Parents Who Killed Their Children: Filicide

by R.J. Parker

A clear-eyed view on the most heartbreaking of crimes

The killing of a child is always an aberration, we can never forget it because it takes such diligence to try to understand, rather than simply lock away the killer and brand him or her a monster. What really incites parents to kill their children? This book portrays ten filicidal killers, people's whose names--Andrea Yates, Diane Downs, Susan Smith, Jeffrey MacDonald--received a great deal of media attention. The author explores the reasons, from addiction to sociopathy, insanity to altruism.

CASES:
Andrea Yates
Darlie Routier
Susan Eubanks
Lianne Smith
Alan Bristol
Jeffrey MacDonald
Deanna Laney
Susan Smith
Tonya Thomas
Diane Downs

*****
NOTEWORTHY:
This book has been selected by several Universities in their upcoming courses in Criminology, Sociology and Forensic Psychology, including, the University of Utah and Penn State University.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Psychology, Horror, Short Stories

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2014

About the author

RJ Parker, P.Mgr., MCrim, is an award winning and bestselling true crime author and co-owner with his daughters of RJ Parker Publishing. Inc. He has written 17 true crime books, available in eBook, paperback and audiobook editions, and have sold in over 100 countries. He holds Certifications in Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling.

ALL Paperbacks under RJ Parker Publishing are in the KINDLE MATCHBOOK program: When you purchase any print book, you get the eBook for FREE

Besides gifting books to his cause, Wounded Warriors, and donating to Victims of Violent Crimes, RJ has daily contests on Facebook where he gifts eBooks and autographed books.

Join RJ on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJParker
Email - authorrjparker@gmail.com
Website - http://rjparkerpublishing.com/

Member of the Canadian Association of Authors
Member of the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was dreck. The facts were there for the most part, but the writing was abysmal, and the author's claims were made without reference. The book came across as juvenile, preachy, and voyeuristic rather than as the true crime reference it could have been.

Examples - Author "moved on" to father murders half way through and then simply turned back to mothers without explanation after two cases.

Writing was full of sentences like this: "Alan and Christine Bristol had been together for quite a while. Christine, if you are wondering, was the wife of Alan Bristol." And, "This is the story of a mother who committed the worst crime of all: she disgraced the paradigm of motherhood itself." (Quite a claim - no, it is not explained or justified.)

Where in the world was the editing? It reads like an 8th grader's report without benefit of either final draft or references. Ugh. Don't waste your time.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published: 30/04/2014
Author: R.J Parker
Recommended for: fans of true life crime
Edition: Kindle

I saw this book on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a try. In this book he looks at 10 stories of brutle murders in families, this book tells you all about the cases that will shock you. Each of the stories that featured in the news, and R.J Parker tells you the full case story of each of them in great detail and information. This novel shows you the true facts of each of the cases and what went wrong. This is a great novel for fans of true life crime.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying that the nature of the crimes in this book made it hard for me to read. Being a mother it is hard to believe that any parent can take the life of their child for any reason. But as this book will prove there are parents out their who can kill a child and most that do can do it without remorse.

As with all of RJ Parker's works this book is very well researched and written in a way that is easy to follow and while the subject matter is hard to comprehend, when a loving and caring parent is reading it, it is very tastfully written and does not give all of the gory details. This book is filled with facts and that is what makes it a great read for anyone who likes true crime.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about Filicide: the killing of a child by his or her own parents.
I got this eBook through BookBub quite some time ago. Finally got around to reading.
Published in 2014. At 200 pages, it is a quick read.
It has 194 global reviews. The number of reviews being part of the qualifications of being featured through BookBub. But unfortunately, the number of reviews does not always mean it’s a great book.
I found this book to be not much more than what you would read in newspapers. A few cases I had heard about. Most I had not.
The parent’s featured are: Andrea Yates, Darlie Poutier, Susan Eubanks, Lianne Smith, Deanna Laney, Susan Smith, Tonya Thomas, Diane Downs. And two fathers, Alan Bristol from New Zealand, and the well-known case of Jeffrey MacDonald.

In places more editing could have been done. For example, on page 193, he writes:
There are those as well who abort their child, before ever giving birth.
Okay? Is it possible to abort a child after giving birth?

The author is R. J. Parker. He was born and raised in Newfoundland. His bio mentions he is disabled with Ankylosing Spondylitis (I had to look it up) a rare type of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness in your spine.

My one big criticism is that at the end of the book he compares abortion to filicide.
But to my understanding the term is: Foeticide (or feticide) the act of killing a fetus, or causing an abortion. Abortion is a separate issue and, in my opinion, does not belong in this book.
He even goes on further to say: what should happen to a mother who decides to kill her own child? What level of punishment should be inflicted on such a person?
So, is he implying women who have abortions should be punished?

