15-Year Old Killer | Alyssa Bustamante Case Analysis

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Alyssa Bustamante?
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[@michellemadison2539]

It really shows that people weren't taking her seriously when she had violent thoughts. That's not typical at her age and if someone actually took her seriously a life would be saved

[@LukeSumIpsePatremTe]

Could

[@Chamelionroses]

Mental health stigmas exist too. Yes many of such people are not taken seriously.

[@BeckBeckGo]

@@LukeSumIpsePatremTe yes could. She said could. What are you doing?

[@ambrr_lily]

@@BeckBeckGo No, she said "would", "a life would be saved." Since there is certainly no guarantee, "could" would be more appropriate.

[@lauren1779]

I went to highschool with her they didn’t care about bullying or anything like that. She was in a bad spot. Doesn’t give you the right to kill. I remember the search for the little girl And the teachers and student suicides that followed all this.

[@Jared_Wignall]

This is a very sad and terrible case. I like how you go about talking about cases like this. Very respectful and tasteful. Keep up the great work Dr. Grande.

[@Tomi-oe5mz]

@@Walczyk You need some Jesus in your life buddy. lol

[@BeckBeckGo]

@@Tomi-oe5mz I think he just needs a hobby, tbf

[@kentexican5844]

Dr. Grande's thoughtful, calm manner does lend itself to taking his audience to a similar state of mind. 'Definitely more aligned with what I believe a more civil/genteel human society needs to have as an influencer of thought. I suspect if a guy with his smarts took on a more FOX-like/MSNBC-like provocateur approach to his presentations, he might pull down some more serious Gs ($$). I have seen provocateur's from the aforementioned bring on mental health authorities/"experts" for interviews and opinions, some whom I believe actually want to provide sound information, but unfortunately sometimes they get edited into soundbites that contribute to confirmation-bias those channels set out to achieve. And other times, the so-called "experts" seem like every other man on the street that would sell themselves out to make a buck. Sometimes one's principals can interfere with profits.

[@bthomson]

You're brave to admit this behavior with so many psych professionals reading your comment! You sound just a bit off?🤔😕😜

[@mnmmnm8321]

@@kentexican5844 who cares bro..

[@r.b.ratieta6111]

When you start asking "What do you think it would be like to kill someone?" in a non-joking manner multiple times, especially as a teen, definitely something to keep an eye on.

[@farrahfeathers6668]

Truly a heartbreaking story all around. It seems as though everyone in Alyssa’s life failed her . It’s amazing to me how she basically lived a duplicitous lifestyle; normal appearance & decent grades whilst at school.. “killer clown makeup” & dark depraved thoughts at home & on social media. This young woman was clearly crying out for help . It’s frustrating that all the signs were there ; asking friends if they ever thought of killing someone?? Messages written in blood on her walls, journal entrees depicting dark desires. Yet no one close to her thought to speak up or challenge the therapist’s diagnosis. She basically did exactly what she was telling everyone that she would do. I wonder who that second grave was for? I’m not sure how I feel about her being possibly up for parole in a mere few years, nor do I feel that she should spend the rest of her life in prison. This case truly has me shaken! I can’t imagine the pain of the family of the young girls life she has taken. As always an excellent unbiased analysis Doc. Happy 50th Birthday!

[@ambrr_lily]

He said they suspected her original targets were her twin brothers, thus the two graves.

[@Gajoobles]

It is amazing what you can get away with if you simply shut your mouth in school. Although never this bad for me I knew that if I shut up teachers would not really do anything. My mum was never proactive in my progress she was easily convinced by my lies. She just justified everything by saying I was a manipulator and liar. I finally went to see professionals in my adult life and was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder. I was just scared of everything and would deal with it by avoiding people and building anger towards them but I hid that very well. I could have easily descended into violence if given the opportunity but luckily my mum did love me and apart from shouting at me never abused me more seriously than that. Now I still deal with problems such as depression and anxiety but I am aware what is normal and what is not. It is scary to me to actually be able to relate to certain things killers have gone through. What could have been if I didn't want to get better, or if I didn't have this "empathy" Dr Todd talks about.

[@j.1759]

@@Gajoobles I relate with you, I have this very deep seated anger within me and I'm a very dangerously impulsive person, but I still have empathy and morality that prevents me from hurting people and animals

[@Gajoobles]

@@h0rriphic Thank you for your kind words

[@Gajoobles]

@@j.1759 Gotta take it one day at a time as they say! I hope you will find peace, this impulsivity is indeed a scary thing. Animals are a major comfort of mine, I am not sure why but I think it is because they cannot speak and are easy to read. Best of luck with everything.

[@rezlogan4787]

Violent and sociopathic kids tend to fall through the cracks because psychologists diagnose according to a medicalized model, and there is no proven treatment they can refer for violent sociopathy. Therefore, they slap labels on them and hope for the best. The only consistent treatment is removal from potential victims and restrictions on their ability to access potential victims. She is exactly where she belongs, and she should have been placed in a supervised group home or other institution much earlier to save the life of her victim.

[@Mr_Bones.]

This sounds like a really good guess to the reason of failure for so many murderous children. Another thing to consider is how many therapists want to tell the parents “Hi, your child is violent murderer and if we don’t permanently separate them from society, they’ll likely be the next Charles Manson or Dahmer”. those parents would just fire the therapists and disregard the advice. A therapist wouldn’t be taken serious until after a tragedy had taken place, and even then, the therapist would likely be called incompetent. seems like a lose-lose situation:/

[@rezlogan4787]

@@Mr_Bones. I’ve been that therapist. It took a year to help the parents understand that the violence was only escalating and targeting peers and teachers. The kid eventually got placed in a school for young offenders and last I heard he was doing better with strict supervision and firm expectations for behavior.

[@Ichneumonxx]

@@rezlogan4787 I've seen this myself. Parents (or grandparents) live in denial. They desperately try to convince themselves and everyone around that they are "normal", their kids are "normal" no matter the cost, until it's too late. A doctor I know from the criminal ward in our local psychiatric hospital said that where one person is sick, the whole family needs to go to therapy.

[@patrickstewart6260]

Admittedly I'm fairly sure she never admitted to wanting to kill anyone to her therapist. Unfortunately, psychos blend in. I'd imagine it's rare for a psycho to admit they're a psycho, even to therapists.

