vulnerable people aren't getting the help they deserve and desperately need.
seriously, psychiatry is still deep in the dark ages and they might as well blame planetary alignments half the time. I'm in the opposite situation where I desperately needed my bipolar diagnosis earlier bc my symptoms were severe at a young age. it wasn't until I was 22 and a doctor prescribed meds for bipolar type 2 despite lack of diagnosis that I actually felt like I was given proper care. that was 11 years after my first appointment with a psychiatrist 👍 and after I told her I hadn't had a good grasp on reality since I was 9 years old
The fence thing is stupid country kid stuff. I know a lot of people that have done that. (Don't it's dumb) Or seeing who can hang on to it the longest. If she was trying to just inflict pain she wouldn't have done it too.
I have also had a bipolar misdiagnosis. I remember going to the psychiatrist. It was such a horrible experience. The doctor was overworked and all they did was prescribe meds. They really didn’t bother to look into anything deeper. Not to mention treating mental health is can’t be afforded by all.
THIS PART. She was put on meds that aren't even approved for children bc it has extreme effects. I had a similar experience (minus the murder obv). Psychiatrists especially during this time would sooner shove pills down kids throats than find out what's actually wrong.
i was also misdiagnosed as bipolar. turns out i just have a severe depression since childhood, along with severe anxiety and adhd. those "manic episodes" were just times were i was actually kinda happy... i had just gotten out of quarantine (2021), got a kitten, and online school was doing wonders for me because i could see my friends but didn't have to go to school to my bullies. got medication and made everything worse, because they were to stabilize the "manic episodes" (it was just that one month that i was happy) and made my depression worse. yes, i was stable, but sad, my mood just got stuck like that.
This case killed me... As I helped look for Elizabeth... I had a 16 month old and was so worried that something could happen to a child in our backyard. We, as a community, were heartbroken and horrified by what happened.
This happened in my hometown right down the road, and this was/ is still absolutely heartbreaking. My little brother was in the same class as Elizabeth and were friends...Soo surprised to see you cover this story. Thanks for covering these cases with compassion ❤
Same here! JC is my hometown and that whole situation was such a devastating time for the community. I was surprised to see this case covered. I'm glad it's getting coverage
I watched this interrogation just over a year ago and I still can't get Karen's cries out of my head. Hands down one of the toughest cases for me to listen to but, Danielle, you did so incredibly well covering this case. We appreciate all of your hard work
My heart breaks for Elizabeth. She sounds so sweet and adorable. Alyssa did not deserve to go through that rough journey at the start of her life, but her actions are absolutely HORRIBLE and she knew what she was doing. It makes me wonder how family dynamics, upbringings and trauma can really play into tragic situations like these. Was Alyssa born evil, or was she evil because of her environment? Rest in peace Elizabeth, fly high.
I was thinking that poor Elizabeth just sounded like a typical little nine year old child. Poor little girl, my heart bleeds for her family and for Emma.
I went to middle school with her twin brothers. It was truly devastating to them and they were mercilessly bullied for what their sister did. I always felt so bad for them.
I felt so bad for Alyssa up until the point of the murder. I get it, trauma affects everyone differently, but I feel like she needed better doctors that would actually take the time help her through her problems. I also feel like, there kids who've gone through worse, and don't end up killing others. So she was a monster in the making. It's sad though, all she wanted was her mother, and her mother only cared about drugs. But she had loving grandparents, but her hate and anger blinded her of it.
Yeah, up until she started talking until wanting to kill people I thought our lives sounded very similar and could relate a lot tbh. I didn't hurt anyone other than myself though, and I've been in and out of therapy and not hurt myself for years now. No hospitalisations since I was 17 either.
Okay the fact that she dug 2 graves makes me think that maybe at first she thought about killing both of the girls, but changed her mind about killing her sister 😢😢😢
Remember this is 2009, and with how even today seeing a therapist is hard, I imagine in 2009 it was near impossible especially if your not living in a high populated area and the patient isn’t an adult.
Well, nobody forced the grandparents to move to such remote area with children who obviously needed help with their mental health issues, it was their deliberate choice. And if someone prescribed them medication, there was a health care professional available, they should have been informed about a need of a psychotherapy in addition to the medication. 2009 is still not 1960's or so...
@carnifaxx I agree they clearly knew she had mental health issues. Any time someone is taking medication it needs to be followed up with therapy. But I was also given Prozac at her age. It did not have negative effects on me but I have taken other medications that have worsened my su!c!dal ideations and s3lf h@rm. I can imagine it would be the same for someone who has homicidal ideations.
I think it really depends because I live in a fairly small town and was able to see a therapist pretty quickly. I feel bad for anyone who has a different experience than mine.
My two daughters and my stepson were seeing therapists in 2007 -2009. My daughters because they were devastated when their dad left and moved across country. I merely brought up with their pediatrician. My stepson was also affected by divorce. There was lots of acrimony between his parents and despite me harping on it with my husband ( now my ex) he and his ex were ALWAYS dragging their son into their fights. Wanting him to spy on or even steal from ( things they didn’t get in the divorce). And the mom would call us drunk and want to talk to her son. And she’d be verbally abusive to him. I would hang up on her but he’d lash out at me because that was his mom. Plus he’d get verbal twofold the next time they saw each other. So he became a very angry teen. So I’d drive them all to therapy and it was a good 45 min to an hour to get to them. So there’s no reason Alyssa couldn’t be in therapy except the grandparents not pushing for it.
I've heard of this case before but not the electric fence part and yeah that clip is being over analyzed 😅 I lived next to a farm. My older and younger siblings, cousins, and I all touched the electric fence. It was funny and none of us have killed anyone. It wasn't recorded because we didn't have acess to that and youtube wasnt a thing. Completely normal child and farm behavior honestly.
...Oh man, the hair on the back of my neck stood up on end when you mentioned that she'd just had her Prozac dosage increased right before she committed the murder, because... okay, bear with me, I know you don't believe it's a thing but I'm speaking from personal experience. I have been on Prozac since I wasn't much older than Alyssa. I'm now almost forty. I've been on a fairly stable dose of 40mg for a long time now. But, last year or maybe the year before, my doctor wanted to experiment with putting my dosage up as I was starting to have some issues with low energy and such. So, we experimented with putting my dosage up to 60mg. I had one side effect, and it was rage. Blind, boiling, furious, uncontrollable rage. I am a very sweet and gentle person, but during that period of time, I nearly murdered my kitten. I LOVE my kitten! I would never in a million years hurt my kitten! I'm the kind of person who cries because a kitten in a video looked a little sad. But I was so close to seriously hurting that poor little baby, just because she wanted a cuddle. Thankfully, the second I was aware of what I was feeling, I realised something was very wrong with me and immediately stopped the increased dosage and put myself into isolation until the rage left my system. But... I remember how it felt... it was like there was a red haze that descended over the world, and my awareness took a step back out of my body, as if I was looking down on my body from somewhere else. I was a completely different person. It was shocking and it was terrifying, and I would fully believe that a teenager experiencing the same side-effects might act on them. Teenage brains aren't fully developed. Who knows how it could have impacted her? However, the fact that she shows no remorse now tells me that even if it was the medication that drove her to commit the actual act, she's not a good person. I feel crippling guilt because I ALMOST acted on the impulse. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I actually HAD. And before anyone asks - my kitten is absolutely fine, I never touched her, even in the heat of the rage. I realised what was happening just in time and literally ran away and hid in the bathroom until I cooled down a bit. Kitten is very much fine, now an adult, extremely spoiled, currently fast asleep above my desk and none the wiser about any of it.
I just want to say that you did a fantastic job on this video! I’ve heard about this case many times before, but you really did a great job of breaking things down and going over the whole story, including her past. She was definitely disturbed and in need of help, but like you said the media went a little wild on a few things like the song, the fence, and stuff like that. The words on the wall were 100% from that song. It was a very popular band, especially in the emo scene. I just really wish the family had put her in some major therapy. I can’t believe the dr didn’t at least push for that.
I was a teen at the same time, and I also took Prozac. It made me angrier, so my mom took me back to the doctor for something different. Im glad medication has improved since then.
34:41 The interagation of her is so good! It broke my heart to hear her Grandmother who had tried so hard to make sure she wouldn't turn out bad only to find it's worse than you ever imagined?
This poor baby smh I can’t stop crying. Her poor family omg so horrific. I have a son the same age and thinking of him breaks my heart for Elizabeth. Thank God she’s in a place now where no one can hurt her ❤
The best thing you can do is teach your child to trust their gut instincts and trust yours as well. I remember 2 neighbor kids lured me into the woods as a child, who knows their intentions, I ran out of there when something felt funny and never hung out with them again💔 Of course this isn’t common, but I do think my gut saved me from trauma.