He lists the causes of filicide as:
1. Altruism - the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
2. Acute psychosis
3. unwanted child
4. Child maltreatment
5. spousal revenge

On page 16 he says according to experts, these parents usually don’t understand the consequences of what they are doing during the act.

He at the end of the book speaks about the focus should be on prevention, about enabling them (parents who kill their children) to deal maturely with stress and that family and friends be there for trouble parents.
But it is not as simple as that!

This book has some graphic details of how these children were killed. And once you read about these murders, you cannot unknow it. So be aware of that.

I had hoped for a bit more depth in this book, but really it is just a summary of these cases. A bit about the parents’ background, the murders, and the end results.

This book will not make me seek out more of his work.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book I've read but not journaled in January 2015.

I liked the beginning of the book. What the author did is divide the stories in small chapters and then at the end wrote his opinion which was fine first but later on not so much because he thought different than me on some cases. Oh well. We can't all agree.
To be honest I liked the cases I did not know about more but most were cases I knew like Andrea Yates,Darlie Routier, Diane Downs,Susan Smith, Jeffrey McDonalds. All very famous cases.

I did enjoy the read and finished it in one reading session so I am definitely going to read more by this author.

[Ann Mclees · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, this parents are disgusting, horrible parents and should not be considered good at all. I do have a very bad problem with the afterwords part that you had mentioned about parents who leave their children in foster care, It is not right for you to judge those parents that had children left in fostercare, You do not know the situations of what caused the children to be left there, you do not have the right to judge anyone, Therefore with that being said I will not read any more of your books and I do not recommend this book to others to read.

[Jazmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was MUCH better written than the previous book by him that I read. A pretty quick read filled with lots of information. Some cases I knew, some I didn’t, But I learned quite a bit.

Definitely a good, overnight read for any true crime lovers.

[Kim Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I’m always intrigued about why people do the things they do and trying to understand why they did it. I have children of my own and can’t understand why people would want to hurt theirs.

This wasn’t a bad book. I’ve reread it several times and I know the stories. I just wish that it was a little longer and you got more to the story.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Although I've read about all of the cases profiled, the way RJ has laid them out makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It's beyond me how a parent could perform such a heinous act on their own flesh and blood.

The book opens with a definition of filicide and the possible causes and segues into the first of ten cases highlighted in the book. What strikes me, and I’m sure all readers will notice, is that statistically speaking more often than not the child’s mother is the one who commits the murder; in fact only two instances of father’s committing filicide are included in the book.

Although the highly publicized crimes of Darlie Routier and Andrea Yates are beyond comprehension the particularly gruesome crime committed by Susan Eubanks is the one that haunts me. Eubanks systematically shot each of her four children point blank in the head starting with her 15 year old son Brandon, then her other three sons aged 7, 6 and 4 all in their shared bedroom while the others watched in horror waiting for their turns. I can’t begin to imagine what was going through the boys minds. Her daughter and nephew both survived that attack and will no doubt spend the rest of their lives scarred by the experience.

Throughout the book RJ Parker interjects his thoughts and opinions on societies view on mother’s pointing out that society on a whole considers mothers to be the primary caregiver and nurturer. Each of the cases are briefly touched upon and in my opinion it would have been a more compelling read if the cases were explored a little further perhaps introducing aspects of the case not previously published. It also would have been nice to have a few current cases included.

All in all, Parents Who Kill Their Children is a great read for aficionados of true crime. If you are, take the time to look up one of the 14 other RJ Parker true crime books.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Reviewed by Jodi Ann Chapters, ChaptersandChats.com for Suspense Magazine

[Ben Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, of course the subject matter is concerning to a degree. Such acts are disgusting and deplorable; no one wants to see such acts present in society. However, despite this the subject matter is absolutely fascinating. It covers a number of real-world cases of filicide (murder of a child by their parent). Each story is covered in depth, with important facts about the murder’s background, the murder itself and the subsequent trial and outcome.

Clearly many (if not all) of the murders had severe psychological disorders. Whilst the book is not a focus on these disorders, anyone that has an interest in the shocking behavior of people with psychological problems should definitely examine these case studies.

The book reads well (even if it is uncomfortable at times). To me, it reads like a series of documentary episodes because of the professional way the information is presented. At hard as I’m sure it was to write, the author has done an outstanding job to ensure that the overall tone is impartial and non-judgmental, which in my opinion helps the book carry weight and impetus.