[@rezlogan4787]

@@patrickstewart6260 There are signs to therapists who know what to look for. Defective empathy can be a clue that can lead to red flags.

[@jilltaylor8567]

Thanks Dr G for giving a fair and well balanced analysis instead of just dismissing the perpetrator as evil. I wish more people were willing to see the bigger picture and see how we are failing our kids when it comes to mental health. I always love your wittier, more light hearted videos but also greatly appreciate the more serious cases that you cover. Keep up the great work Dr G!

[@raeraebadfingers]

I didn't have the exact same upbringing as her but very similar. I was in a horribly dark place in my adolescence. I can't say I never had the thought in a moment of pure anger, anger I never understood and hated myself for (later found out I have BPD and a number of other mental illnesses), that I could hurt somebody else. I was really mean to my younger brother, I would hit him, scream at him.. I feel so god damn awful for the way I treated him and I am sadly aware we will never have a relationship :( I am deeply regretful of my actions when I was younger. But I had no idea what was wrong, I couldn't get anyone to listen to me, I needed therapy BADLY. How I managed to survive myself, I will never really know. I have been in therapy for about 12 years now ( when I was no longer considered a minor I sought help because I knew if I didn't I was going to die young or by my own hands) and on medication for years now. I'm lucky I didn't go down a darker path than I did. I don't THINK I would have had the capacity actually severely injured or kill someone, but who really knows? Maybe I would have done something like she did? It's pretty scary to think about. I am so thankful I am doing better mentally. By no means am I where I want to be, but I'm so much better now. I can't make any judgement on if she is truly evil or truly and deeply mentally ill/disturbed. Mental health is no friggin joke. And I wish more people took things more seriously so hopefully avoid horrible incidents like this

[@sparkstudies1675]

Glad to hear you got better.

[@raeraebadfingers]

@@sparkstudies1675 thank you, I really appreciate that

[@sparkstudies1675]

@@raeraebadfingers Ofc. So far, I really don't know how I survived myself either, so I relate to that a lot. Have not gotten any therapy. Here's to more healthy growth! Sending love

[@themerchantofengland]

Hi, that's a very honest account of your younger years, I'm so happy things are better for you know, wishing you all the best for the future x.

[@raeraebadfingers]

Thank you all so much for your kindness. You don't know me at all but it has a tremendously good impact on my mental health. It goes to show there are always reasons to keep fighting and pushing myself forward. I hope that my story will have an impact on, even if just one, person who needs that glimpse of hope in their darkest hour.

[@davidroddick91]

Being maladaptive as a result of a bad childhood is one thing. Being homicidal is something else entirely. Many people have worse childhoods than she did. Very few of them go on to commit violent crimes. Even if society did fail her, releasing a murderer into society does not help her, nor does it help society. The murder was not a spur of the moment thing. She thought about it for years, and who knows how long she planned it? She should spend the rest in prison.

[@eadweard.]

Brutally sensible remarks.

[@kevinc809]

100% agreed. Some of these people here would feel differenly if it was their child murdered but people look at things today as if they are watching a tv show or something. A child was horrifically murdered. A child.

[@orchidgarden3124]

We don’t know what she suffered in the first several years of her life to break her like this. I suspect she was severely abused and neglected and that is what destroyed her mind. That doesn’t excuse what she did, but it explains the cause. A violent and drug addicted father, drug addicted Mother. She never had a chance. That being said, she will never be fit to live in society because she is too broken.

[@rhondamadgirl]

I recommend watching the police interrogation for a bigger picture of this case. It’s a bit tough to watch, as her grandmother was sitting in the room listening to the interview and starts to fall apart when Alyssa begins confessing to the crime. Very heartbreaking, but interesting.

[@raeraebadfingers]

My heart broke for her grandma. Especially when Alyssa finally admitted to what she did. The sound that came out of her.. and hearing her screaming outside of the interrogation room, that hit my soul HARD. I can't imagine how she felt. 😞

[@rhondamadgirl]

@@raeraebadfingers The agonized screaming was just horrible. Poor soul.

[@likemysnopp]

No way im looking deeper into this case. But I do remember that face.. and wasnt supriced when I saw she was born in 1994 cuz oh boy does that style only exist in the people who were born around that time.

[@susie1370]

I watched it , the grandmother was so upset , I thought she was going to have a break down!

[@martinhousemuse]

@@susie1370 she did have a break down. Blood curdling scream outside the interrogation room "its never going to be okay". I feel so bad for grandma and what this did to her after she had taken in Alyssa with love and hope in her heart.

[@jeng8401]

I feel so sorry for Alyssa little sister. Unknowingly setting up her little friend to be murdered. I hope she got the help she needed to work through it. I think Alyssa was jealous over the little girl that was from a happy and loved family and took her rage out on her. Just to feel powerful over someone. I pray she never gets out she will do it again.

[@nathanielbables8652]

Sad, but realistically true

[@barbaravonreyn628]

6:44

[@rtwice93555]

I don't know, I am not a psychologist and have zero education in psychology. But, I have been around a lot of people in 57 years and believe some people are hopeless. This doesn't mean that I don't feel bad for them. This young lady never had a chance. But now that she has crossed that line and murdered a child, how do you put the toothpaste back into the tube? I don't feel she belongs back into society, whether she is kept in prison or a psychiactric hospital. I certainly don't think the parents of the girl she killed would feel warm and fuzzy with Alyssa a free woman one day. This is a tough one. I grew up with someone I feel is hopeless. He didn't have nearly the bad childhood this girl had. His family was poor, but otherwise normal. At 17 he killed someone in a drug deal gone bad and was sentenced to the California Youth Authority until he was 25 years old. He was out and considered redeemed and treated by the state at the age of 25. Within a year he killed a friend of his simply to steal the guy's pickup truck. He is hopeless! I don't think he will ever get out, nor do I think any amount of rehabilitation will make him a better person. He has spent the last 31 years in prison and I hope he leaves there in a pine box.

[@steph7738]

totally agree.

[@drakedrones]

Agree.

[@Iron4TrollPatrol]

Cremation no reason to waste perfectly good plywood.

[@elmasexon724]

@ Your Pocket Mechanic Agree.