In the 76 bret rey olds stayed at holiday inn did movie Modesto indoor pool my sister Dawn lavios sitting by pool lost her watch Tate oneil top of stairs dawn is screaming at her accusing oh my when i heard so embarrassed i told my sister who cares how sweet she wanted your watch
I’ve listened to this case multiple times by different creators. Your cover is definitely the most in-depth and respectful one I have listened to so far!
I have heard of this case before, but never this in depth. I feel like her childhood contributed, however, a teenager is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. I know many people who had crappy childhoods and never killed anyone. I do feel like Alyssa was failed to an extent seeing as how the doctors just wanted to medicate her rather than get to the root of her problems. Once again though, she was definitely old enough to know better. Especially since it's obvious that she planned everything out before she did it.
I remember watching the interview when this happened and thinking that poor grandma but at least she reacted like a good human, and didn't defen that awful granddaughter
Hey Danielle. I’ve heard this story several times from different You Tube creators. I’ve never heard the backstory behind what Elissa and her siblings endured. Thank you for your in depth coverage. Tragic all around.
I started this video thinking “I know this case. The sister’s friend one” and then after twenty minutes I was like “no I’ve never heard this before”. Eventually realised it was the same case, just with far more, well-shared backstories. Amazing :)
this case shatters my heart every time i hear it. it goes to show that not just direct family members are the only victims of broken families. while alyssa went through hell, and struggled so much, all my sympathy goes out the window after what she did to that poor, innocent little girl. such a fucked-up case all around
I am in awe of your ability to put on mascara while talking and looking up. I concentrate, have my tongue poking out, and still manage to get it all over my eye. And your ability to get lashes on with such ease is stupefying. Bravo.
It's weird, I watched her interrogation interview last night. She still knew killing that girl was wrong, no matter what her past was like. RIP Elizabeth ❤️🙏
That poor baby must’ve been so scared. I’m a mom with little kids and I can’t imagine the pain that mom feels. And that poor grandma oh my goodness. She tried so hard to give Alyssa a better life
@@carola4248 I mean obviously the medication wasn't the only factor, but it's a proven fact that when someone with bipolar is given an SSRI without a mood stabilizers they can and will go into a mania so intense that it dances along the threshold of psychosis. I'm not saying the doctors should've known she'd murder someone, but they should've known that something bad would happen. You think it's coincidence that the killing took place right around the time that increase in dosage would've started kicking in? It may have been the thing that pushed her from idealizing violence to action. This is a perfectly reasonable hypothesis for anyone who understands bipolar disorder, psyche meds, and the general state of a troubled teenager's mind.
I know what you mean. I wait all afternoon for the video. Then, once it drops, you ain't getting my attention for anything, short of an emergency. I even trade my earbuds for my noise-canceling headphones. 😂😂😂
I watch your stories daily. Your heart is pure gold. I believe that is why this channel is thriving. People live authenticity and genuine kindness. (And true crime) it helps the world and gives the victims a voice! I just wanted to add something politely. I have over a decade clean of pain pills I was on for an injury. I remixed within a year maybe 2 I had a problem. My life had become unmanageable. So, off to rehab I went (willingly/ my idea) One thing that I learned while in meetings, rehab, and therapy is that addiction is a disease. It’s compared to diabetes and other ailments in meetings. I had to want to stop, have a lot of therapy and completely retire my brain. People, places, and things he. However, wherever you go… there you are. So, you have to find the root. Many times it is hereditary and also being raised around it. I just want to add that yes, addicts do horrific things he and hurt ppl. Hurt ppl , hurt ppl as we know. I’m not making excuses no way! I got clean and have well over a decade and I am still young. I also wanted to add that many ppl would help a diabetic if they were having a low blood sugar but, would they help an addict? Would they be willing to stand as a strong g tower for someone who believe me hates themselves more than others do. The things addicts hear about themselves, they already think about themselves 10-fold!! So, the cycle continues. Why do most addicts hide their pain or drug use? The answer is clear. Shame. I just wanted to add this for all my fellow tribe. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction reach out for help. You can do it! Not all is lost In regards to this story, it breaks my heart. I wish our world would also reach out more to our youth and make sure they are ok. As a society I would love to see everyone that can to please stop ignoring the red flags and warning signs of those who are our future. Those we love. Those that need our helping hands?
This case reminds me so much of Eric Smith's case, especially with mom letting her child go out despite her initial concern to let the kid go on their own. In both cases people were also suspecting an adult and NOBODY even assumed such horrific crime could have been done by a kid. It's truly heartbreaking. My heart goes both to Elizabeth's parents and Alyssa's grandparents. They did their best to give her a good second chance in life.
I love how genuine you are Danielle. ❤ Keep up the amazing work and story telling. You are truly mesmerizing with the way you are able to tell a story.
i’m sick with covid right now and feeling terrible (my first time catching it, three years in 🙄) so it’s really nice to have the distraction of a new danielle video. thank you for putting in all the dedication into making these videos
coming back after finishing the video. i really hope alyssa’s sentence included psychological/better psychiatric care. OF COURSE not saying her trauma excuses what she did, but i’m guessing she was not only neglected and parentified but probably physically abused as well-we already know her father abused her mother in front of the children. maybe alyssa’s diagnosis wasn’t fully accurate, maybe she needed a different medication, i agree she definitely needed therapy. i hope she gets the mental care she needs in prison. poor elizabeth. if i understood right, she would be about my age. i saw myself in those pictures of her, i looked so much like that when i was nine. i can’t imagine how terrifying her last moments were
Oh no! Hate that you're sick with that crap! Lots of fluids and ibuprofen (if you can take it) to help with the aches was the best thing for me. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Oh man I'm so sorry you're dealing with that awful sickness, I made it two years before catching it but it sucks you got it after 3 years! Get lots of rest, take it easy, take medicine to help, along with a bunch of snacks and plenty of fluids. I wish you a very fast recovery with no complications/lingering side effects! 🙏🏻🩵
Oh my god, the interview where the grandma breaks down is just heartbreaking. It makes it so real. The grandparents did everything they could, it’s so sad what happened. How could a kid do something so terrible. Even if Alyssa had a bad beginning of life, she is 100% responsible. Rest in peace Elizabeth
Those grandparents 🥺 I wish I could give them both a big hug. I also truly feel for Alyssa, no child should have to endure what she did, and it’s a shame that her life turned out the way it did. I’m not making excuses for what she did, but my heart still hurts for her.
Her grandparents must have been so overwhelmed. It’s not enough to lock children away. I hope Alyssa is receiving mental health treatment along with her incarceration. I’m not defending what she did, but she wasn’t born bad.
I’ve watched you for a while now, and seeing your verbal, tonal, and physical reactions to the terrible things some people do (ESPECIALLY when kids are involved)…. I truly believe that that honest reaction shows that you are an incredible mother and you are raising little humans that are going to be valuable members to society.
It's kind of amazing to think that given all Alyssa went through as a kid, the horrific act she committed, the amount of time she has already been in prison, just the entire history of her life and she isn't even 30 years old yet.
Hi Danielle. My name is Paula. I love true crime. I was listening to Bailey Serian everyday as I got ready for work. Occasionally your videos would come up as suggested. I took the bait. I am pleasantly impressed with your story telling. I am now a huge fan of yours. Not only listening while I get ready for the day but now I’m listening on my way to work, drive home from work. I’m now chilling by pool enjoying your podcast. I just want to say good job! I appreciate you are there for my listening pleasure.
I was prescribed prozac when I was 19 and again when I was 23, both times it made me angry, aggressive, and have violent thoughts of harming others. Not saying it's justification for her actions, because it isn't, but medication can absolutely have a massive impact on someone.
Another awesome story Danielle. The way Elizabeth’s family did her funeral brought me to tears. I really hope the other 30 yr. Charge sticks and keeps her behind bars.
This one is pretty famous, and I have listened to it so many times but it feels like the first time every time I hear you talk about a story I’ve already heard.
My oldest daughter we adopted from a situation close to what Alissa went through. She delt with so much trauma. It took 3 yrs to get her mom's rights killed and be able to adopt her. Her hurt and anger made it dangerous for her to stay with us at 18. So she stayed with a family friend. It took alot for her to get back on track. She could have turned out so different. Thankfully, she loved us and her little sisters enough that she made a big effort to heal. She still has wounds she's working on but she's doing so good now. Has a boyfriend and 3 babies that she does amazing with.
