Mom Stabs Son to Death in Horrific Murder: ‘If I Can’t Have Him, No One Can’

A New Mexico mom was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in her son’s death. Bruce Johnson Jr.’s father found him face down on his bed with a knife in his back after waking up to a commotion at their family home in July 2022. The 11-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he told police that his mom, Mary Johnson, stabbed him. Law&Crime’s Sierra Gillespie breaks down the horrific story.
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[@LawAndCrime]

If you’ve ever been injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can submit a claim in 8 clicks or less without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: www.forthepeople.com/LCBodycam

[@ckotcher1]

🚑 chasers 😒

[@woahitsphoenix]

I skip every ad you make. I pay for ad-less KZbin.

[@user-gs3gk4vi3e]

It is absolutely criminal that she only got 20 years.

[@bradpreston7779]

I came to say exactly this.

[@mandyholmberg5106]

I agree with you 100%

[@mandyholmberg5106]

I really! Feel like 20 years is not long enough at all in my opinion

[@evalenasbabys]

That’s the New Mexico, judicial system for you 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Papa_Flick240]

I feel like women get it easier than men when it comes to prison sentencing

[@t.deshawn6519]

If she's crazy enough to murder her son, she's a permanent threat to society! Why ever let her out? I'm so sorry for this kid and his real family

[@jesses5463]

All schizophrenic people are threats to society. The greater question is not why let her out, but rather why let her offend in the first place.

[@wolfman515]

She'll f up in prison and get a life sentence.

[@jesses5463]

@@wolfman515 Or she'll have her sentence vacated and go to a mental hospital instead.

[@wolfman515]

@@jesses5463 Kid killers don't generally fare too well in prison.

[@jesses5463]

@@wolfman515 you're thinking of mens prison, not womens.

[@juliagonzalez9157]

The fact that this poor child realized what his mother had done to him before he died is even more heartbreaking. Awful.

[@smartyjonez5470]

Liberals wanted to let her off with a warning

[@FateZeroth]

@@smartyjonez5470stfu liar

[@kygal]

@@smartyjonez5470I happen to agree, however I hate it that there’s at least one in nearly every comment section that makes it political. Why? 🙄

[@smartyjonez5470]

@@kygal the truth needs to be told my friend.

[@daylate]

​@@kygalis the fact inconveniencing you?

[@yumestationZ]

In a case like this, there should never have been a plea deal. She should have been convicted for 1st degree murder and rotted in prison till she took her last breath.

[@simmiesim321]

But it’s America 😂😂😂😂complete joke of a legal system Hilarious to the rest of the world

[@DaisyMae809]

@@simmiesim321You should watch Australian true crime shows. They need a TON of evidence before they even arrest someone. Also, they unfortunately give out much lighter sentences too.

[@DK-mf8il]

@@DaisyMae809i believe its poland that has max sentences for any crime is like 25-30 years. Any crime. Thats crazy

[@beaz_nutz]

Sometimes prosecutors do the plea deal in case they feel they have a chance losing the case entirely. Her pleading insanity and winning would have been worse. I think she should be put under the jail but it’s better she at least got that much than nothing or even less. She probably won’t live as long as her sentence anyway.

[@Salty-cracker68]

They do it to save money and get a win

[@rosschirstopher]

I am so damn sick of seeing anything less than life in prison for cold hearted murder

[@thedustysocietycrimes]

SAME.

[@tigiste5465]

what about death penality

[@master-dukecuthbert5061]

​@@tigiste5465The only problem with that, is doubt in the competency of the government to punish the right person.

[@marycampbell1576]

@@master-dukecuthbert5061Exactly!

[@TGOPoma]

@@master-dukecuthbert5061Death is also more expensive than life in prison.

[@annecoyle5811]

Please put your sponsor at the beginning or end . So disrespectful to come in mid story with a smile and thank you. These people deserve respect.

[@kayyxla4171]

agreed 100%

[@Grelotmystiqueetal]

@@kayyxla4171 agreed 200%

[@cassieclover99]

THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS!!!

[@aestheticdinopop3662]

I ALWAYS think this when I’m watching this… it’s off putting extremely… during mid video when ur heart is aching from hearing about such a awful sad situation… the last thing u want is a sponsor

[@lauracook8203]

And on top of at least 3 of those countdown ads. I know people need to make money but most channels seem to do the sponsor first and not so many ads in such a short video.

