[shannonkpp]

I am not a proponent of the death penalty but neither do I subscribe to the theory that all killers are mentally ill. This pair seems to have been fully cognizant of their actions. Neither “roid” rage nor long-term Ritalin use would account for the calculating manner in which they perpetrated their crimes. If they are aware enough to plan out complicated identity theft schemes resulting in homicide, they must be aware of the consequences of getting caught.

Empathic capacity follows the classic bell-shaped curve, from those in which it is non-existent to those who are so in tuned to the needs of others they forget themselves. This pair seems to be much closer to the non-existent end of the scale. Does this mean they are mentally ill? Perhaps, but they certainly do not meet the definition of mental illness used in the USA for criminal prosecution. Society must protect itself from individuals who perpetrate heinous crimes. The question remains “How?”

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