The grandma’s reaction was just so heartbreaking. They probably did everything they could and probably really prayed that she would turn out ok. So, so sad 😞
I just wanna cry… omfg i feel so awful for Elizabeths family, especially her mom. Im a mom and just the thought of just letting your little girl play with another girl and that happens… just wow.
i’ve watched the interrogation footage and Karen’s realisations and her bursting into tears always gets me emotional. you can tell she absolutely loved Alyssa and to hear that from her is just heartbreaking. Sending my wishes and prayers to Elizabeth’s and Karen’s family ❤️
I have only just now gotten a therapist that listens to me and seems to care and I’m 28. I’ve been trying to get therapy since I was around 8/9 years old. I can attest to the fact that getting therapy is HARD, especially so when you’re a teenager. If I did get a therapist I was always told “it’s hormones” “oh you’re just growing into a woman so your emotions are all over” and all kinds of other bullshit. I’ve learned after a while of being on medication that yes, it’s phenomenal in it’s job if you find the right ones but medication can’t undo your traumas or problems, it just makes you mind more relaxed so you can face them better, but unless you actually face them, medication is just a tiny plaster holding together a big gaping wound. What this girl needed was a therapist who would listen to her, take her seriously and give her a medication that would help ease her darkened headspace. She needed to talk and deal with her emotions and her problems but unfortunately none of that was offered to her, so we ended up with a tragedy. Mental health needs to be taken more seriously in this world and faster action needs to be taken when these kinds of issues in someone arises. Edit: damn I hate to know that Bring Me The Horizon we’re dragged into such a fucked up case. Music like that is what gets me through the darkest days, I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for music that is about deep pain and overcoming it. I’ve been told by school councillors that I should listen to Pussycat Dolls or Girls Aloud, when I was a teen that kind of music made me miserable because it felt empty and hollow and it made me feel truly sick. Nowadays I can appreciate all music but back them, music like BMTH got me through some dark times.
Yeah, in the fence video, she didn't look sadistic to me at all, she looked scared at the beggining, the brother was dying laughing and she didn't pressure anyone. 💪 It's a shame she didn't talk to a therapist, had behavioral cognitive therapy, hospitalisation and somebody to help her and escalated so badly.
A huge tragedy, that poor little girl. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Rest in peace sweet girl ❤ Can't help but feel for Alyssa, she is a victim too.. she seems to have called out for help her whole life and no one really did anything for her. She was a traumatized girl with no real help and had clearly developed a problem and also battled with mental illness. No child is "evil" she is the product of abuse and trauma. People can't expect a child to have the tools, and capacity to deal with the effects of trauma nor a mental illness. It is up to support around the child. There were so many signs.
Thank you Danielle!!! Could you look into the case of Daniel Morcombe? It's an Australian case that sparked a massive movement in educating kids about stranger danger.
I think she definitely suffered more abuse then what we know already, she very much needed help with her mental health than just medication. If she had counselling as a pre teen or sooner maybe things have turned out slightly differently. X x
As someone who went through such a major depressive episode in my teen years- I saw a lot of myself in her through her teen years. I expressed a lot of the same thoughts and feelings. The difference was I didn’t threaten to hurt others but I easily could see that. I looked a lot like this, I was constantly upped on my Prozac and getting help for my issues was a struggle. It’s hard to find good mental health services unless you get placed in patient for attempting to take your life. Then people in your life and professionals think it’s serious enough to treat. And I knew immediately which song it was. It was definitely lyrics. I just feel bad that maybe things would have been different had she been given proper help. She may not have wound up a killer and more importantly- that sweet baby would never have lost her life. I can’t imagine the pain of the mother. I sympathize with Alyssa all the way up until she decided to kill someone so innocent and vulnerable to her. But my heart hurts for the loss of Elizabeth. She never deserved to be an outlet for Alyssa’s rage and untreated mental health issues.
horrible tragedy :( my heart breaks for elizabeth first and foremost. and my heart breaks for alyssa too bc it's a tragedy that a young girl decides to give in to pain and hate instead of healing :( BTW every makeup you do is beautiful but this lipstick looks amazing on you!!
i’ve heard this case and done my own research into this since i have the same style as she did as well as the same mental issues. it’s so odd to see such similarities in people and how it can lead people down dark paths
my heart absolutely breaks for the grandparents, they tried so hard to give alyssia and the other children a normal and good life, yet alyssia’s past had already taken a toll on her. the grandparents probably felt like they had failed, however they did everything they could and the true failures are the parents. i hope they other two children are living a happy and normal life and that the grandparents know that they aren’t to blame at all.
I was intrigued about the quote she wrote on the wall. I've googled it, didn't take long. Its from an adult novel called impulse from ellen hopkins. Quote from wikipedia "Impulse is a 2007 American young adult novel in verse written by Ellen Hopkins. The novel digs into the lives of three troubled teenagers as they try to work their way out of the hospital by getting through what put them there." She obviously read this book to know a quote from it and by the sounds of what the books about she may have resonated with it. X
I remember this case well, I live about half an hour away from St. Martin's. So heartbreaking for Elizabeth's family and I feel could have been prevented with a better mental health plan other than just increasing meds.
I remember this so vividly. I lived in the same town. It was absolutely heartbreaking. Years later and my sister was in the same housing unit at Chillicothe Correctional. Alyssa is absolutely, without a doubt, a sociopath. The stories from inside the camp, mortifying. Also, she is well "Kept" while being incarcerated.
Every Sunday, Danielle hopes we have recovered from the horrible story from the previous week. Each time, my brain goes:"What story?" 😅... But seriously, when an Aquarius goes bad, we really do go to the extreme of the spectrum 😱
@@AlexandraBolz That's why I'm dead afraid of getting angry. I go blind of anger. As an 8 year, I hit a girl's head so badly she ended up at the hospital and almost drowned another. Since I fight on daily basis the urge to fight when I'm be bullied . I'm scared of myself sometimes 😔
As soon as Danielle said „It was written in blood” I thought of Bring me the horizon. Also thank you for not demonizing emo culture, I honestly think Bring me the horizon’s Drown saved my life, it means a lot to people with depression and other issues to hear other people talk about having the same struggles, it means they’re not alone. Emo has helped a lot of people overcome their problems 🙏🏻
as a (now adult) person who went through what Alyssa went through mental health and trauma-wise, I really appreciate your coverage of this case! kids who harm others (like Alyssa) are in the minority of kids who are going through such things; thank you for being empathetic to her behavior as she was only a child herself while ALSO holding her actions accountable. I remember seeing documentaries about her walls. The 'it was written in blood' line immediately struck me as a Bring Me The Horizon line... because that's what it is... but so many media outlets said it was proof that she was 'crazy'... meanwhile I was 13 and had the same thing written on my wall.... but I now work in psychology and at shelters to help people... just because a teen is acting out doesn't mean they will turn violent.
You’re absolutely right- teens that act out don’t turn violent. Not even the majority of violent teens murder someone. It takes a truly disturbed person to actually end another life, not just someone with a hard life. you thinking she deserves empathy while you are in this field is absolutely terrifying. I’ve worked with juveniles and have had 1-2 truly disturbed individuals that continued to victimize people in adulthood. Countless domestic violence, assault and battery charges. By grouping them in with the same empathy offered to teens truly struggling, you are enabling and helping to cover for those who truly pose a threat to society. It’s good to have a soft heart, but dangerous to be naive.
I just watched the "explore with us" video on her! It's mainly just the interview phase, though, so I'm definitely looking forward to your take on it!😊
DANIELLE. Thank you for your input, us as emo/goth kids would write lyrics down. I have never heard anyone else have this type of input into this case. I really think the media blew this so out of proportion (not excusing what she did.) but I’ve just never heard anyone else think maybe it was a 15 year old that was lost in life and writing lyrics down.
Ellen Hopkins wrote: "I cut to focus when my mind is racing. I cut to make physical what I feel inside"... She is an author who writes young adult novels like Glass, Crank, and Fallout. Just wanted to pop that in here because I agree with you in that these two writings are often over analyzed as it relates to this case when she is merely regurgitating what she is hearing.
Hey guys! Hope you've recovered from last weeks video because that was intense! I just want to apologise for the audio issues in this video, I'm still transitioning to the new equipment and it's not going smoothly! But when I went to edit the video I sounded like a chipmunk....so I did the best I could to make me sound normal but there's the odd clip or word that sounds distorted so I'm sorry! 💜💜💜
Don't be sorry!!! Your videos are always great!!!
I didn't notice any sound issues 😕 ots all good u are very well co.posed 😊
You got this! ❤ you!