[@McTaco]

I can’t imagine not being with my kid in his last moments but being stuck answering questions about someone else’s behavior.

[@ItsSpecialHands]

@@McTaco they had to be sure the father wasn't involved, it's sad but it's necessary

[@McTaco]

@@ItsSpecialHands I’m aware, it just sucks.

[@spawn302]

It's clear the mom didn't love him. Anyone with a genuine love would never wish harm on their loved one even if they betrayed them in the worst of ways. Even though her son never betrayed her, she still wished harm on him. It's clear there was something egotistic about her son that may have fulfilled her, but it seems like she valued the way being a mother felt rather than the actual happiness of her son.

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@spawn302 He was a possession.

[@K000H]

20 years for murdering her son while he was defenceless in his bed asleep. Madness.

[@moongloom359]

@@K000H i think its the insanity plea

[@mahlik18]

@@moongloom359 of course

[@cathynewyork7918]

20 years is the standard in New Mexico for second degree murder. 30 years for first-degree murder.

[@nachocheeba]

Aside from the deep disdain for the mother and heartache for the son's death, all I could think of was how sweet the rest of the family was. They loved each other so much

[@VGK420]

Agreed. They don’t deserve to deal with anything like this. No one does.

[@zondracarter3022]

I agree 💯💯💯

[@astridvvv9662]

Very much. It broke my heart knowing they'd soon be given such devastating news.

[@JamiesLife]

Exactly 💯 so heartbreaking 💔

[@HollyGW]

Omgosh I'm still watching....he didn't make it?? Ohhhh my heart hurts!!! 😢

[@vanessamcdonald1071]

That poor little boy alone with no one at the hospital breaks my cold dark heart.

[@ursulasoames8602]

You’re not the one with a cold dark heart ! 👍❤️

[@doreenstodolski615]

“YOUR COLD DARK HEART”???

[@kevincloud574]

Bwuahahaha nobody with a "cold dark heart" could EVER have said that

[@chikencrumb]

@@vanessamcdonald1071 kindve a weird thing to say 😭🤨

[@Oldworldlove]

No it's not. It means she's usually jaded but this case touched her when many haven't been able to. Duhh. ​@@chikencrumb

[@Superman_305]

Once again this is another perfect example of why not everyone deserves the privilege of being a parent.

[@flickrennels]

Remember that when you vote. Mr Vance thinks women who don’t have children are the main problem in this country. I say more people should be encouraged to NOT reproduce.

[@nychris2258]

What privilege? All it takes is two horny dufuses to make a baby. Its a mindless function. Im more impressed by people who dont make babies.

[@mom2babygkaterad946]

I absolutely & wholeheartedly agree! Parenting is a privilege & she didn’t deserve that honor.

[@sfirlaki]

Only, had it been the husband, he'd have been given life with no parole.

[@rhetorical1488]

@@sfirlaki exactly. a disgusting double standard. a result of 4th wave fem botting

[@TVJunkie1973]

How could she stab her son? In every picture that sweet boy is snuggling up to her and smiling. Most kids won’t even take a picture with their parents. This boy is a precious treasure. I’m so sad that he will never have the opportunity to have the life he was meant for!

[@Bambotb]

People are selfish to the core they can’t love anyone but themselves they think ithers are property

[@EmJust]

That poor father! He’d literally begged the sheriff to have her declared unfit and put in a mental heath facility and all the Sheriff could say is ‘well it’s not illegal to be crazy’ are you fcking kidding me?! Clearly he needs to go on some mental health training courses as this man might still have his son today if he’d offered the right advice and options. And then the first officer to the scene turns up without a flashlight, crime scene tape or even a MEDIC KIT?! Are you kidding me?? This department needs a kick up the proverbial!!!

[@swerve3031]

Unfortunately he’s right, it isn’t illegal to be crazy. But the officers did drop the ball.

[@Adventures-with-Sisters]

Yep another Charles Vallow that they didn’t listen to

[@gouchscowl8601]

People are confused if they think the police are there for crime prevention. They’re not, they’re there for the after effects.

[@dontbelongherefromanother]

​@@swerve3031and they can't force them into psychiatric treatment.

[@snicole042]

“Destigmatize mental illness”. We’re seeing the result of regressive and downright harmful policies. We need to return to constitutional law.

[@MrsPinkyChiChi]

I hate that his son had to be alone when he was whimpering.