[@Italiangirlnj747]

Agree

[@adriancardenas4910]

My only issue with being lenient with an individual like this is that someone else pays the price for releasing them from prison. There is no guaranty that once released they won't kill someone else's kid and for what, so that they can live their life, be a productive member of society, and have a bake sale. If not in prison, they would need to be constantly drug tested and monitored 24 hours a day, who would pay for that?

[@DeadManSinging1]

There used to be places called Asylums where we could put people like this

[@Brando-wc8fz]

You assume she will only kill children?

[@moonstruck562]

I remember this case as it was going on. I really feel sorry for her victim, Elizabeth. Can’t imagine what her parents must’ve gone through. I think Alyssa picking Elizabeth was calculated and deliberate as she was so young and innocent which made her an easy target. Easy to lure her and physically dominate… Such a senseless and tragic death.

[@LifesPeachy321]

*I don't think she should be released into the public because I feel she'd do it again...she was a serial killer in the making!* Someone who got pleasure from killing...I don't think that just goes away! Whether she spends it in jail or a psychiatric ward is totally up to the court, but don't put her back on the street to kill again.

[@LifesPeachy321]

@@jhernandez7132014 Very Interesting! Thanks for sharing that! The mind and body are very interesting for sure!

[@LifesPeachy321]

@Dark Waters You're welcome Mr. *Dark **_Wanker!_* Like anyone's opinion is going to make a difference! LOL

[@LifesPeachy321]

@Dark Waters Oh is that what you were doing? 🙄

[@natalee217]

Watched some her court hearings, she has no remorse. I hop doesn't get out.

[@natalee217]

@Dark Waters He can speak his opinion

[@m.f.richardson1602]

She had a very sad start in life. I can understand her anger. Seems mental health is as confusing as the patients they're treating. I'm glad I'm old and live alone. Always interesting. Thank you. Peace 💕🇺🇲

[@cbn7239]

Bottom line, you can be as sick as you want, but as soon as you hurt others you need to be put down. Rehabilitation is only secondary to punishment.

[@maryrasmussen8418]

I feel sorry for both of the girls, both were victims in different circumstances, my heart goes out to them and life is considered free well & unfortunately people make the wrong choices. Terrible outcome for them.

[@kevinc809]

I feel sorry for the one who had the knife stuck into her body over and over until she died.

[@SamS-uv2ql]

@@kevinc809 So does Mary

[@dftmmwgitd]

People have terrible lives but don’t kill.

[@tankthearc9875]

society in whole feels sorry for female killers but not male killers , Doc is no different in falling for this ideal that women killers are not fully at fault. you dont think male killers didnt have crappy parents?

[@dftmmwgitd]

@@tankthearc9875 she killed a baby. She had two grandparents that raised her for years during her childhood, a stable household for many years. How many kids don’t even have that, and don’t go out and kill. They are completely irrelevant toward one and another. She made her choice, and she shall not walk free unless Elizabeth walks again.

[@TylerRJC]

This was such a horrifying event. They found Elizabeth’s body about 500 yards from my house. I had to drive by Elisabeth’s house and often past by Alyssa’s grandparents house on my way home. I didn’t have any interaction with them ever, other than maybe catching kids playing in Elizabeth’s yard, so who knew if Alyssa was there. I was working when I got the call from my mother, who was crying and scared because police and search parties were walking through our yard/woods, and helicopters were flying over. Truly was a shocking thing to have happen quite literally in our back yard. I’ve heard hearsay about her school life, but I truly hope this girl gets the help she needs.

[@kennethkunz2449]

This is positively heartbreaking. I am unable to speak or act further, and left feeling unutterably sad. Todd, you did a good job putting this together but I wish I could unhear it. Five Stars.

[@MrBoothyboy1988]

Its Dr Grande to you

[@Flamsterette]

@@MrBoothyboy1988 It's "It's" to you.

[@gamingandotherstuffchannel]

what I love about your channel is that you manage to make a case I've heard before so unfamiliar because of all the additional details! Keep up the good work

[@rachelhua3690]

What a coincidence! I’ve been waiting to hear what you’d think of this case. Happy birthday and happy 1 million subscribers, Dr. Grande!

[@janmclain6301]

Dr. Grande, yet another insightful analysis. I was horrifically abused from an extremely young age, but it only made me more determined to never make anyone else feel what I felt. I am not saying that everyone is able to make that decision. I only know that it is possible. I have no answers. I only have sorrow for all parties involved.

[@keithbrunson7190]

Completely excellent analysis. You’re right! Miss treating a Child from birth to eight years old, Will ruin the soul. She never had a chance at a normal life. If this were Scandinavia she would be put in a village just for people with these problems. She would not be put In a jail like environment. This is really a terrible story that I do not like hearing but has actually happened and the reason that it’s turned out so badly is the mental health industry ignoring it’s an efficiency.

[@daniellethrasher1611]

I am touched that there are people in the world who can show others what true empathy is. Thank you for being you

[@enigmag9538]

This has to be one of my favorite crime analyses by Dr. Grande. It's an interesting, tragic case and he discussed it in a concise yet thoughtful way, esp. concerning mental healthcare in the U.S.. I've watched Alyssa's interview/interrogation with detectives. Her grandmother was in the room with her and upon hearing Alyssa admit what she'd done, she totally lost it. It hit her like a ton of bricks...so heartbreaking.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Omg, I am driving through downtown LA and looked for a Grande video to hear as I drive. What a great thing to happen upon a brand new video. Thanks, Grande.

[@kingklebold6474]

You're welcome

[@iwatchbaywatch-notyourmoth1568]

@@kingklebold6474 me too

[@iwatchbaywatch-notyourmoth1568]

@@kingklebold6474 dude ur name is weird

[@MrBoothyboy1988]

Dont drive and use your phone

[@Emzzz78]

That’s Dr. Grande to you

[@jasonmaloney2436]

Dr grande! Thank you for your hard work and congratulations on your 1M subscribers, I appreciate so much what you do. Thank you!

[@BucketHeadianHagg]

There were a lot of backstory details that i didnt know before today, and the analysis of her possible mental heath issues and personality traits was really interesting

[@saikouyayabarry9665]

I watched the full police interrogation yesterday and I had a feeling you would make a video about it soon. Then you made it today... just WoW

[@raeraebadfingers]

Man.. her poor grandma hearing her admit to the crime hit a heartstring in me I wasn't even aware I had. :(

[@saikouyayabarry9665]

@@raeraebadfingers that was soo painful to watch and hear...her whole world scrambled before her eyes

[@JWP452]

Alyssa should never be released from prison.