Hi Daniellle last week coudnt finish was so Intense
Love your Danielle your a legend 💜
Her grandmothers reaction in the interrogation room is incredibly moving. We often forget about the trauma of the perpetrators loved ones.
I didn’t think about it that much but started thinking about it more after I saw that clip from the Netflix Dahmer series where they brought his dad in and told him what Jeffrey Dahmer had done to his victims. I can’t imagine discovering someone you love and are close to committed such horrific acts.
It is so harrowing and real. That poor woman. She tried so hard to help her daughter and grandchildren.
Oh, my gosh YES! When someone commits a murder, they are hurting everyone involved, even their own family. That is important for everyone to remember, especially would be murderers.
I know the feeling. Diagnosed with ptsd after a year of my mental state declining from it. complex grief that isolates you because almost no one can understand. Unrelenting shame.
I absolutely agree!!!! When I first saw this a few week's ago, that's almost what broke my heart the most. I'm a psychologist, but I get psychiatric and psychological help for my own issue's, and agree medication can be great, but it's gross negligence on behalf of the psychiatrist to just prescribe meds and not follow up with therapy.
And when they brought into trial about the antidepressant increase possibly causing this, I can say without doubt, playing with medication can definitely increase self harm and negative thought's towards oneself to begin with, but I've very very rarely heard of it causing homicidal issue's, plus she had them so long beforehand. It's just scaring people off meds, when they can be very beneficial, and making people think this girl isn't responsible for her action's, but that's just not the case. Xxx
As a former "emo" kid I was constantly writing song lyrics on my walls obviously this girl had issues but most of the things the media focused on is average teen angst
Same here. But mine was usually like self discovery and depression angst not violence, but absolutely true in the characteristics of he culture. Very expressive and emotional but in private ways. (I was goth) .
not on my walls bc strict household but i would write them on notebooks, sneakers, or pieces of paper that i would stick on the wall. i would also post them. they were definitely focusing on the wrong stuff
Bring me the horizon is also a very popular band then! Them and Pierce the veil were some of the bands that got me into more emo music type and I'm sure others too
@darcymeadows1349 I was honestly the teenage dirt bag at 11 I was drinking and smoking and other self destructive behavior but the music I listened to had no part in my behavior it was my escape from a terrible home life
@05nmz my room was literally the garage/ storage area my home life was not pretty to say the least but music was the only escape I had
The interrogation video when Alyssa's grandmother fully grasped what she had done is haunting.
Yes. Hearing her mother cry out when Alyssa admitted she killed the little girl and then cry/scream out that it'll never be okay hurt my heart.
Unfortunately this poor grandma will never be able to shake this nightmare...
It really is. I was tearing up for her grandmother. And it hurt even more hearing her in the background screaming “It will never be okay,” which is shown in the interrogation video. That part wasn’t shown here though.
Oh I know. It’s devastating.
Including that footage was in quite poor taste imho
also thank you for not demonizing goth/emo culture the way a lot of people or outlets who covered this case. what alyssa did was horrific but it had not much to do with her being emo
I bet you would love Sisters of Mercy.
i remember in the interview with her boyfriend he said he thought he did it cuz she was emo like bro that shi has nothing to do with the murder💀
I think a lot of people look over how hard it must have been for Emma... I hope she doesn't blame herself for it.
Exactly what I was thinking!
came here lookin for this comment
I have schizoid personality disorder and when i was an unmedicated tween I used to act exactly like Alyssa. I contemplated murder and suicide all the time, i threatened my school mates, I got violent with a lot of kids to the point of throwing one down the stairs and breaking another's arm. Thing is, I got help. Proper help. I got proper medicine, and therapy, and had an amazing support system, and throughout the years I learnt to have at least a little bit of empathy for others and to accept this world a little more. I'm 21 now and none of my friends would ever believe me if I told them how I used to be. I haven't been violent with anyone in years, I've become an artist and express myself through art and music, I have three wonderful cats who give me reason to love, and being alive isn't so bad anymore. I am certain - *certain* - of two things: if I hadn't received the help I needed, I would do something horrible; and if Alyssa had received the help I did, she wouldn't have done something horrible.
Thanks for sharing. I feel like Schizoid personality disorder is not seen and recognised enough, especially in young children. It might be one of the least known about personality disorders.
I can relate to this case so much as I have BPD, and I too got the help I needed. I'm glad you were able to get the help you needed, I'm just sorry she didn't.
Why are u projecting? Going through mental heath issues isn’t a reason to kill children. I’m mentally ill but I’ve never murdered anyone
Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy that you got the help you needed and that you now find joy in your art, music and kitties. I too think that if Alyssa had been given behavioral therapy instead of just upping her meds that little Elizabeth may not have been the victim of such a horrible death. Too many doctors ignore the signs that some teens are seriously ill and brush it off as “drama”. You are so brave to share your story and I wish you the best in life. ❤
@@OkieTLBur saying that as if it was the doctors fault for the a little girls passing. It was Alyssa and it doesn't matter what kind of sickness she has, unless you are not aware of ur behaivor you are not justified for hurting others. Besides unless you are hallucinating you will be aware of ur behavior. If she knew it was bad and was scared for ppl to know, she was aware. Gross human being
The grandparents did so much to help, this is a sad case of doing everything you can still isn’t enough.
I think they thought they were doing everything they could but it sounds like no one was ever addressing her past trauma. You can't sweep things like that under the rug and expect them to go away. It's sad because they really were good to her and had the best intentions.
I feel so bad for her grandparents. They really did try to help. I just wish they would have put her in therapy immediately. :(
Doing the best you can is enough, some things are out of our control
I think they trusted the doctors. And that is the problem. If the doctors do not think she needed more help, then what could the grandparents possibly do?
@tarakennedy707 what are you talking about? She was going through therapy for years. What else can couple of old people do? apart from taking care of 4 kids, feed them, take care of them and support their adult daughter on top of that? Some people are just emotionally stunted sociopaths. It is not their mistake. They did everything right. If anyone is to be blamed it is Alyssa's mother and father.
The grandmother bursting into tears in the interrogation room really hit me hard. I remember being Alyssa's age, and while not angsty and homicidal like she, I was an anxious and depressed teen. I still can't ever imagine doing anything that would make my Meemaw sob like that.
DUDE THIS IS SO CRAZY, I'm less than 3 minutes in and this girl's story mirrors my own sister's, also named Alyssa, story SO MUCH. She was born to a teen mom, parents heavy into drug use, and so my parents stepped in and adopted her. Thankfully the parallels stop there, my sister is doing very well in life now and my parents raised us all nicely, nothing else bad.
I'm so glad for your sister! And bless your parents for being excellent people❤
I’m so glad things worked out. It benefits everyone around them when a person gets clean.
Im so happy your sister has a wonderful life ❤
I adopted two of my grandchildren. My son was sick, he passed in 2019. Their mother was a drug addict/thief that couldn’t stay out of prison! Here it is 2023 and she is doing her third stent in FEDERAL prison. The girls are grown with kids of their own. No drugs. Please stop with the bad childhood bullshit, it is not an excuse, it is their reason. Big difference. I’m glad your grandparents took y’all in and raised you. I’m also proud that you and your sister are doing well.
Thank goodness :)
Your assessment of Alyssa acting younger than her age is actually spot on. People who experience trauma at a young age can often get "stuck" there.
The perspective of hindsight is so annoying sometimes. I totally grabbed electric fences. Dared people to pee on them. I also had my older siblings trick me into licking a 9-volt battery. I never hurt anyone like her. I can honestly say I never wondered what it was like to kill someone. That's probably a red flag, especially if it's said with more excitement rather than bewilderment.
Yeah we did this shit as kids, too. Saying it shows how sadistic she is is such a reach.
All of us kids who grew up in the countryside have done this. Not a single one of us became a murderer. It's a prank, a game. That's it. I think all those psychologists are such narcissists, wanted to hear themselves talk and put their name on the map since this was such a "big case."
Seconded. We had this one goofball who had some peculiar bodily talents and would eat spaghetti through his nose. Kids dared him to snort all kinds of foodstuffs! Teenagers do all kinds of weirds things for shock value and lack of anything particularly constructive to do. See also, our school’s cafeteria must have been the only entity on Planet Earth that could eff up spaghetti - that’s a genuine feat… Now he’s a lovely fella with a beautiful lady partner and they have cats! I don’t think I’ve heard or read of anybody I grew up around who grew up to be life-threateningly violent, whether or not they were part of that particular lunchtime circle.