Overall, the book is as interesting as it is abhorrent, but it is definitely a book that is both hard to pick up and to put down. This was the first book that I have read from RJ Parker and I am now looking forward to picking up the rest of the True Crimes Collection.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parents Who Killed Their Children is a non fiction book.

The author has written a lot of true crime books and has picked out certain high profile cases for this book.

It is a relatively short book and only takes a couple of hours to read though obviously the reading matter is quite uncomfortable.

The writer has written about ten parents that have killed and in each case study the reader gets a brief introduction to the family leading up to the awful events, we then get to learn about the events that took place and then there is also an afterwards where we learn about what happened in the trials of the killers and to what happened to them and living family members in the aftermath.

Each case is quite short and even though the reader gets the overall information it did leave me wanting to know more, I found the chapters to be a little to brief. To be honest even after reading this book, as a parent, I still do not understand why these parents brutally killed their children.

I will warn people that at the back of the book there are some graphic photos that some people will find upsetting but I think it makes it hit home at the atrocities of what unfortunately does go on in this world.

This book certainly will not be for everyone but it does make for an interesting read. It certainly makes you hug your children that bit tighter.

[Ana-Maria Bujor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like no effort whatsoever was put into this book. I knew most of the cases and the details are bare bones. You are better off just googling "parents who killed their children" and reading the news articles. The structure is all over the place. First it's mothers, then supposedly fathers and then more mothers appear in the fathers category. And then single mothers. And if the stories themselves are good to at least find out about the cases and then look for more info, the commentary is cringy. If you get a 12 year old and tell them to write a paper about parents who kill children, this would be it. It's bad, simplistic and occasionally plain wrong. The case of Susan Smith is put as an example of revenge killing, when it was clearly a case of children no longer wanted / she felt she could not care for them. Also two of the cases, especially the one of the doctor, are still unclear. Even the author says he may very well be innocent after ranting for pages about what a monster he is. And to take the cake, at the end, women who have abortions or leave the kids in foster care for some reason are thrown into the same category with murderers who shot/stabbed/drowned their kids. Good job there!

[Bettye McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents who kill their children are guilty of breaking the greatest trust of all time. Children must be able to trust their parents to nurture and protect them until they are mature enough to take care of themselves. We as a society are not able to understand or forgive the snuffing out of a young life before it can defend itself.

Some of these stories are familiar to us, but by being combined with less-familiar ones, the author has provided a good variety of motive theories and methods. Included is the Jeffrey McDonald story, surely one of the most controversial cases of our time.

It is extremely easy to murder a small child; people do it all the time. It is just so unnatural and so strongly against a parent's instincts to do so that our hearts cry out for a more severe punishment for child killers.

This is a book you don't want to read while, at the same time, you want to know what kind of depraved person could do this

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free kindle copy of Parents Who Killed Their Children: True Stories of Murder (True CRIME Library RJPP Book3) by RJ Parker in an Amazon promotion.

While the subject matter was horrifying, the author's style made the difference in this book about parents killing children. It's a sad commentary on our society that there would be so many of these cases to document. Included in this book are stories about:

Andrea Yates
Darlie Routier
Susan Eubanks
Lianne Smith
Alan Bristol
Jeffrey MacDonald
Deanna Laney
Susan Smith
Tonya Thomas
Diane Downs

I gave the book four stars because it was a humane treatment of appalling circumstances.

Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H...

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Preaching about sanctity of motherhood

Not well written and goes on and on about how important and special motherhood is, then complains about women who have abortions or give up their children in the beginning, middle and end of a book about people killing their kids. After reading the author's screed I need to give kudos to all the people who recognized parenting wasn't for them and had abortions or gave up custody, instead of, you know, killing their kids.
Well researched though.

[Patricia Ibarra · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title says, these are stories of "people", if they can be called so, who murder their children for various reasons. What I find amazing is that when these people were taken to trial, they tried to prove if they were insane. Such a heinous crime can only be committed by someone totally out of their mind. Why spend time and money trying them? They should be killed and go straight to hell and burn to the bones, but very slowly.

[Kipp Poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

RJ Parker looks into 10 brutal and terrifying cases of violence and death within the family. They say Home is where the heart is but this book proves them wrong.

Each case is given enough in such detail you will recall these ghastly news bits from years ago but now you get the details of what really went wrong and the outcome.

Any True Crime buff would be satisfied to have this on their shelves

[Bama · Rating 5 out of 5]

RJ Parker did a fantastic job writing about these cases. Some I have never heard of, and some I had forgotten about. I am glad I read this because these children should never be forgotten. No lengthy court trials, but the facts about each case, and when available, gives the murderer's twisted reason for performing such heinous acts. Very informative.