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

Happy 50th birthday, doctor. 🎉🎉💐🥂🥂 Wish the best for you and your family, good health and simply everything else you wish for! Now let's head for the next 50 years! Good luck! 💗

[@11cabadger]

I just saw a "Law and Order" episode that seemed "torn from the pages" of the news about Alyssa. (However, the girl in the show was absolute evil. So it was much easier to say, "Toss her in jail and throw away the key.") Of course Alyssa's real-life situation is more complicated and the solution is certainly more complex. Do you think it's likely that she will receive the psychiatric help she needs to safely transition into society? Will so many years in prison have made Alyssa even more troubled? It seems you've had a birthday 🎂 Hope it was a happy one and that turning half a century old doesn't leave any lasting traumas or kick off any neurotic tics.💐

[@brettschmidt5929]

Which "Law and Order" episode was was that?

[@11cabadger]

@@brettschmidt5929 sorry can't remember the name but the little girl killed a boy, terrorized her unwitting accessory, had killed pets and felt no compunction about killing anything that bugged her. I can't say more without spoiling plot but a battery and her age figure into her defense. The ending is chilling.

[@mnmmnm8321]

Lol, a parting shot from an idiot 😂

[@scottpreston5074]

Dont forget the movie "The Bad Seed."

[@11cabadger]

@@scottpreston5074 Give me those shooozz! "The Bad Seed" isn't even in the same league. One of my favorite movies ever ☔ 🎹🎹🎶🎵🎶

[@RunningInLondon]

Dr. Grande, I listened to this twice. I really appreciate you having compassion for the offenders, and presenting they can be victims as well. My heart goes out to Alyssa, whom everyone has failed. Her story reminds me of Ailleen Wournos. I do think the onus is somewhat on her circumstance. Thanks for all the work you do! Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@moonstruck562]

Happy 50th milestone Dr. Grande 🥳🎂🎉You are wise beyond your years 👨🏻‍🏫 How lucky are we to witness, learn and enjoy your wisdom, knowledge, wit and humor on this channel. Please take a day or two off to celebrate and relish your birthday. You work extremely hard and deserve to have little fun🍾🥂

[@sharonmcshane5876]

I understand your analysis. What I don’t understand is how one would ever know if a patient is beyond redemption .

[@ursodermatt8809]

we never know what your future brings. we really just don't know.

[@cabbagectrl]

We don't know, its his opinion. Plenty of people show remorse and manage to change. Its his conservative political ideology and not his expertise as a doctor that makes him say this.

[@twiceshy9773]

@@cabbagectrl lol oh daaaamn😂🤣

[@girlygal098]

He's not conservative, btw. Far from it -- he has a very dry wit. Conservatives have no sense of humor.

[@cabbagectrl]

​@@BeaIEngio After reviewing that segment of the video I have to agree I was wrong in my statement. He is not presenting this as his own opinion. I guess my dislike for the doctor got the better of me.

[@drksideofthemoon6899]

Been in law enforcement for 27 years, trust me when I say don't ever let this one out. There will be heartache for the family of the new victim. She has self destructive behavior but focusses that on others. Leave her in prison that's what prisons are for, protect society from the bad ones.

[@dianamarie5663]

Happy Birthday Dr. Grande. Have a wonderful day!!

[@Allison_Wonderland.]

Another interesting case that I have followed over the years! So happy for any new info, which I did learn through this video. Dr. Grande never disappoints!

[@emilyvee4922]

“Epidemic of terrible parenting” - call it like it is Dr. Grande. Thank you

[@davidr.t529]

I think part of the problem is that no clinician wants to be the one to say "this person is dangerous" but it should be a team of professionals in a case manager conference who can make that call. Also, these rural communities literally have almost zero mental health services. Think of how many good clinicians are in your area. The mentally ill in this country are treated pretty poorly and neglected greatly.

[@stoneyschralper3223]

I'm so stoked to be the second comment on here with a million subs it's pretty damn lucky to be number two I saw 40 something seconds wow that's the quickest one ever caught after you uploaded it keep it up bad ass doctor I can't get enough your therapy helps me a lot man I'm not sure if I could have got to the last few months without you. Thank you

[@MrBoothyboy1988]

Grow up

[@wrmlm37]

Below, you are wished a happy 50th birthday! I cannot believe that. I have been trying to guess your age, and with your extensive history, I could NOT fix upon an age that suited. Wow, 50. I would never have guessed. Many happy returns, you have accomplished SO MUCH. Love your channel, Doctor;) Edit: Nice burn at the end. Especially regarding parent. So many children whose declarations of pain and maladaptive behaviors go ignored in the home.

[@luigimacchi9525]

What I love about your channel is your energy and enthusiasm!

[@AMM3.]

Really enjoying Dr Grande releasing these on my time schedule... Middle of the night lol

[@KAli-dk6on]

Happy Birthday Dr. Grande!!! Yay!!! Hope your day is filled with love & joy! 🎉🎉😀❤❤

[@michaelarojas]

It always makes me wonder how someone so young can ruin their life and others by committing the worst crime.

[@Chamelionroses]

Nature verses nurture

[@iadorenewyork1]

* ruin

[@michaelarojas]

@@iadorenewyork1 fixed

[@eugeniosabater8449]

Chromosome malfunction????? I don't know girl!

[@vihaze6725]

I fully agree. Your take was so refreshing, measured, and blessedly absent of a pitchfork and torch. I think that people are often far too reactionary when talking about these topics, and it clouds their judgment and reason, especially when it comes to killers who are children.

[@DarkArtsDeepDive]

@@IvanDmitriev1 Yep. The amount of sympathy for this piece of sh*t is disturbing. There’s people in every city that have far worse lives and don’t murder people.

[@vihaze6725]

@@DarkArtsDeepDive Thank you for demonstrating the point of my comment. I liked Dr Grande's measured, analytical take on the situation far more than the ham-fisted, reactionary 'They're a piece of shit, burn them, I was abused and didn't become a murderer' kind of responses.