Yep! If you grew up in the country you did all kinds of "disturbing" behavior... not all of us became murderers
Been there, done that! I think anyone who grew up in a rural community participated in weird things. I grew up on a horse ranch and we would grab (on purpose or accident) electric fences all the time. You were constantly moving and swinging fences, either for cattle or horses. You were gonna get zapped. My brother had me lick a 9v battery because he was my brother and that’s what brothers do. Heck, I got zapped about a week ago, but that’s more about me getting old and forgetful than anything else. To sum up, they’ve made WAY too big a deal than it needed to be.
I absolutely agree that killing her sister was at least on her mind. Like you said, she dug two graves. I think she wanted to kill Emma but couldn’t quite bring herself to kill her own sister, so Elizabeth was sort of like a proxy for Emma. Maybe Alyssa resented Emma because she hadn’t had to go through as much as she did and she had more of the “happy childhood” that Alyssa had wanted.
I dont think Elizabeth was her sisters replacement, if she dug two graves and was playing with both of them, the origibal plan wpuldve been to kill both, but then decided not to and sent her sister away
Wow. Definitely didn’t think of that one, right on👏🏼
Y’all I agree, I grew up on a farm, and raised my kids on a horse farm. Playing with the hot wire fence is a country kid’s right of passage. We did lots of dumb things…. Most people would be appalled! That goodness social media wasn’t a thing in the 80s.
My Husband and his brother would play Star Wars with the cattle prods 🤦♀️
Omgoodnese, I remember touching the electric fence with a piece of hay (country girl here too). My whole arm was shaking until I got the hay out and no longer touching the fence. Years later I would become a nuclear engineer and worked at various power plants. Now I know why I couldn't drop the hay.
I didn’t grow up on a farm but many of my friends did. We all had a fascination with those electric fences!
I grew up across the street from a horse farm and I don't think I know a single child from my neighbourhood that DIDN'T (intentionally) electrocute themselves on the fences at one point
I remember being at a horse farm with my then boyfriend, his sister and a friend of hers because his sister had a horse there. While she was riding my boyfriend played around with an electric fence, touching his sisters friend and then the fence so she'd be electrocuted too lol. That's really just a countryside kid (or teen, even young adult tbh) thing to do
They're learning so much about childhood trauma, she should have been in *intensive* therapy, not just medicated. When you have that much trauma that young, it literally alters your brain chemistry. She should absolutely 100% be held accountable for the absolutely horrific acts, but everything leading up to it was the loudest cry for help I've ever heard.
OKAY SO THE "IT WAS WRITTEN IN BLOOD" LYRICS HAS BOTHERED ME IN EVERY VIDEO AND PODCAST I'VE LISTENED TO OH MY GOD THANK YOU
Edit: again, not excusing her behavior or anything but from an "emo kid" im really glad that someone finally acknowledged this fact
oh my god, me too!!! everyone always seems to over analyze that part.
literally! i hear the song in my head every time i watch a video about this case
I thought that line was from a movie I've seen...🤭
a lot of the things she said as well, like not excusing alyssa at all but some of the other things were just from an edgy teen like 😵
I'm SO glad that you've mentioned the words being song lyrics. So much of the media and coverage leaves that out.
About the meds, I don't think they're the reason that she committed the murder, but you mentioned that they thought she might be bipolar. Taking SSRIs (like Prozac) when you're bipolar can (emphasis on can, bc I'm bipolar and still take Prozac along with my mood stabilizer) cause or heighten manic episodes. That's not the reason she committed the crime; however, she could have been manic at the time. Increasing an SSRI can absolutely cause manic episodes. That could relate to why she thought she could get away with it because of the illusions of grandeur from a manic episode. Again, I want to stress that this is not an excuse; however, it is an interesting thing to consider when analyzing her mental state.
When I was put on prozac, it made my symptoms worse, and I had to switch to another med. In saying that; I only wanted to harm myself more, not harm other people.
I'm bipolar and I'm on Cymbalta and that works for me the best as I have nerve damage too
I was misdiagnosed years ago and ended up with SSRI induced mania. That is when they figured out I didn't have depression or bipolar, but actually had ADHD. Scary what SSRI can do.
@@Becksy_Boo I agree, it absolutely doesn't lead to violent behavior. In fact, it's already hard enough to fight against the stigma that bipolar people are violent, I just thought it was something to note.
@@stephanienugent7800 It's scary what all meds can do, especially psychiatric ones! Especially when you're in the experimental phase of trying to find something that works for you. Like I said, most people with bipolar have a hard time on SSRIs, and yet Prozac has really helped me even before I was diagnosed with bipolar. It's fascinating how different people can have such opposite reactions, but definitely also scary
I'm from Missouri. This was covered pretty extensively on the news here. It's awful that Alyssa had such a horrific upbringing, but does not excuse what she did. It's just a tragic case all the way around.
I have to wonder if she was properly diagnosed. Apparently "bipolar" is frequently used as a catch all. I myself was misdiagnosed as "bipolar" at basically first glance by my first psych (who wasn't a very professional person). I'm AuDHD, and liking glitter doesn't mean I'm having a manic episode, just like kids messing with an electric fence doesn't mean they're sadists. The entire mental health field is a dangerous wild west, rife with ignorance, biases, and apathy. So many vulnerable people aren't getting the help they deserve and desperately need.
seriously, psychiatry is still deep in the dark ages and they might as well blame planetary alignments half the time. I'm in the opposite situation where I desperately needed my bipolar diagnosis earlier bc my symptoms were severe at a young age. it wasn't until I was 22 and a doctor prescribed meds for bipolar type 2 despite lack of diagnosis that I actually felt like I was given proper care. that was 11 years after my first appointment with a psychiatrist 👍 and after I told her I hadn't had a good grasp on reality since I was 9 years old
The fence thing is stupid country kid stuff. I know a lot of people that have done that. (Don't it's dumb) Or seeing who can hang on to it the longest. If she was trying to just inflict pain she wouldn't have done it too.
I have also had a bipolar misdiagnosis. I remember going to the psychiatrist. It was such a horrible experience. The doctor was overworked and all they did was prescribe meds. They really didn’t bother to look into anything deeper. Not to mention treating mental health is can’t be afforded by all.
THIS PART.
She was put on meds that aren't even approved for children bc it has extreme effects.
I had a similar experience (minus the murder obv). Psychiatrists especially during this time would sooner shove pills down kids throats than find out what's actually wrong.
i was also misdiagnosed as bipolar. turns out i just have a severe depression since childhood, along with severe anxiety and adhd. those "manic episodes" were just times were i was actually kinda happy... i had just gotten out of quarantine (2021), got a kitten, and online school was doing wonders for me because i could see my friends but didn't have to go to school to my bullies. got medication and made everything worse, because they were to stabilize the "manic episodes" (it was just that one month that i was happy) and made my depression worse. yes, i was stable, but sad, my mood just got stuck like that.
This case killed me... As I helped look for Elizabeth... I had a 16 month old and was so worried that something could happen to a child in our backyard. We, as a community, were heartbroken and horrified by what happened.
This happened in my hometown right down the road, and this was/ is still absolutely heartbreaking. My little brother was in the same class as Elizabeth and were friends...Soo surprised to see you cover this story. Thanks for covering these cases with compassion ❤
Oh woow that’s so close to you
Same here! JC is my hometown and that whole situation was such a devastating time for the community. I was surprised to see this case covered. I'm glad it's getting coverage
I watched this interrogation just over a year ago and I still can't get Karen's cries out of my head. Hands down one of the toughest cases for me to listen to but, Danielle, you did so incredibly well covering this case. We appreciate all of your hard work
My heart breaks for Elizabeth. She sounds so sweet and adorable. Alyssa did not deserve to go through that rough journey at the start of her life, but her actions are absolutely HORRIBLE and she knew what she was doing. It makes me wonder how family dynamics, upbringings and trauma can really play into tragic situations like these. Was Alyssa born evil, or was she evil because of her environment? Rest in peace Elizabeth, fly high.
I was thinking that poor Elizabeth just sounded like a typical little nine year old child. Poor little girl, my heart bleeds for her family and for Emma.
I went to middle school with her twin brothers. It was truly devastating to them and they were mercilessly bullied for what their sister did. I always felt so bad for them.
I felt so bad for Alyssa up until the point of the murder. I get it, trauma affects everyone differently, but I feel like she needed better doctors that would actually take the time help her through her problems. I also feel like, there kids who've gone through worse, and don't end up killing others. So she was a monster in the making.
It's sad though, all she wanted was her mother, and her mother only cared about drugs. But she had loving grandparents, but her hate and anger blinded her of it.
Yeah, up until she started talking until wanting to kill people I thought our lives sounded very similar and could relate a lot tbh. I didn't hurt anyone other than myself though, and I've been in and out of therapy and not hurt myself for years now. No hospitalisations since I was 17 either.