[@poppyb9908]

Did I hear the Dad say that he was non-verbal too? Bc that poor child to be alone with strangers as his last moments 😥

[@Noah_pito]

Bruce Senior handled this situation very well. He was calm and articulated the story very clearly.

[@StickysituationTV]

Idk how he did that I'd be going crazy and probably would have went to jail for getting my revenge on that lady!! I know it's bad but f**k that!!!! Rip little big buddy!!! 😢

[@holliewalther7174]

⁠@@StickysituationTVI think at the time he thought he son would make it. Also he may have been in shock finding his child like that? Although he knew his wife was unwell and tired to get his son away due to abuse from her, I can’t imagine how he felt when she actually acted on her thoughts.

[@dianeolson8449]

@@holliewalther7174 I agree- I think he had no idea that his son might die.

[@lazydaisy2292]

He was probably able to hold it together because his son was alert and talking to him so he didn't think he would die. I feel so bad for him.

[@msaijay1153]

I think his bedtime medication helped keep him calm

[@tabathaletson5040]

I understand why they have to question family, but that lil boy should have had his dad with him! I can't imagine how terrified, confused & alone he must of felt 😢💔

[@krisniznik3953]

Yes, absolutely! they should have let the family be with him at the hospital! It's terrible that he had to be alone.

[@Kaykay-jh1zu]

But they still have not confirmed who the suspect is, so it would be unwise to let the family members be with him before they get a detailed story of what happened. Very dangerous 😢😢😢 but very sad 😢😢😢

[@krisniznik3953]

@@Kaykay-jh1zu They could be there too if they're worried, but the kid shouldn't have had to die alone.

[@briannam3140]

@@Kaykay-jh1zuyeah but minors can’t be questioned alone as far as ik so they should’ve let the parents be w him, especially in these circumstances like come on

[@tabathaletson5040]

@@krisniznik3953 That's exactly how I feel! We all know why they sometimes do it but one or a few detectives could have escorted Dad. I'm sure there were officers at the hospital anyway. Not to mention it was immediately pretty clear the suspect was very likely the mentally ill mother that refused to take her meds & that dad had called them about numerous times smh

[@poptartmadison3216]

My son is the same age as this boy and the thought of him being hurt like that is unbearable, I can't imagine the anguish the father is going through.

[@Sara-xk1ns]

Seriously. My son broke his arm around that age and I felt helpless bc I couldn’t fix it. I couldn’t imagine doing something so heinous to him and then not being able to fix it. I already know I can’t live without my son if anything happened to him. There’s absolutely no way I could survive if I was the cause of it too. Just let me take care of myself at that point.

[@lyndsayw5843]

​@@Sara-xk1nsI am so with you. I have always said that if anything happens to my son, be ready for two funerals. He's 18 and that feeling never changes. This poor precious boy. She is so selfish and evil.

[@olorin1710]

Are you 75 like this Dad?

[@olivias2414]

@@olorin1710who cares how old the dad is. Just cuz he’s older somehow means he doesn’t love his kid and mourn his loss?

[@olorin1710]

@@olivias2414 no not at all. He is clearly in shock. I was suggesting the age gap was the same.

[@minusseasons]

It's so gross when parents see their children as just extensions of themselves with no care towards the fact that kids have their own thoughts and feelings. This poor little boy must have been so scared and confused that one the person who is supposed to love him without question was the one that hurt and killed him. Rest in peace little Bruce.

[@StarlahMutiny]

Not everyone should have children

[@HannahRuthHopkinson]

She's an evil narcissistic woman . That poor poor boy . I cannot imagine what must have been going around his head during his last moments on earth 😢

[@believingtoday]

Poor kid. Before he dies he says his mom stabbed him. Last thoughts before eternity. I don't understand plea deals when she should have received more than 20 years for killing her son. The husband was so kind and cooperative. Can't imagine what he is going through. Prayers for the family left to grieve.

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

She had a mental health case. The prosecutor may not have wanted to risk it

[@Monica-hv4rf]

@@justthatgirl-ct4jo mental health issue or not, some of us believe taking a life should mean life. life in prison, if not the death pentalty.

[@YouChwb]

@@justthatgirl-ct4jo People are missing this exact point. Big difference if she was a druggie, and her situation could be controlled unlike schizophrenics.