[@DarkArtsDeepDive]

@@vihaze6725 I think you’re rushing to the conclusion that it’s ham fisted. She had a dad in jail and a mother who used drugs…….. There’s someone living in every town who has a worse situation. She had medical help, food, a roof over her head, and two people who cared for her. I have family that are in much worse situations. And, believe it or not, they haven’t strangled a 9 year old, stabbed them in the chest 5 times, buried their body in a pre-dug hole, and then laughed about it on the way to a dance. It’s not so much I rushed to a conclusion, it’s more that I know the details of the case and don’t support child killers. You obviously have a different predilection, and that’s fine it’s a free country. If you want to support child killers that’s your choice.

[@SaucerJess]

Happy happy birthday, Dr Grande! Wishing you an extra wonderful day today! 🎂

[@TM-tx9ct]

Whilst it's very hard what happened to her and how her mental health was affected, she will only become well if she chooses to. If she continues to choose to be unwell, then no amount of pills, therapy, kindness will stop her being a risk to herself and others. Very sad.

[@acepilotson3331]

The grandparents did such a bang up job with the mother, let’s give them 4 more to take care of.

[@Flamsterette]

Happy 50th birthday, Dr. Grande! I'm staring 46 down in seven months! Thank you for your uploads and humor.

[@sandrajohnston1785]

This girl didn’t stand a chance. It seems like she was let down by almost every adult who was in a position to help. Your summation sounds as good a solution as it would be possible to achieve, although poor Elizabeth’s family may, understandably, not agree. Congratulations on a well deserved one million subscribers!

[@zenawarrior7442]

I think people always have a chance to do right, regardless of their backgrounds. Too many killers blame their childhoods. I had a worse one than most, & many abusive events, but am a kind, honest, decent person, by choice. But young kids don't have that lifetime of experience to grow & learn, and have complex hormones & other issues.

[@kevinc809]

Didn't stand a chance? Get real. You know who else didn't stand a chance? The little girl she stuck the knife into over and over and over. And her parents who don't stand a chance of ever losing the thought of how horrific their child was killed.

[@sandrajohnston1785]

@@kevinc809 If you come down from your high horse you’ll realise that I’m not making excuses for murder. I’m also not making excuses for all the adults in this girl’s life who deprived her of a normal, loving upbringing and being taught right from wrong and I can’t begin to imagine the horror of having your child murdered or the pain and terror which Elizabeth must have suffered.

[@kevinc809]

@@sandrajohnston1785 I'm sorry if I came off like that. Personally I couldnt care less about that girls deprival of a normal loving upbringing. She murdered a child.

[@dftmmwgitd]

@@kevinc809 many people have rough childhoods and don’t kill. There isn’t a correlation, many killers have normal childhoods. It’s insane.

[@empath4445]

Great video as always. Have a wonderful birthday, remaining Aquarius season, birthday month, and 50th year of life, Dr. Grande! Your channel and the knowledge that you share is a gift to us all.

[@higgaroc]

HAPPY 50th DR. G!! I feel better about turning 50 today knowing that you are too. Sending a hug from your birthday twin in Boston 😊 🎉🎉🎉🎉🌟🌟🌟🥳🥳🥳

[@DrMatey215]

Dr. You're in overdrive creating all this content! Where do you get all your energy? You've added over 200,000 subscribers in less than 3 weeks! You're channel is extremely unique and awesome. Keep up the good work.

[@kenz1448]

happy birthday dr. grande!! you are most definitely my favorite channel and i love your videos :) i hope you have a fantastic birthday, stay safe!!!❤️💚

[@maddieb5787]

I've read the teenagers and young adults that are taking antidepressants are especially prone to suicidal thoughts and actions. I would love an analysis on that.

[@pdog547]

Like he says in his analysis - pills are a quick-fix simple "cure" (society in denial and not wanting to deal with things). They have a place but kids shouldn't be taking stuff that messes with their hormones around puberty. I mean...I'm definitely not a doctor but that seems pretty obvious.

[@Mitchell_is_smart._You2bs_dumb]

I would guess that the kids taking it, are already especially prone, and that factors in them having that prescription.

[@ReaperCH90]

As somebody who takes low dosages (I am fine now, I had it much worse) this makes total sense, because who will get those pills? Depressed, suicidal kids. More people die in hodpitals than in supermarket despite there being more supermarkets, does this mean hospitals cause death or are just more people who could die in a hospital for that exact reason?

[@machineofadream]

I had learned that for some people, the antidepressants made them more able to carry out their plans. Especially when the suicidal thoughts and violent thoughts were caused by something more than the depression itself.

[@rhiannongreen2642]

I had a friend from school who's suicide prompted an inquiry because neither he or his mother were told suicidal thoughts were a known side affect of his new medication.

[@zenawarrior7442]

I remember this case, so sad. Thanks Dr G for your analysis, and...have a Very Happy 50th Birthday!!😊💛💛💐🥂🎈🎉🎁🎊

[@RockyDaTherapist]

Happy Birthday to Dr. Grande and the rest of my February 15th crew. I hope you all have a wonderful day. 🥳

[@lunchguy659]

I was abused regularly in several ways as a young child. I was born in 1960. I never knew my dad. My "step-dad" was a criminal and we moved around the US lower 48 in a pattern that he used to stay ahead of law enforcement. My mom and he were barely functional alcoholics, dropouts, pill poppers, self-serving, criminal minded, and barely managing a struggling undisciplined life. I had to walk around wherever we were at, find and start registering myself at school from the 7th grade on and would be given all the ID's and documents that I would need by my mom. I have been to 25 schools and lived in 18 States by the time I turned 18. We were living in La Crosse, Wisconsin in a motel when my mom went to the bar she was working at and took all the money out of the cash register, and we moved again. Decades later mom told me my "step-dad" was threatening to shoot me, (I was 10 at the time), if she didn't steal from that bar where she worked. After hearing my mom tell me that; I was highly disappointed in my mom because she stayed with him another 7-8 years after that. I could never allow my spouse to do that to my child and me and get away with it, much less stay with them like nothing happened for years afterward, continuing the same behavior. I could have easily turned into one of these kids. To be totally honest, it was the TV show Dads like Andy Griffith, Danny Thomas, Hugh Beaumont, Bill Bixby, Robert Reed, Robert Young, who showed me the "right" way to behave and how to think of other people, my job, my life. Also, in all the schools that I went to; the school counselors that interacted with and helped me through my issues throughout my school and home experiences were credits to their profession and were truly there to help kids like me. I was never taken advantage of or hurt in any way by any counselor that helped me through some heavy issues in my life up to that point. Also, COACHES of the sports that I participated in were the best teachers/mentors of helping kids succeed in life that I ever had, and they were the most fun to be around, usually. If I had more talent, I could write a book about my life, "based" on my life, and it would be reasonably entertaining, hehe. Like Forrest Gump with horrible parents, hehe.

