New chapter in tragic history of parricide

In an article published by Fair Observer, the recent incidents of parricide prompt a deep examination of why some children kill their parents.

In a shocking re-examination of the infamous Menendez brothers case, Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted over three decades ago for the murders of their parents, are now being considered for parole. The brothers, who have always acknowledged their actions, claimed they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse.

This development coincides with recent incidents, including the case of Virginia McCulloch in England, who killed her parents, prompting society to grapple with the troubling question: how do we make sense of children who kill their parents? Parricide, or the act of children killing their parents, is not as rare as many might think. One of the earliest recorded cases is that of William Arnold in 1958, who, at just sixteen, shot his parents after being denied permission to use the family car. He served only eight years of his life sentences before escaping. More recently, Virginia McCulloch, now 36, was found guilty of poisoning her father and brutally murdering her mother four years ago, storing their bodies in their home until discovered.  

Other notable cases include the Menendez brothers, Matthew and Tyler Williams in New Zealand, and several instances across the United States where children have taken the lives of their parents, each case contributing to a troubling narrative surrounding familial violence.   Historically, parricide has roots in conflicts over power and inheritance, particularly during the medieval era.

Children, motivated by ambition or desperation, committed acts of violence against their parents in their quest for control. While today's societal expectations emphasize the family as a nurturing unit, past cultures often portrayed a more complex relationship between parents and children, where violent power struggles were not uncommon.    

The question arises: why do some children resort to such drastic measures while most do not? 

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes suggested that while humans are naturally inclined towards self-interest, societal norms and attachments, particularly to family, generally prevent violent actions. Travis Hirschi's theory further explains that strong attachments to parents and peers play a crucial role in maintaining conformity to societal standards.   In the case of Virginia McCulloch, intriguing questions persist. Despite her brutal actions, her three sisters were not implicated or even aware of their parents’ deaths, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within families.

One sibling described their parents as “blameless victims,” indicating a possible manipulation by Virginia that prevented her siblings from grasping the horrifying reality.   As we reflect on these cases, the challenge remains to understand the motivations and circumstances that lead children to commit such tragic acts against their parents, shedding light on the darker facets of familial relationships.

By Naila Huseynova