[Kylene Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad and disturbing topic. This book features 10 stories of parents that killed their children. Heart-breaking and tragic stories. I do wish it had gone more into the psychology of why it happens besides blaming addiction and depression. What pushes a person over the edge to kill their own kid.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written set of short true stories of parents who murder. There are several well known cases included and a few that I had never heard of. An interesting look into the crimes and the killers. Parker's writing is straightforward and in an easy to read and follow format.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details a few of those cases with aberrant parents who kill their children . Some to punish the other parent, some for selfish reasons, some don't appear to have a reason. Awful topic written well.

[brenda belg parlaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, it always fascinates me as to WHY anyone kills especially your own children!! Very good reading if you like true crime.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expected something a bit more in depth on this subject but it's more of a summery of events. A quick read.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I especially liked the photos at the end of the book, as well as the cases outside the USA. Very good.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, parents do kill their children and no matter how you put it, it is difficult to hear and read about. In this book the author summarizes 10 cases of parents who did just that. Out of the 10, only two where fathers and the remaining eight were mothers. Two of the parents, a man and a woman, killed themselves along with their children. Most of the children were quite young but in one case they were older. A few children even survived the attempts on their lives even though siblings didn’t. I can’t even begin to comprehend what went on in their lives and the lives of family and friends who loved these children. Some of these people you have heard of. Others may be new to you. It is a hard book to read but it doesn’t go into a lot of detail. Each case is summarized briefly, not unlike a newspaper article.

The one thing that was strange was how the author goes on and on about women becoming mothers and how they had the holiest place in society and those that chose abortion or who had children in foster care or somehow equal to mothers who killed their children. I don’t agree with this and although I know he is “correct” in saying that children are priceless, our society doesn’t recognize this as evidenced by how children are treated, or not. At least it was a quick and “easy” read because I don’t want to go back to the subject again.

[Elisabeth Brookshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

For newbies

This book would be a great way to begin reading true crime because it gives basic and plain spoken information about probably the most famous cases of filicide. Most of the cases contained herein are the subject of very good full length books. I would recommend reading the two books about Darlie Routier, the book written by David Smith, Susan Smith's ex husband, and "Small Sacrifices", by Ann Rule. There is also a good book about Jeff MacDonald by Joel McGuiness. (All of those books are off the top of my head so I apologize if I got any names spelled wrong. The book is a bit preachy but when you read about the author it makes sense. He seems to be a very caring and moral man and can't contain his raw emotions on this sensitive topic. Three stars because it's nothing I haven't read before.

[Roz Curney-Sherod · Rating 3 out of 5]

This didn't feel like a complete book, more like an novella or probably an overview. This audio version was a little over 2 hours so it moved along quickly. It touched on the most famous/infamous cases of parents who kill their children, i.e. Andrea Yates, Susan Smith and Jeffery McDonald. Jeffery actually killed his whole family not just the kids. The author was trying to show that not just women murdered their kids but so do men! The book was interesting even though I know the characters but it sounded like a documentary so it was a bit dry. The book covered the facts in each case then added an epilogue, which was exciting to see and know the repercussions of the tragedies. Not to much new information but I did get insight into two of the killers whom I wasn't familiar with so their stories were a bit more stimulating.

[Lizzie Winns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of these cases I've heard of, but most of them I hadn't. Its unbelievable that a mother can kill her own children. You went through labor pains to produce this child into the world, but yet you loose your mind and want to harm that same child. I just don't understand it. Most of these woman were really sick in the head, hearing voices and actually thinking that they were doing something good. But what gets to me the most is when one of them says that a black guy killed her kids. I was like really, so blame the black guy. We already know that the black man stands no chance with the law being fair towards him. Also I learned a few new words that I had never heard of before so that's always a plus.

[Kellie Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shocking but true account of parents who kill their own kids

Some of these stories made me cry at the sheer evil that goes on in this world. The author made the stories easy to read and he was very matter of fact about what he was writing, I prefer this style of writing to the clinical psychologist type way that some writers write, there’s nothing worse than not understanding half the things in a book but I didn’t get this with this one. If you like reading true stories about filicides then this book is highly recommended.

[Karen Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating

5 stars for this informative look into fillicide.
Appreciation to the author for the section of causes & the proper terminology.
Disparity, devastation, outrage & mind blowing peek into the lives of these heartbreaking stories.
What really causes fillicide?
Is it a combination of bad genetics & horrific life altering events?
Upbringing? Over zealous religion?
The world may never know, but the journey to discover will be informative for sure.