[@CMB-fd5kz]

Happy Birthday Dr. Grande! More power to your channel, you are doing a great job with the channel 😊

[@golovastik.mp3]

thank you for your analysis- wishing you a very happy birthday as well ♡

[@leighford8821]

Very well said! About avoiding the topic of terrible parenting! This is such a painful situation for both sides, and you bring a practical analysis, I love that so much, to be able to understand something without the wild moral avoidances,

[@panspermiapancakes]

It's easy to feel bad for her because she was a victim of abuse and only 15 at the time but let's be honest here if she was a 15-year-old male, the question of only getting 25 years wouldn't even be up for debate. It sounds like they caught an inexperienced serial killer that had every intention of killing a second person, considering there was a second grave. They caught Ed Kemper after he killed his grandparents and decided to release him back into the world after spending time locked away and when he was free again, his reign of terror lasted years before he decided to turn himself in. It's unfortunate that Alyssa grew up the way she did, but she should stay behind bars. Everyone agrees that there were early signs of what she would end up doing, those signs can't simply be ignored because 25 years have passed. I'm generally against life sentencing in a lot of cases but premeditated murder isn't on a list of forgiveness. She didn't kill her abusers, she lured an innocent person into a situation with the intent of killing and did just that.

[@DarkArtsDeepDive]

There’s a really high likelihood of people killing again if they’ve been convicted of first degree murder.

[@kitiyana]

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Dr Grande. Appreciate your work very much. 🎂🎁🎉

[@Bowiefan4ever]

Happy Birthday Dr Grande! 🎉🎂🎊🎉

[@mckav2358]

Sincerly wishing Dr. Todd Grande a very 'Happy' Birthday - many happy returns

[@DominicFlynn]

If her actions are rooted in deep personality and psychological traits then the community could never be safe if she is free

[@infinitejest441]

Agreed.

[@martinhousemuse]

And to top it off, she has crossed the line at this point. She knows that she can murder and that she likes to to do it. By my amateur estimation, her choice to have crossed the line greatly increases the chances that she'll do it again.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

I have worked with children who have killed. (in mental health facilities). Most have been horribly abused but not all. It seems most killers are made but there are anomalies who are born without the ability to feel guilt, compassion, empathy or remorse. The rest lose that ability to feel through years of abuse and neglect. We share some responsibility for this as a society for promoting horror movies and glorifying violent revenge fantasies. I would estimate that 85% of the males 12-16 i worked with in a residential setting were fixated on horror movies with sexual undertones (most horror) and similar video games. In some ways we were a “detox” facility to cold turkey these children from hours a day of violent video games. We saw 6 year olds playing 18+ video games hours a day even refusing to attend school to remain home and play all day. I am currently aware of one of these children who recently shot his father in the head. The preoccupation with violence is a way to cope with feelings of powerlessness it seems. I do feel there are dark forces that reside in these children and feed on the negative energy. That is my personal opinion. It is important to note that of the maybe 300 children with issues like these only 3 have murdered so far to my knowledge. Peace

[@nickcobb865]

I remember in middle school when smart phones first came out, peers at school would show each other and me actual gore, rape and torture videos from drug cartels etc. I really wish the censorship in society was directed at stuff like that rather than the “wrong” political opinions.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

SO... maybe one percent (1/100) of the kids who outright defy parents and authorities to waste their entire days on violent video games and horror movies rise to murder in your experience... In my childhood... My parents would routinely take the cord off the TV or Game or VCR system... My father wasn't an electrical engineer (btw)... just a reasonably educated man (no degree, either)... and knew how to make a fully functional power-cord that could be detached... unplugged and taken... just like that (snap fingers)... from the device... It could then be locked up until the child learn the lesson at hand... SO I got taught very early on, "I am the HUMAN who is in charge of the Media." NOT the other way around. Yeah, children are rebellious and challenging... BUT parents who allow that defiant behavior are as much (or more) the problem... AND this isn't like "kiddy-jail" in a closet, or beating them with a switch. Simply put, "If you can't handle your access to technology, then you're not grown up enough to HAVE the technology." As a result, I'd played literally EVERY "dangerous video game" and seen most of the "worst" horror and adult level movies by my mid-teens... BUT I didn't refuse school or homework... The video games and movies were the "treat" for doing right... Simple as that. It set up priorities. "Do what you're SUPPOSED TO DO first... and then YOU CAN PLAY ALL YOU LIKE!".... It worked pretty well. My parents weren't perfect. There were instances that would be construed as child abuse... Like the brand new Reebok that got broken across my ass... No doubt I deserved it. Can't even remember what the hell it was about... just the cackles of laughter (including my own) when the toe of the shoe was flopping uselessly... and my mom realized she'd worn out a BRAND NEW high-dollar sneaker just beating me... (yeah, probably a defect, but still kinda hilarious)... I've only been to a few psych' eval's in the Navy, and not once did anyone diagnose anything... I've only had minor scuffs with the police, and never over anything too serious for getting charges dropped and records expunged... AND I've had PLENTY of thoughts about everything from torture to murder, suicide, self sacrifice, and a variety of means toward the pains of death and dying... I'm still here... AND since a lot of those thoughts only ever led to neat campaign ideas for D&D or some other RPG... I was REWARDED for them... all of them... Maybe you're onto something about "The preoccupation with violence is tied to a sense of hopelessness."... Only I'd posit that it's "a sense of HELPLESSNESS" or "POWERLESSNESS"... It's what draws a lot of the younger and more impressionable to the horror genre. Most people get scared a LOT during the movies... or games... BUT fancying one's self the villain... the psycho' of the movie (for instance) spends a majority of the time "being the bas-ass killer"... and only dies one horrible death at the end... (obligatory "or does he") Only to get remembered, celebrated, and live on in the next installment. No offense meant, here... I think you're spending a lot of time mopping up parental "criminal neglect"... AND children who NEED and Deserve lots of adult attention to grow up are unfortunately learning that the only legitimate adult interaction is with an electronic gizmo... It's supposed to do your thinking for you, and they're frustrated with the useless busy-work they get heaped on their narrow, young shoulders in school, because "Who needs to learn anything when you can Scroogle EVERYTHING in seconds???" I sympathize. We (as a society) are raising more and more isolated and isolationist extremes in personality with every passing year... It's damn nearly impossible to strike a conversation with someone in passing, even at work or over a counter at a shop, save some of the more rural places where the technology is spotty or difficult to access. I used to feel remarkable on the rare occasion when I could catch a cashier with a mis-count or unable to make change... and help... or rectify it (even when I could easily profit)... Now, it's the norm' to correct a miscount, even when they have the calculation machine at the touch of a button... I used to think poorly of the "latch-key" kids who were so often left home alone, with parents who preferred the cheap convenience of a TV for a baby-sitter... Now, I worry that every passing convenience is going to cost us far more than a "few bad apples" who just got lucky enough to avoid getting caught early... since so many are outright neglected... AND the schools with staff, faculty, and administrators who ARE trained formally in child development can't seem to bring themselves to step up and do a damn thing either. Too busy, I guess... sucking up funding for their "academic achievers" and "band mothers" or "football" programs to rock their own boats over the minority of students (and growing unfortunately) getting bullied in school and harassed online with no intervention from parents OR authorities... until the worst happens... ...AND all the adults can do is wring hands and blame the weapons... the media... some fashion trend... music... genre of whatever else... ;o)