[@jordannewsom3606]

​@@justthatgirl-ct4jo Then she definitely shouldn't be let out

[@TitaniumTurbine]

@@jordannewsom3606 You don’t understand mental illness and it shows. Please educate yourself - specifically on schizophrenia/treatment, then comment. There is no need for you to be sounding this uneducated in 2024. You have a giant encyclopedia of knowledge at your fingertips.

[@dianahudgins674]

Omg the horror this poor child must have gone through. Having your own mother stabbing you and you can't stop her.

[@hayleyelizabeth7895]

“it’s not illegal to be crazy” that broke my heart. No, it’s not illegal to be crazy. But when a person with mental health problems is showing a pattern of dangerous behavior and no one is listening to the family who is crying out for help? What happened to this boy is horrific.

[@Julie-si3hi]

They have no medic equipment,a broken flashlight, no tape....and absolutely no sense of urgency....absolutely appauling police work...they sound half asleep and inexperienced. That poor boy all alone in the hospital 😢😢thats awful.

[@nykiraub4995]

I heard that too. I wonder if they were prepared that he might have had a better chance of living.

[@Waitaminute2015]

This whole scene is bizarre.

[@steviasativa9803]

@@nykiraub4995they are supposed to keep that stuff in the car no matter what

[@morgank.2788]

None of the family members seemed concerned at all which I found to be pretty strange 🤔

[@Southern_Taurus_]

@@morgank.2788not everyone handles situations the same tho. I don’t even cry when close friends of mine die. I just think deeply about it. Not everyone screams and cry’s.

[@sweethistortea]

Poor boy, his mother is a monster. Dozens of couples would love a child, and people like that woman waste it.

[@poppyrowland1385]

The mother is ill. She should have been in an institution. Nothing to do with being a monster. She’s mentally ill.

[@Brandoncye]

Right! Me and my hubby would LOVE to be dad's, but it costs soooo much! When people legit are out here throwing kids in the trash cans and k*lling them left n right. So so sad. May this little boy RIP. 🙏

[@Misshughestrm]

At any given time, there's almost 400,000 kids in US foster care, and 117,000 of them are waiting to be adopted.

[@Misshughestrm]

​@@BrandoncyeAt any given time, there are almost 400,000 kids in US foster care, and 117,000 of them are waiting to be adopted.

[@leeleebear5826]

​@@MisshughestrmMy cousin and uncle both were fostering and both landed up adopting. So many kids out there that need a loving home.

[@dianahudgins674]

That poor baby, bless his heart. He looks so sweet and sure didn't deserve this. It breaks my heart that children die from a selfish parent.

[@lorrainebest1731]

I will never understand killing your own child. I would die for my son, and I have my own struggles with mental health myself

[@samanthaharris7859]

Same...my kids are my LIFE. I might have one if I didn't have them ..We need each other. For various reasons wether we like it or not. Struggling or not. Happy or not. Rich, or not...and I am stressed and struggling immensely...I love my babies to DEATH...from 18-almost 3.yrs old. Five beautiful children

[@hesayshesayhowboutmesay]

Same here. I have two boys and they mean EVERYTHING to me. Them growing up to be happy and healthy are my goals.

[@latinaonangel]

Exactly. 💯

[@KyleJoseph-vo6vp]

Same, my 4 year old son is the only reason im alive..hes literally my whole world

[@dariadavies256]

Same! I have mental health issues also but my kids make me proud each and every day and when it comes to them I would do anything and everything for them! How anyone could do anything so absolutely horrific is beyond me.

[@AnnA-jd4xm]

It's so sad that they were sitting there thinking the kid would survive not knowing that he wasnt going to make it.

[@itsninjamo752]

Awful, that poor baby alone knowing his Mom stabbed him.

[@louniece1650]

LEO didn't give af at all. Nevermind. I forgot this was in NM.

[@gingerleamcwow435]

I think it actually helped that they didn't know. They were able to stay calm and give as much detail as possible without being overly emotional, at least 😞

[@chazzmccloud36]

There really should be no such thing as a plea deal when you murder your own child

[@crazyralph6386]

That poor family. The whole time they were giving info to the deputy, they were all under the assumption that Bruce Jr was alive. I’d hate to be the person who broke the news to them

[@LaurasLife08]

Aww I know how sad 💔

[@AreYouABadfishToo]

The boy was alive for a while. He fought so hard. He told the police at the hospital that his mom stabbed him. He was very brave and I'm so sorry this happened to him and his family. I wish his mother would never be released.

