The mayor of an affluent Dallas suburb shot and killed her 19-year-old daughter and then turned the gun on herself. The two were found Tuesday evening when the usually prompt mayor failed to show up at a meeting. A letter greeted the police on the front door, warning them of the unpleasant scene they would be encountering when they walked inside the home. Mayor Jayne Peters had worked for the city in some capacity since 1998. Her daughter,...
Postpartum Psychosis and Terri Moulton Horman
Kaine Horman and Desiree Young, Kyron Horman‘s parents, are now reporting they are concerned that Terri Horman may be suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis. They believe Terri’s emotional state changed after the birth of Kiara (who is now 19 months old). Terri’s behavior seemed to become more erratic, and even though she never expressed her depression to Kaine, it seems she was venting often to her girlfriends....
Should You Discuss Kidnapping With Your Kids?
In light of the recent stranger abduction of 4-year-old Alisa Maier, I think it’s important to discuss the topic of kidnapping with your children. Alisa’s story can be used to highlight the importance of being safe. It’s an opening to tell your kids what to do if somebody ever attempts to take them against their will. My children are 6 and 9, and both of them have been told Alisa’s story. I used it as a real-life example...
Did Murderer Mom Suffer from Postpartum Psychosis?
Stephanie Rochester, who was charged with the June 1 suffocation death of her 6-month-old son, Rylan (whom she feared was autistic), may have been suffering from postpartum psychosis. This is a horrible tragedy, whether or not she was psychotic at the time of her son’s death. I am sure Stephanie Rochester is going through an extensive battery of tests to find out if in fact she is experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum...
Living after Loss: The Travolta Family
It’s hard to move on after losing something so precious. I should know: I lost my son. I was happy for the Travolta family after learning that Kelly Preston is expecting her third child. The death of a child is devastating and unimaginable for most parents. For John, Kelly and Ella, the loss of Jett will not be fully healed by the birth of a new child — and I am sure they aren’t expecting it to do so. Nothing except time makes...
Suicide and the Children of Celebrities
Today we heard the devastating news of the suicide death of Michael Blosil, the 18-year-old son of Marie Osmond and Brian Blosil. It was only a few days ago that 42-year-old Andrew Koenig son of actor Walter Koenig (of “Star Trek” fame), was also found dead as the result of suicide. The fact that these two suicides were the children of celebrities is, in my opinion, not coincidental. The two things are clearly related. Both of these...