[@Vixyvix01]

Lol oh please! I'm 35, saw my first horror movie at 5 when I snuck out of bed and sat on the stairs whilst my parents watched A Nightmare On Elm Street and I pretty much only watch horror movies now but I haven't ever had the idea or desire to kill someone it's just my favourite genre.

[@RetroHorrorFan]

it really doesn't have to always do with video games, but the person's psyche as well, I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional household, despite having depression and anxiety and i even got exposed to certain video games and I didn't end up turning into a killer, heck I watch Horror as well and I never got tendencies to mimic the behaviour, because I know its wrong and self control also matters, your idea of morals and consequences also play a part, some people who get influenced by this stuff might already have mental illness, however I would never recommend children play such games or watch Horror, as it can have a certain effect on some people's brains.

[@alyfaye97]

It's crazy how exactly similar our lives were (until she committed murder of course). Every detail before that applied to me when I was that age. It's pretty scary to think that could have been me if I didn't get help.

[@returnofthereasoner3200]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dr. Grande! 🎂

[@luluruckus55]

I'm truly proud to watch your popularity soar because your dedication is unparalleled and your content remains intriguing, thoughtful, and witty. Happiest of birthdays to you Dr. Grande!!🎂🎈 🌟5️⃣0️⃣♒🌟 I hope today is a celebration of YOU!!!!! I know your loved ones must be very excited and proud to see you getting the recognition, accolades, and love from your fans that you deserve!!

[@openorwap5412]

Happy 50th birthday Dr. Grande! Birthday 🎂 🎁 🎉

[@patty.cakes.]

My daughters will never go anywhere without me being there, other than school😖. Not with family not with “friends” not to play next door, no playing outside with kids without my supervision none of it. Because of this and about 689 other reasons.

[@MegaJackpinesavage]

Doc, your calm, even-handed approach to tragic atrocities that may seem however ho-hum & banal reminds us that these are not monsters, but people that we should care about --- a very delicate highwire act . Sincere public lessons in humanity are rare these days --- your thoughts can be surprisingly rewarding. Thank you --- MJS

[@pssurvivor]

i agree that her circumstances were not ideal but i also don't think she should be let go. If the murdered child had been my sister I would want alyssa to rot in jail forever. It'd be devastating for me to think that while my baby sister died at 9, this person gets to have a free life, no matter the quality of that life.

[@loulabelle5082]

Of course you would feel like that if it was your sister, I would if it was my child. But you can't be subjective when you make these laws, you have to use common sense, be logical and use objectivity. If anyone killed my kid I'd murder them and I don't even believe in capital punishment!

[@nickcobb865]

Yeah but in law we always spend so much time on how hard of childhood the criminal has, and never how hard of childhood the victim has. My best friend got raped, the guy confessed to the police, he had a hard childhood and explained that to the court and he is gonna be out in 6 months to a year. for rape. My friend had a worse childhood than her rapist had, but nobody bothered to ask about that because she was the victim not the criminal.

[@nickcobb865]

I wish we would focus more on rehabilitation of victims. Victims have it rough, victims have hard childhoods ect just like all of the criminals, but then they have to be victimized by the criminals.

[@loulabelle5082]

@@nickcobb865 but there are factors that influence personality, like genetics and environment, and there's no point ignoring it. In America they seem more comfortable labelling someone evil, end of story. There's no room for anything else. Do you want to live in a society that only punishes and never rehabilitates?

[@loulabelle5082]

@@nickcobb865 but you could see criminals as victims too. Obviously there's a thing called personal responsibility and you can't ignore a crime when it's committed but the good thing about most western justice systems is we look at a case on its individual merit, rather than going "murder? Don't give me any details, it's 30 to life". Isn't that a good system? I think it's the best we have. If you have a better way of doing it I'd love to hear it

[@brad885]

Her parents failed her. As someone who came from abusive parents, I can tell you that the feeling of loneliness is real. Childhood trauma combined with teenage angst is a recipe for being angry at the world. She killed out of jealousy for the innocent and probably to "fit in" with whatever myspace group was nagging her on.

[@danielavillarreal6578]

Happy birthday, Dr. Grande!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@cesspools-in-eden]

happy birthday Dr. Grande! thanks for all your videos.

[@marlinfisher2529]

Happy Birthday, and best wishes. Your serious hard work and great sense of humour have been rewarded with over a million views. PS the murder of his parents - originally thought kidnaped Melbourne Australia may be a suitable case. Your Devoted Australian Fan.

[@johnnyli4702]

Are there examples (anonymous, of course) where therapy and mental health counseling are able to quell would-be psychopaths and help them reintegrate into society?