[@deniseeugene1852]

Exactly as we didn’t hear any screaming.

[@louniece1650]

​@@deniseeugene1852We could hear his whimpering as they casually walked the stretcher to the bus. It's in the beginning. 😢

[@gordanagrizzanti6370]

Doing this to your own child, i'm sure is beyond everyone's Imagination!

[@icj5568]

This is premeditated ! She wasnt taking her meds. She killed the kid after knowing that her husband wants a divorce!

[@heatherstewart9300]

Poor kid. That psych0 "mother" was already killing the poor kid with food. Keeping him forever dependent on her for her own sick needs. He was never going to be able to escape from her.

[@brittnaesimmons5170]

Psch0

[@Vale0x3]

Boy moms, after multiple failed romantic relationships. They expected their son to save them.

[@NyxLuna452]

I have a bipolar mother and was severely obese at his age as well. The emotional trauma from my mother caused depression and over eating. The bullying by my father and a school made it so so much worse. It was because my mom would withhold food from us kids and then when we would go to our grandmothers house and over eat.

[@anneleeuwen2105]

​@@NyxLuna452😢😢

[@kevinhornbuckle]

She made him into her son-husband.

[@geekyzombie]

I feel so bad for the dad because he doesn’t understand how serious the injuries are, he’s stuck, caught up with police and can’t go see his son before he passes. That poor baby boy. He had his whole life ahead of him-his mother took his life in a scary, brutal attack and only got 20 years.

[@EagleSpirit2825]

💔 Bruce Jr., you should have never had to sleep w/a baseball bat to protect you from your own mother. I couldn't imagine being a kid, sleeping in my bed, woken up being stabbed by my mom. So sorry there was no protection for you buddy. Mom should have been in a facility away from this precious boy!

[@Sassy_Shay]

I live in Hobbs, NM where this happened. I was a store manager in the store that she and her son came into daily. He was the sweetest kid! At times when they’d come in I could tell she was off mentally. And there would be times you didn’t/couldn’t know something was wrong. My heart broke when we heard the news that day it happened.

[@TommysHouseOfMunch]

Liar

[@EdgiBabii]

This is why we need a change with our mental health assistance in America. My brother is very schizophrenic and no one would help until he committed a crime. He ended up trying to kill his neighbor and he finally was arrested. Still in jail, thinking he’s a federal agent.

[@michaelhoggarth89]

Mrs H 🇬🇧 ...Sadly not many understand Serious mental illnesses & it takes something like this to get help for them... Like in UK it all comes down to COST sadly

[@gerdyproffitt4916]

A while back there were a couple of female lawyers stood in court to fight for the rights of mentally ill. They won and now you can’t touch them until they commit a crime!

[@stephaniecalhoun804]

That is heartbreaking.

[@evephelpsmarketing]

I am so sorry and I totally agree with you! My best friend growing up had a schizophrenic mother and it is clear that the majority of people on the comments are just angry with the mom, when they should be angry at the system for not having available help for her. My heart breaks for everyone in this family. ❤ And I wish you the best of luck with your brother. I’m so sorry that he couldn’t get the help he needed.

[@kristingallo2158]

I saw a movie like that before. The guy killed his wife but thought he was investigating the psych hospital.

[@BrittneyWillis-o5l]

Why the heck did she only get 20!?!?!? She slaughtered her own child !

[@katya.g524]

beccause of mental illness.

[@godsstruggler8783]

@@BrittneyWillis-o5l Mental health, if not a get out of jail free card, is a reduced sentence card. Been that way in the UK for decades and many who have killed others have been released after just a couple of years in an institution to kill again. Women also tend to get a lighter sentence than men for equal crimes. I don't know if that's the case across the pond.

[@MarioGoatse]

Makes sense to me. It’s not a malicious crime done by someone who is just plain evil or bad. It’s a crime caused by her mental illness that she can’t help. 20 years is fair IMO. It’s still a decent sentence, but it takes into account that she’s schizophrenic.

[@RandomPerson28337]

No justice in this world I seen a dude kill in self defense get 40

[@JayMich29]

​@@godsstruggler8783If diagnosed mental health conditions are a factor, it plays a role in sentencing in the US as well.

[@cm1927]

She’s not a mother. A true mother would never hurt her own child.