This is how I feel, I sympathise with everything that happened to her and her problems, but I can’t sympathise with the murder
Okay the fact that she dug 2 graves makes me think that maybe at first she thought about killing both of the girls, but changed her mind about killing her sister 😢😢😢
OK, Danielle just said this, so I guess I'm not the only one
Remember this is 2009, and with how even today seeing a therapist is hard, I imagine in 2009 it was near impossible especially if your not living in a high populated area and the patient isn’t an adult.
Well, nobody forced the grandparents to move to such remote area with children who obviously needed help with their mental health issues, it was their deliberate choice. And if someone prescribed them medication, there was a health care professional available, they should have been informed about a need of a psychotherapy in addition to the medication. 2009 is still not 1960's or so...
Yes, I was seeing a therapist from age 7 (so 2006-2007) and I had to drive an hour to get to someone who could help me. But I do live in a small town
@carnifaxx I agree they clearly knew she had mental health issues. Any time someone is taking medication it needs to be followed up with therapy. But I was also given Prozac at her age. It did not have negative effects on me but I have taken other medications that have worsened my su!c!dal ideations and s3lf h@rm. I can imagine it would be the same for someone who has homicidal ideations.
I think it really depends because I live in a fairly small town and was able to see a therapist pretty quickly. I feel bad for anyone who has a different experience than mine.
My two daughters and my stepson were seeing therapists in 2007 -2009.
My daughters because they were devastated when their dad left and moved across country. I merely brought up with their pediatrician.
My stepson was also affected by divorce. There was lots of acrimony between his parents and despite me harping on it with my husband ( now my ex) he and his ex were ALWAYS dragging their son into their fights. Wanting him to spy on or even steal from ( things they didn’t get in the divorce). And the mom would call us drunk and want to talk to her son. And she’d be verbally abusive to him. I would hang up on her but he’d lash out at me because that was his mom. Plus he’d get verbal twofold the next time they saw each other. So he became a very angry teen.
So I’d drive them all to therapy and it was a good 45 min to an hour to get to them.
So there’s no reason Alyssa couldn’t be in therapy except the grandparents not pushing for it.
The bit where you described the sister in the thorns Bush and then Alyssa appearing from the edge of the woods gave me chills. That's one creepy image
I've heard of this case before but not the electric fence part and yeah that clip is being over analyzed 😅 I lived next to a farm. My older and younger siblings, cousins, and I all touched the electric fence. It was funny and none of us have killed anyone. It wasn't recorded because we didn't have acess to that and youtube wasnt a thing. Completely normal child and farm behavior honestly.
i second this!
...Oh man, the hair on the back of my neck stood up on end when you mentioned that she'd just had her Prozac dosage increased right before she committed the murder, because... okay, bear with me, I know you don't believe it's a thing but I'm speaking from personal experience. I have been on Prozac since I wasn't much older than Alyssa. I'm now almost forty. I've been on a fairly stable dose of 40mg for a long time now. But, last year or maybe the year before, my doctor wanted to experiment with putting my dosage up as I was starting to have some issues with low energy and such. So, we experimented with putting my dosage up to 60mg.
I had one side effect, and it was rage. Blind, boiling, furious, uncontrollable rage. I am a very sweet and gentle person, but during that period of time, I nearly murdered my kitten. I LOVE my kitten! I would never in a million years hurt my kitten! I'm the kind of person who cries because a kitten in a video looked a little sad. But I was so close to seriously hurting that poor little baby, just because she wanted a cuddle.
Thankfully, the second I was aware of what I was feeling, I realised something was very wrong with me and immediately stopped the increased dosage and put myself into isolation until the rage left my system. But... I remember how it felt... it was like there was a red haze that descended over the world, and my awareness took a step back out of my body, as if I was looking down on my body from somewhere else. I was a completely different person. It was shocking and it was terrifying, and I would fully believe that a teenager experiencing the same side-effects might act on them. Teenage brains aren't fully developed. Who knows how it could have impacted her?
However, the fact that she shows no remorse now tells me that even if it was the medication that drove her to commit the actual act, she's not a good person. I feel crippling guilt because I ALMOST acted on the impulse. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I actually HAD.
And before anyone asks - my kitten is absolutely fine, I never touched her, even in the heat of the rage. I realised what was happening just in time and literally ran away and hid in the bathroom until I cooled down a bit. Kitten is very much fine, now an adult, extremely spoiled, currently fast asleep above my desk and none the wiser about any of it.
Touching electric fences is 100% a core method of passing time as country folk
Along with cow tipping
In the UK (well here in Scotland) the boys pee on the fence
Fact... are you really a country kid if you've never touched an electric fence? Even grab a sibling or cousin at the same time lol
@@kristynl2110 Exactly??? I used to be playin with those shits for HOURS when I was younger
I just want to say that you did a fantastic job on this video! I’ve heard about this case many times before, but you really did a great job of breaking things down and going over the whole story, including her past. She was definitely disturbed and in need of help, but like you said the media went a little wild on a few things like the song, the fence, and stuff like that. The words on the wall were 100% from that song. It was a very popular band, especially in the emo scene. I just really wish the family had put her in some major therapy. I can’t believe the dr didn’t at least push for that.
I was a teen at the same time, and I also took Prozac. It made me angrier, so my mom took me back to the doctor for something different. Im glad medication has improved since then.
WOW, hope you are doing better than you were !
Prozac was the worst thing for me as a teen
I’m gonna be going into counseling soon because of my depression, I’ll make sure that ill tell my counselor not to give me Prozac
@@QueenBreezerI felt absolutely Numb and it affected my energy pretty greatly.
34:41 The interagation of her is so good! It broke my heart to hear her Grandmother who had tried so hard to make sure she wouldn't turn out bad only to find it's worse than you ever imagined?
Thanks for the time stamp. 🤍
This poor baby smh I can’t stop crying. Her poor family omg so horrific. I have a son the same age and thinking of him breaks my heart for Elizabeth. Thank God she’s in a place now where no one can hurt her ❤
The best thing you can do is teach your child to trust their gut instincts and trust yours as well. I remember 2 neighbor kids lured me into the woods as a child, who knows their intentions, I ran out of there when something felt funny and never hung out with them again💔 Of course this isn’t common, but I do think my gut saved me from trauma.
In the 76 bret rey olds stayed at holiday inn did movie Modesto indoor pool my sister Dawn lavios sitting by pool lost her watch Tate oneil top of stairs dawn is screaming at her accusing oh my when i heard so embarrassed i told my sister who cares how sweet she wanted your watch
Dawn was seeing Mickey from la and other guys sweet guy he bought her olive green car mustang
I’ve listened to this case multiple times by different creators. Your cover is definitely the most in-depth and respectful one I have listened to so far!
I have heard of this case before, but never this in depth. I feel like her childhood contributed, however, a teenager is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. I know many people who had crappy childhoods and never killed anyone. I do feel like Alyssa was failed to an extent seeing as how the doctors just wanted to medicate her rather than get to the root of her problems. Once again though, she was definitely old enough to know better. Especially since it's obvious that she planned everything out before she did it.
Rest in paradise, Elisabeth. I’ve seen the interrogation but the full story is even more tragic.
Make up also looks fire 🔥
If you have seen her interrogation, her grandma was devastated when she knew, poor woman
I remember watching the interview when this happened and thinking that poor grandma but at least she reacted like a good human, and didn't defen that awful granddaughter
I listened to the interrogation video. After Karen leaves the room, I could hear her screaming outside of the room. It's truly heartbreaking.
Hey Danielle. I’ve heard this story several times from different You Tube creators. I’ve never heard the backstory behind what Elissa and her siblings endured. Thank you for your in depth coverage. Tragic all around.
I started this video thinking “I know this case. The sister’s friend one” and then after twenty minutes I was like “no I’ve never heard this before”. Eventually realised it was the same case, just with far more, well-shared backstories. Amazing :)
This is why nobody can ever make me feel bad for teaching my kids to fight back when other people harm them physically.
this case shatters my heart every time i hear it. it goes to show that not just direct family members are the only victims of broken families. while alyssa went through hell, and struggled so much, all my sympathy goes out the window after what she did to that poor, innocent little girl. such a fucked-up case all around
“ I get bored. Digging holes it’s some thing to do.” is the most Missouri thing I have ever heard said.
I am in awe of your ability to put on mascara while talking and looking up. I concentrate, have my tongue poking out, and still manage to get it all over my eye. And your ability to get lashes on with such ease is stupefying. Bravo.