[@Maryam-oj9wc]

yes there are

[@MakerInMotion]

Mental health professionals would never admit that there are untreatable cases of mental illness. It would be reducing the demand for their own profession if they said that some people are such a danger, locking them up is the only way to keep the public safe. But there are people that dangerous. That's why I hate when a convict gets released on the professional assessment that they're safe.

[@nickcobb865]

A lot of the rehabilitated psychopaths that have been released have gone and harmed more people. A true psychopath wouldn’t see a point in “rehabilitation” other than to fake it to gain freedom.

[@MakerInMotion]

@@nickcobb865 The psycho could paint some butterflies and write some shitty poetry and I'm sure there are some professionals out there that would take it to mean they were safe now.

[@DeadManSinging1]

All the psychopaths who reintegrate into society are on Wallstreet. They're called Investment bankers/Stockbrokers

[@jennyzhang1302]

Happy birthday Dr Grande! Thank you.

[@KittehNow]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. GRANDE. LOVE YOU

[@Brandibb]

I'm not a doctor but 40 mg of antidepressants on a child that size seems like a LOT. Not excusing any behavior here, but a high dose of stuff like that can make you feel like nothing matters. I range from about 10-20 mg a day.

[@aaronsmith5433]

Way too many killers young & old prescribed way too many big phagarma psycho pills. Needs investigation/prosecution. But then again , we have an even bigger problem with medical tyranny that needs investigation/prosecution, don't we? Prof. I. Ver Mectin Ps, Mr Ed says, " H E L L O ! "

[@uglystupidloser]

Really great reporting and analysis. Scary and nauseating to hear. It must have been tough to research and read it too. Sad that the little girl died. Scary that the person who killed her can go on parole. Must have been tough for Alyssa too, empathy or not.

[@antoniomuller2176]

No

[@antoniomuller2176]

She’s not on parole.

[@maryjanemaguire1124]

Happy birthday Dr.Grande. may God bless you with many, many more.

[@conti2000]

And again, the Dr.‘s Analysis, made me see things from a different perspective! A factual, less emotional, yet emphatic way, of looking at the case! Thx Doc! 👍🏼

[@risingeagle6332]

What about her victim? Her victim got life in the grave.

[@vladimirputindreadlockrast812]

You don't go to jail for the rest of your life because your parents failed you, you had a bad life, and it's society's fault. You go to jail for the rest of your life because you brutally and heartlessly murdered a nine year old girl, somebody's daughter and granddaughter and friend.

[@antoniomuller2176]

Facts

[@imjusthappytobedepressed1123]

Of course it's the fault of society, humans have an innate instinct to kill, that's what made us the dominant species to begin with, society just does a really bad job of guiding people away from that instinct. If it was not a part of our instinct we wouldn't have been at war for, well, literally ALL of history.

[@sanders555]

Parents failing you, having a bad life, and living in an unhealthy society are not exactly conducive to good behavior.

[@Redwood_Rambler]

It's a combination of all that.

[@rosetimmerman2529]

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Dr. Grande. You are the BEST!

[@valiakloeppel7252]

Mental health awareness and care are so badly needed. I know someone who has been treated consistently for decades and I’ve had to talk to him for hours when he’s having issues. He has borderline personality disorder and says it’s no big deal because his therapist says many have it.

[@seancompton5393]

The last part mentioning how she was brought up and her committing the crime remind me of children who grow up in poor, gang infested neighborhoods etc... committing crimes involved in the judicial system at a young age, how many of them have been locked up and the key thrown away

[@eadweard.]

Is this some race comment?

[@winngh]

I find it worrying when people make assumptions that one turns out evil cause of abuse or neglect when growing up. I went through same and even into my teens and as I type this but it has not changed me to be an evil person or go around commiting crimes. I believe we all can make a decision like I did at a point in my life to not be a terrible person and still stick to it till this day. We are the captain of our ship!

[@4thegood927]

Yes I know some really good people who had awful childhoods

[@symphony137]

The key thing you seem to forget is that each person is affected differently. You can't project your own abilities of dealing with things onto others. Two different people going through the same trauma can have completely different outcomes. Some people are simply not able to deal with these things the same way as others and it affects their brain and their development in a different way. This really goes for everything else as well, our intelligence, or mental abilities, our emotions, physical abilities, health etc.. I often hear this "I've been through the same or worse and I didn't do this and that", well..duh! You are a completely different individual with different genes, different brain and different mental capabilities. It's a fact many people often seem to disregard for some reason.

[@4thegood927]

@@symphony137 okay well you have a point but if they know right from wrong then they still need to suffer the consequences of their actions.

[@mcooper7977]

What a tragic and heartbreaking case. Thank you for your insightful analysis. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and hope you enjoy celebrating it with family and friends!

[@fifilafleur5555]

Happy Birthday, Dr Grande! 🥳🥳🥳

[@iwatchbaywatch-notyourmoth1568]

Dr.. Grande on as always, 🤜💯🙌💣

[@jademcqueen5474]

I had no idea she was bought up the way she was, no wonder she went on to do what she did. Obviously not all kids bought up in toxic and abusive homes go on to do bad things, but often they are the exception not the rule. Where was social services and the authorities? School teachers? A young innocent victim was cruelly taken as a direct result of that family's behaviour, how is that fair?

[@allthebest744]

Dr. Grande: I would like to wish you a very Happy Birthday! I hope that you and your family will have a nice celebration. Thank you for providing us with so many informative vlogs and sharing your witty sense of humor. You are a wise man! Enjoy your special day! 🎉. 🍰. 🍾 🥂

[@CharlestonTracy]

Some stories stick with you, and this one stuck with me. There is a really deeply sad part to this story I remember reading. When Elizabeth went to Emma’s, her mom initially said no because she was making dinner and they were about to eat. But the girls begged and the mom gave in. Whew, no words. I hope Alyssa never gets out. Probably because I have a daughter of my own and I just get sick to my stomach thinking about what this mom goes through on a daily basis. Also the fear and terror Elizabeth felt that day. Alyssa needs to be under mental health treatment and it’s just really not that easy here.

[@juneyshu6197]

Was she online with Juggalo groups? I think she got encouraged to do worse things, and got praise/attention for it.