Locally it was portrayed on the news as a tragedy for everyone concerned.
It was covered intermittently throughout the day as it happened, with interviews with the woman's neighbors and footage of the birthday party, etc.
It shocked everyone...no one expected her to take such drastic action against her own children but no one was pointing any fingers of blame at her, or her husband. The facts were announced as they were discovered, her past with post partum depression, her recent bout with it again and the drugs that she had complained to close friends "did not seem to be making any difference anymore". Her father dying was just the beginning of that last swirl through the downward spiral for her.
No one in the local media was blaming her or judging her...they were seriously feeling for this woman and her troubles and the loss to her whole family.
Although I cannot emphasize with her position regarding the post partum and the meds, I do know how devasting it is when your beloved father dies. It tears your heart out.
I honestly feel for this woman and if she is convicted and sentenced to prison or given the death penalty I for one will be shocked.
In her state of mind I do not believe she can be held responsible and punished. If she is made accountable for her actions, the only course to take IMO is to get her better help in dealing with her total breakdown and help her get her life back.
If this turns out to be one of those Susan Smith type murders, I'll be devastated but won't cry for her protection the way I do as the story is portrayed in its first light.
It is beyond sad.
Moni
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[This message has been edited by Moni (edited 06-22-2001).]