It's weird, I watched her interrogation interview last night. She still knew killing that girl was wrong, no matter what her past was like. RIP Elizabeth ❤️🙏
That poor baby must’ve been so scared. I’m a mom with little kids and I can’t imagine the pain that mom feels. And that poor grandma oh my goodness. She tried so hard to give Alyssa a better life
Wait, wait, wait... Alyssa is bipolar and they put her on an SSRI without a mood stabilizers and were surprised when something went terribly wrong? 🙃
Exactly my thoughts! Really glad I'm not the only one that thought this actually
This is not medication induced
@@carola4248 I mean obviously the medication wasn't the only factor, but it's a proven fact that when someone with bipolar is given an SSRI without a mood stabilizers they can and will go into a mania so intense that it dances along the threshold of psychosis. I'm not saying the doctors should've known she'd murder someone, but they should've known that something bad would happen. You think it's coincidence that the killing took place right around the time that increase in dosage would've started kicking in? It may have been the thing that pushed her from idealizing violence to action. This is a perfectly reasonable hypothesis for anyone who understands bipolar disorder, psyche meds, and the general state of a troubled teenager's mind.
Most psychologists and psychiatrists won’t put a child on mood stabilisers. When they turn 18, these very powerful meds have less of an impact.
@@Rat_Queen86I disagree. I was put on mood stabilizers in high school. they had me on seroquel. it turned me into a zombie though
This case happened in my hometown. I will never ever forget that time period. Thank you for covering this case!
You know it’s gonna be a good day when Danielle posts 💜💜
Fact 🎉❤
I know what you mean. I wait all afternoon for the video. Then, once it drops, you ain't getting my attention for anything, short of an emergency. I even trade my earbuds for my noise-canceling headphones. 😂😂😂
I watch your stories daily. Your heart is pure gold. I believe that is why this channel is thriving. People live authenticity and genuine kindness. (And true crime) it helps the world and gives the victims a voice!
I just wanted to add something politely. I have over a decade clean of pain pills I was on for an injury. I remixed within a year maybe 2 I had a problem. My life had become unmanageable. So, off to rehab I went (willingly/ my idea)
One thing that I learned while in meetings, rehab, and therapy is that addiction is a disease. It’s compared to diabetes and other ailments in meetings. I had to want to stop, have a lot of therapy and completely retire my brain. People, places, and things he. However, wherever you go… there you are. So, you have to find the root. Many times it is hereditary and also being raised around it.
I just want to add that yes, addicts do horrific things he and hurt ppl. Hurt ppl , hurt ppl as we know. I’m not making excuses no way! I got clean and have well over a decade and I am still young. I also wanted to add that many ppl would help a diabetic if they were having a low blood sugar but, would they help an addict? Would they be willing to stand as a strong g tower for someone who believe me hates themselves more than others do. The things addicts hear about themselves, they already think about themselves 10-fold!! So, the cycle continues. Why do most addicts hide their pain or drug use? The answer is clear. Shame.
I just wanted to add this for all my fellow tribe. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction reach out for help. You can do it! Not all is lost
In regards to this story, it breaks my heart. I wish our world would also reach out more to our youth and make sure they are ok. As a society I would love to see everyone that can to please stop ignoring the red flags and warning signs of those who are our future. Those we love. Those that need our helping hands?
This case reminds me so much of Eric Smith's case, especially with mom letting her child go out despite her initial concern to let the kid go on their own. In both cases people were also suspecting an adult and NOBODY even assumed such horrific crime could have been done by a kid. It's truly heartbreaking. My heart goes both to Elizabeth's parents and Alyssa's grandparents. They did their best to give her a good second chance in life.
I love how genuine you are Danielle. ❤ Keep up the amazing work and story telling. You are truly mesmerizing with the way you are able to tell a story.
i’m sick with covid right now and feeling terrible (my first time catching it, three years in 🙄) so it’s really nice to have the distraction of a new danielle video. thank you for putting in all the dedication into making these videos
coming back after finishing the video. i really hope alyssa’s sentence included psychological/better psychiatric care. OF COURSE not saying her trauma excuses what she did, but i’m guessing she was not only neglected and parentified but probably physically abused as well-we already know her father abused her mother in front of the children. maybe alyssa’s diagnosis wasn’t fully accurate, maybe she needed a different medication, i agree she definitely needed therapy. i hope she gets the mental care she needs in prison. poor elizabeth. if i understood right, she would be about my age. i saw myself in those pictures of her, i looked so much like that when i was nine. i can’t imagine how terrifying her last moments were
Oh no! Hate that you're sick with that crap! Lots of fluids and ibuprofen (if you can take it) to help with the aches was the best thing for me. Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Oh man I'm so sorry you're dealing with that awful sickness, I made it two years before catching it but it sucks you got it after 3 years! Get lots of rest, take it easy, take medicine to help, along with a bunch of snacks and plenty of fluids. I wish you a very fast recovery with no complications/lingering side effects! 🙏🏻🩵
Oh my god, the interview where the grandma breaks down is just heartbreaking. It makes it so real. The grandparents did everything they could, it’s so sad what happened. How could a kid do something so terrible. Even if Alyssa had a bad beginning of life, she is 100% responsible. Rest in peace Elizabeth
Those grandparents 🥺 I wish I could give them both a big hug. I also truly feel for Alyssa, no child should have to endure what she did, and it’s a shame that her life turned out the way it did. I’m not making excuses for what she did, but my heart still hurts for her.
I appreciate your objectivity and your ability to see the shades of gray that make up most of our lives.
Her grandparents must have been so overwhelmed. It’s not enough to lock children away. I hope Alyssa is receiving mental health treatment along with her incarceration. I’m not defending what she did, but she wasn’t born bad.
I’ve watched you for a while now, and seeing your verbal, tonal, and physical reactions to the terrible things some people do (ESPECIALLY when kids are involved)…. I truly believe that that honest reaction shows that you are an incredible mother and you are raising little humans that are going to be valuable members to society.
It's kind of amazing to think that given all Alyssa went through as a kid, the horrific act she committed, the amount of time she has already been in prison, just the entire history of her life and she isn't even 30 years old yet.
Hi Danielle. My name is Paula. I love true crime. I was listening to Bailey Serian everyday as I got ready for work. Occasionally your videos would come up as suggested. I took the bait. I am pleasantly impressed with your story telling. I am now a huge fan of yours. Not only listening while I get ready for the day but now I’m listening on my way to work, drive home from work. I’m now chilling by pool enjoying your podcast. I just want to say good job! I appreciate you are there for my listening pleasure.
You’re 100% right, growing up on farm everyone I know touched the electric fence at least once.
I was prescribed prozac when I was 19 and again when I was 23, both times it made me angry, aggressive, and have violent thoughts of harming others. Not saying it's justification for her actions, because it isn't, but medication can absolutely have a massive impact on someone.
Another awesome story Danielle. The way Elizabeth’s family did her funeral brought me to tears. I really hope the other 30 yr. Charge sticks and keeps her behind bars.
This one is pretty famous, and I have listened to it so many times but it feels like the first time every time I hear you talk about a story I’ve already heard.
My oldest daughter we adopted from a situation close to what Alissa went through. She delt with so much trauma. It took 3 yrs to get her mom's rights killed and be able to adopt her. Her hurt and anger made it dangerous for her to stay with us at 18. So she stayed with a family friend. It took alot for her to get back on track. She could have turned out so different. Thankfully, she loved us and her little sisters enough that she made a big effort to heal. She still has wounds she's working on but she's doing so good now. Has a boyfriend and 3 babies that she does amazing with.
My older sister went through the same, so glad to hear she healed her wounds 🤍
❤❤❤
The grandma’s reaction was just so heartbreaking. They probably did everything they could and probably really prayed that she would turn out ok. So, so sad 😞
I just wanna cry… omfg i feel so awful for Elizabeths family, especially her mom. Im a mom and just the thought of just letting your little girl play with another girl and that happens… just wow.
Sugar baby eyes
I am so thrilled that you did your due diligence with those BMTH lyrics - because 1000% they were the hugest band ever in that scene in 2009.
