It has been a tough week on the crime beat. I have spent a lot time talking with parents and children who live in the block where Patricia Becht allegedly plotted a suicide pact with her two young children, 10-year-old "Mikey" and 11-year-old Erica.
As I talked with moms and dads trying to make sense of such an incomprehensible act, kids stopped by a memorial to Mikey, dropping off teddy bears, notes and even a basketball so Mikey could play with it in heaven. None of the neighbors I talked with saw any warning signs. The couple closest to Patricia Becht spent the Fourth of July in Becht's backyard, shooting off fireworks with their kids.
It is hard to reconcile this image with the disturbing details in the criminal complaint filed today that includes a "to-do" list allegedly written by Becht the next day as she carried out her plans to use pills to kill herself and two young children. It also says she discussed going to a place similar to Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch, comparing it to heaven, as part of her plan.
We have heard a lot in recent months about similar crimes elsewhere, some speculating that depression over the economy is a factor. Whatever the reasons, there are resources in our community for families in stress.
If you know parents who seems overwhelmed, please refer them to Crisis Connection at 612-379-6363 or toll-free at 866-379-6363.
See the criminal complaint by clicking here.
Previous Stories:
Mom Charged With Murdering Son Claims Suicide Pact
Mother Arrested In Son's Murder, Charges Coming