[@vincedidiana5781]

@cm1927. So true. My brother and sister in law have spent minimally 100K on trying to get her pregnant. They cry every time it fails. Thankfully, she’s finally pregnant and we pray everything goes well.

[@cm1927]

Prayers for their little miracle! 🙏

[@vincedidiana5781]

@@cm1927Aww. That’s very sweet. Thank you very much

[@Mimi-cq4bg]

Mothers in postpartum psychosis kill their babies. They’re absolutely mothers. They just don’t know what they’re doing. This woman? Knew she was ill and knew she needed medication. She wouldn’t take it. She’s a mother and a murderer.

[@melissasullivan5899]

She was pure evil

[@mochasweetie7580]

That man has no idea he’s being treated like a suspect instead of a witness. They looked at her and decided she was a small, delicate woman. Nope, she was a psychologically disturbed person.

[@VGK420]

May that poor sweet soul rest in peace. This is just awful. We just watched their last moments speaking to him, just heartbreaking. Sending love to the family.

[@mightymarlo3101]

It's really sad that Bruce Jr. is stabbed by his mom and then hauled off by ambulance without any family by his side! Bruce sr. Said dad loves you as he is being hauled away! Truly heartbreaking

[@louniece1650]

NM law enforcement is notoriously inept. That was on them.

[@mightymarlo3101]

@louniece1650 yeah your probably right. Either way, poor Bruce Jr.

[@assie74]

Yes they should question after either he was ok. Missed change to be with him

[@DMCrapser1951]

Reminds me of my alcoholic father who would beat my mom and us girls. We’d call the police and they’d tell us they couldn’t arrest him because they didn’t see it. Yeah this was back in 1960’s. We asked them well what happens when he kills one of us? No response!

[@Laurencita]

I am so sorry for what happened to you and your mom. You didn’t deserve that. I wish you peace and healing.

[@kitkatkels86]

Such horror in the world, I’m so sorry 😢

[@snowpz]

Reminds me of that young boy that was worried about his brother harming him and the operator brushed him off in the worst way and he got killed. That wasn't even that long ago either. He ended the call with I guess I'll just wait til something happens then smh

[@LilyFlowers-hh3sc]

Well now the same thing is happening but it's normally women getting away or getting short prison time.

[@holzerisms]

Im sorry that you experienced that and that you did not receive the adequate justice or care. I hope you and your family are healing well. Please take care of yourself. I pray for you to have rest and calm in your body and mind. Im glad you all survived.

[@suegoulding1341]

Poor kid knowing his own mother stabbed him before he died absolutely breaks my heart, desperately sorry for dad, he must have been looking forward to bringing his son up and getting him away from that maniac woman.

[@suzysmith4254]

So she kills him but not herself. She is sick she wants to see the father suffer

[@hillarybillary21]

Evil, not sick. Use your brain.

[@jaxscales6158]

@@hillarybillary21 Evil and sick are the same thing. And the way the husband just said “it’s not illegal to be crazy” is sickening

[@destinyl8813]

@@jaxscales6158he said the cops told him that when he tried to have something done to get her out of the house.

[@메이시-e6g]

@@jaxscales6158 evil and sick are nowhere near the same thing

[@book_worm22]

@@hillarybillary21she was both. Maybe you should use YOURS. She was mentally ill ie sick. And you are a 🤡

[@kafkastiles]

TWENTY YEARS???!!! For first degree murder??? She should be in prison, or locked in a maximum security mental ward FOR LIFE! I need to look up the prosecutor's name on this one and give the office a call to see if they'd like to explain their reasoning, or lack thereof.

[@donut_life12]

They thought she would use her mental health issues and get off completely. But really it seems to be revenge killing by a person who happens to be crazy.

[@flazada]

This poor little boy didn't have a chance. His little face breaks my heart.

[@TarenaD]

If you murder someone, you shouldn't be allowed to take a plea deal.

[@stephaniew4140]

There should be a way for the father to be there with his critically injured son. He is not a suspect. He clearly loves his son and his son needs him. Certainly there are ways for the investigators to get information from him without blocking access to his son, who might well need a parent to make medical decisions.

[@CalebMc70]

at the time he was a suspect, they hadn't conducted a full investigation yet.

[@stephaniew4140]

@@CalebMc70 He wasn't arrested. It is inhumane to block his access to his child at that time - for both father and son.

[@mlsa9520]

What the heck is wrong with people???? Absolutely disgusting, she doesn't even deserve to be called a mother. Sick.