Thank you for your effort! I’ve heard of this case but not in detail, nervous for this case but hopefully it’s not as grim as last week.
i’ve watched the interrogation footage and Karen’s realisations and her bursting into tears always gets me emotional. you can tell she absolutely loved Alyssa and to hear that from her is just heartbreaking. Sending my wishes and prayers to Elizabeth’s and Karen’s family ❤️
I have only just now gotten a therapist that listens to me and seems to care and I’m 28. I’ve been trying to get therapy since I was around 8/9 years old. I can attest to the fact that getting therapy is HARD, especially so when you’re a teenager. If I did get a therapist I was always told “it’s hormones” “oh you’re just growing into a woman so your emotions are all over” and all kinds of other bullshit. I’ve learned after a while of being on medication that yes, it’s phenomenal in it’s job if you find the right ones but medication can’t undo your traumas or problems, it just makes you mind more relaxed so you can face them better, but unless you actually face them, medication is just a tiny plaster holding together a big gaping wound. What this girl needed was a therapist who would listen to her, take her seriously and give her a medication that would help ease her darkened headspace. She needed to talk and deal with her emotions and her problems but unfortunately none of that was offered to her, so we ended up with a tragedy. Mental health needs to be taken more seriously in this world and faster action needs to be taken when these kinds of issues in someone arises.
Edit: damn I hate to know that Bring Me The Horizon we’re dragged into such a fucked up case. Music like that is what gets me through the darkest days, I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for music that is about deep pain and overcoming it. I’ve been told by school councillors that I should listen to Pussycat Dolls or Girls Aloud, when I was a teen that kind of music made me miserable because it felt empty and hollow and it made me feel truly sick. Nowadays I can appreciate all music but back them, music like BMTH got me through some dark times.
We need universal healthcare here in the USA.
Dang it, usually I don’t get emotional during these morbid stories, but this one got me. RIP little one, you didn't deserve that at all😢
Yeah, in the fence video, she didn't look sadistic to me at all, she looked scared at the beggining, the brother was dying laughing and she didn't pressure anyone. 💪
It's a shame she didn't talk to a therapist, had behavioral cognitive therapy, hospitalisation and somebody to help her and escalated so badly.
A huge tragedy, that poor little girl. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Rest in peace sweet girl ❤
Can't help but feel for Alyssa, she is a victim too.. she seems to have called out for help her whole life and no one really did anything for her. She was a traumatized girl with no real help and had clearly developed a problem and also battled with mental illness. No child is "evil" she is the product of abuse and trauma. People can't expect a child to have the tools, and capacity to deal with the effects of trauma nor a mental illness. It is up to support around the child. There were so many signs.
Thank you Danielle!!! Could you look into the case of Daniel Morcombe? It's an Australian case that sparked a massive movement in educating kids about stranger danger.
Favorite part of Sundays before work! I love the eye makeup this week!!!
Their Grandparents are So Kind! Loving, and Protecting them!
I think she definitely suffered more abuse then what we know already, she very much needed help with her mental health than just medication. If she had counselling as a pre teen or sooner maybe things have turned out slightly differently. X x
This is the most in depth analysis of this case I've heard, ty for doing this!
As someone who went through such a major depressive episode in my teen years- I saw a lot of myself in her through her teen years. I expressed a lot of the same thoughts and feelings. The difference was I didn’t threaten to hurt others but I easily could see that. I looked a lot like this, I was constantly upped on my Prozac and getting help for my issues was a struggle. It’s hard to find good mental health services unless you get placed in patient for attempting to take your life. Then people in your life and professionals think it’s serious enough to treat. And I knew immediately which song it was. It was definitely lyrics. I just feel bad that maybe things would have been different had she been given proper help. She may not have wound up a killer and more importantly- that sweet baby would never have lost her life. I can’t imagine the pain of the mother. I sympathize with Alyssa all the way up until she decided to kill someone so innocent and vulnerable to her. But my heart hurts for the loss of Elizabeth. She never deserved to be an outlet for Alyssa’s rage and untreated mental health issues.
horrible tragedy :( my heart breaks for elizabeth first and foremost. and my heart breaks for alyssa too bc it's a tragedy that a young girl decides to give in to pain and hate instead of healing :( BTW every makeup you do is beautiful but this lipstick looks amazing on you!!
VERY Heartbreaking how this even happened 🙏🏽 My Condolences to Her Loving Family and Friends. Alyssa never deserves to be free again.
i’ve heard this case and done my own research into this since i have the same style as she did as well as the same mental issues. it’s so odd to see such similarities in people and how it can lead people down dark paths
my heart absolutely breaks for the grandparents, they tried so hard to give alyssia and the other children a normal and good life, yet alyssia’s past had already taken a toll on her. the grandparents probably felt like they had failed, however they did everything they could and the true failures are the parents. i hope they other two children are living a happy and normal life and that the grandparents know that they aren’t to blame at all.
I was intrigued about the quote she wrote on the wall. I've googled it, didn't take long. Its from an adult novel called impulse from ellen hopkins. Quote from wikipedia
"Impulse is a 2007 American young adult novel in verse written by Ellen Hopkins. The novel digs into the lives of three troubled teenagers as they try to work their way out of the hospital by getting through what put them there."
She obviously read this book to know a quote from it and by the sounds of what the books about she may have resonated with it. X
I absolutely love your channel! I was so glad that they last two weeks were cases from Missouri
Thank you, Danielle, for another great storytelling and a story!
Jumped from a barn loft into myself!! Man, not my brightest 😂
I remember this case well, I live about half an hour away from St. Martin's. So heartbreaking for Elizabeth's family and I feel could have been prevented with a better mental health plan other than just increasing meds.
just dropping in to say that I too, had the lyrics "it was written in blood, it was written in blood" literally EVERYWHERE as an emo teen in 2009.
I remember this so vividly. I lived in the same town. It was absolutely heartbreaking. Years later and my sister was in the same housing unit at Chillicothe Correctional. Alyssa is absolutely, without a doubt, a sociopath. The stories from inside the camp, mortifying. Also, she is well "Kept" while being incarcerated.
Every Sunday, Danielle hopes we have recovered from the horrible story from the previous week. Each time, my brain goes:"What story?" 😅... But seriously, when an Aquarius goes bad, we really do go to the extreme of the spectrum 😱
So true. And she’s my birthday twin 😅
Can agree. My ex friend was an Aquarius and omg you are so right.
@@AlexandraBolz That's why I'm dead afraid of getting angry. I go blind of anger. As an 8 year, I hit a girl's head so badly she ended up at the hospital and almost drowned another. Since I fight on daily basis the urge to fight when I'm be bullied . I'm scared of myself sometimes 😔
@@littleninniePerhaps UFC might be up your alley? The discipline of working out and learning to fight. Will teach control.
As soon as Danielle said „It was written in blood” I thought of Bring me the horizon. Also thank you for not demonizing emo culture, I honestly think Bring me the horizon’s Drown saved my life, it means a lot to people with depression and other issues to hear other people talk about having the same struggles, it means they’re not alone. Emo has helped a lot of people overcome their problems 🙏🏻
Literally makes my day seeing that Danielle posted!!
as a (now adult) person who went through what Alyssa went through mental health and trauma-wise, I really appreciate your coverage of this case! kids who harm others (like Alyssa) are in the minority of kids who are going through such things; thank you for being empathetic to her behavior as she was only a child herself while ALSO holding her actions accountable. I remember seeing documentaries about her walls. The 'it was written in blood' line immediately struck me as a Bring Me The Horizon line... because that's what it is... but so many media outlets said it was proof that she was 'crazy'... meanwhile I was 13 and had the same thing written on my wall.... but I now work in psychology and at shelters to help people... just because a teen is acting out doesn't mean they will turn violent.
Thank you for sharing your story. The best outcome is turning painful trauma and memories into service and awareness.
You’re absolutely right- teens that act out don’t turn violent. Not even the majority of violent teens murder someone. It takes a truly disturbed person to actually end another life, not just someone with a hard life. you thinking she deserves empathy while you are in this field is absolutely terrifying. I’ve worked with juveniles and have had 1-2 truly disturbed individuals that continued to victimize people in adulthood. Countless domestic violence, assault and battery charges. By grouping them in with the same empathy offered to teens truly struggling, you are enabling and helping to cover for those who truly pose a threat to society. It’s good to have a soft heart, but dangerous to be naive.
I just watched the "explore with us" video on her! It's mainly just the interview phase, though, so I'm definitely looking forward to your take on it!😊
DANIELLE. Thank you for your input, us as emo/goth kids would write lyrics down. I have never heard anyone else have this type of input into this case. I really think the media blew this so out of proportion (not excusing what she did.) but I’ve just never heard anyone else think maybe it was a 15 year old that was lost in life and writing lyrics down.
Ellen Hopkins wrote: "I cut to focus when my mind is racing. I cut to make physical what I feel inside"... She is an author who writes young adult novels like Glass, Crank, and Fallout. Just wanted to pop that in here because I agree with you in that these two writings are often over analyzed as it relates to this case when she is merely regurgitating what she is hearing.
Children harming children are so scary, this case is so saddening