[@ilovegameslibb2917]

Sad his son was all alone when he passed. 😢 They could have questioned the family later.

[@SheridanCrane1974]

I agree but they needed to establish who stabbed him. They had to know whole story. How do they know it was the mother or only the mother that was involved? I have seen cases where the criminal was able to be around the victim because "oh, their family", and the family member was the one trying to kill the person!!

[@louniece1650]

​@@SheridanCrane1974No, this is NM, LEO. This isn't unusual for them. LEO effed up here. Trust.

[@Sockmonkey3940]

how do u know he was alone

[@b.bernal6151]

I feel for this family. Dealing with a loved one with mental illness has to be one of the hardest things to deal with in life.

[@rbwkn]

I'll never understand how people like this don't get life in prison. Why ever release these monsters?

[@lauracook8203]

Omg. That poor man is calm because he thinks his son is going to be ok. 😢

[@dollface2917]

My 17 y/o son is suffering with an ingrown toenail atm. Every time I see it, both my heart and tummy feel like they flip because of something hurting him. How on earth could someone hurt their baby?

[@user-hy1od6by1w]

You're acting like this woman talking like that. He's 17 he will be OK.

[@kitsunefaye1661]

@@user-hy1od6by1w As a mother myself, no matter how old your kids get, if they hurt, you’re gonna hurt with them. I’m approaching my 33rd birthday, and my mom hurts if I do.

[@inheritmyshoes9559]

I literally get sick when I see my kids hurt. My belly is immediately sick.

[@user-hy1od6by1w]

@kitsunefaye1661 beta female lol but yall are proving red pill dudes right day by day

[@dollface2917]

@user-hy1od6by1w He's 100% OK, he's a 6'3, 13.5 stone, hairy fella, who's tough as nails. I was just saying how it feels as a mum, how the thought your child being in pain never stops affecting you.

[@AmberAllen30]

I couldn’t imagine her son’s fear. Waking up to his own mother who is supposed to love and protect him stabbing him. This makes me so sad and mad.

[@Arablmts69]

Prison for life.

[@SirNic4180]

She ain't getting life. She has complexion protection and a mental illness 🫠

[@lazydaisy2292]

That boy was a cutie-patootie 😢 Just looked like the biggest sweetheart. I have no sympathy for anyone with mental illness who refuse to take their medication. How dare she refuse medical intervention when she has a vulnerable child in the home that deserves protection. Sounds like dad really tried and wasn't getting any help. Poor dad.

[@dumptruck_babs]

I was thinking the same thing. I bet he was such a kind soul 😢

[@SynthMusicWorld]

Only 20 years? That's criminal in and of itself. As someone who struggles with various mental illnesses, it gets tiring hearing people try to use their mental illness as some kind of defense against the horrible decisions they make and the things that they do.

[@dumptruck_babs]

Agreed, mental illness definitely does not excuse murder. As someone with BPD, it infuriates me when other sufferers use it to blame their harmful actions. Sometimes it's not our fault that we have dark and violent thoughts, but it is still our responsibility to take our meds when we're supposed to and recognize the crucial difference between self vs reality.

[@Amandabrown83]

What a evil selfish piece of crap for a mother! My heart breaks for this child and the ones that truly loved him.

[@Misshughestrm]

He was still alive when they arrived?? So sad. No kid deserves that.

[@casskels14]

I lived in the same town as them in Oklahoma before they moved to NM and she was known for posting crazy religious stuff on her FB and making threats or just generally talking crap about poor little Bruce. People in our community tried stepping in and reported her for how she treated Bruce but it obviously didn’t help. It was devestating finding out that he had been killed when we thought he had moved to NM with his Dad to finally get away from her. I pray that sweet boy is resting in peace

[@donmartinez8349]

Why do people continue to to wait until things go left to decide it’s time to take mental health serious… this is sick!!

[@crystalmiller4463]

I agree. That lady should never have had access to any children. Poor fella didn't stand a chance. He was asleep and stabbed in the back. Awful

[@kayyxla4171]

right????? it makes stories even more tragic cause it could have been prevented!! i agree with yall

[@jturtle5318]

He moved that far to get away from her, but then let her stay with them?

[@jagga-jagga]

This. This is what I wish was answered as to why. But maybe it's as simple as love is blind.

[@jturtle5318]

@@jagga-jagga it's difficult to escape an abuser.

[@MB-pf7gv]

A woman named Ashley Benefeld was just convicted based a lot on this, re: enabling an abuser

[@angelamccrackin5243]

When somebody that is nuts and wants to find you they will. He should have gotten a restraining order against her.

[@jturtle5318]

@@angelamccrackin5243 I realize it's a difficult emotional struggle, and many victims still feel obligated to take care of the abuser/ex, or still hope that "maybe now they'll love me."

[@scottsthots6880]

The cop interviewing must be a rookie. Why wouldn’t you turn off your radio when someone is recounting a homicide that you know could possibly be used as evidence

[@purplevelvet69]

They have to keep their radios on all the time for updates. But not at the volume they have them on. Unless it's just for the cameras

[@GamesGamesAndMoreGames455]

@@purplevelvet69 i was about to mention this but yeah

[@morgank.2788]

He did sound pretty young

[@angelhunt4484]

Why can’t they ask these questions on the way to the hospital and at the hospital, knowing that his son was in such critical condition?

[@lisademauro5618]

So incredibly sad, at that point they don't even know he passed. They should have let the dad go with him to hospital. This is too sad.

[@wysiwyget-420]

So he woke up to his mom stabbing him and then dies alone with no family around. What a horrendous life he was given 😢

[@RedeyedJedi00]

Damn, they weren't worried about rushing to the hospital thinking kiddo was going to be ok. Then to find out later that he expired... That's rough 🥺

[@pinetreepizza]

I feel really bad for the poor father and the rest of the family too. They obviously cared about him very much and the father is such a nice old guy. What a crazy b*tch. Just terrible.

[@AreYouABadfishToo]

They're all so sweet. There's a lot of love in that family. I am very sorry for all that has happened to them. That lady is evil.

[@alexialira3839]

😭 Agreed. May his sweet boy rest in peace. Everyone, don't let people like this woman into your lives, much less have kids with them. Do not let them back into your lives either and do not tell them you're going to divorce them. Easier said than done, but just make a plan and get out. Living in a car or shelter or whatever is better than losing your or your kids lives.

[@unicornmadness6286]

They definitely thought it was the dad and not the wife, that was obvious.

[@Janadu]

Everyone is a suspect in a case like this. That's why they "investigate".

[@MoreLikeCryraxx]

I don't understand second degree murder. Either you meant to kill, or it was an accident. This is first degree. You don't just get the idea one day. You act on an idea you've had for a while.

[@thedustysocietycrimes]

Maybe because of her mental health issues or a plea deal. So unfair.

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

Some murders are spur of the moment

[@r.coffman1431]

Yeah she went out for a nice last supper with him. ​@@justthatgirl-ct4jo

[@hnormizzle]

It could possibly be because they weren’t sure if they could prove intent or mindset. I’m still watching and I understand that she took plea deal… did she plea down to 2nd?

[@heartsmyfaceforever8140]

She stabbed her self and her son. That’s multiple stabbings. She stabbed herself in the chest. Her aim was to kill. That’s first degree murder.

[@misswildlife7905]

You can't trust someone who is in that much head mess, so his child should never have been around her if she's not taking her meds. Why the father allowed that is beyond me.

[@CalebMc70]

he didnt allow that, he tried to get her sent to a mental hospital and get a divorce

[@EbonyWhitee]

The fact that he died KNOWING that his mom stabbed him.

[@suzysmith4254]

As much as I loved my father he was very mentally ill and could have killed someone. He died of cancer and honestly now my mom doesn't have to live in fear anymore. Dealing with someone with a mental illness drains everything from you.

[@sethstaley17]

Just think there's another kid out there right now, with the same disgusting outcome 😓

[@TheGreenFecesInChantalsThroat]

This seems to be a global wide issue, too. It breaks my heart that so many children have monsters for parents.

[@LaurasLife08]

Omg this hit hard!! So many children in this situation with this outcome to happen or already occurring 🥹 why not phone social services why hurt abuse and take the life of these innocent beautiful children 😭💔

[@momof3chis291]

What a horrible freaking person. My children are both married, and mid to late 30’s…I’d still gladly lay my life down for either one of them today. My heart breaks for this father, and Bruce Jr’s extended family 😢. That woman should never be released from either a mental institution, or prison. Wherever she ends up.

[@XnRz]

If she did it to her own son, how do you think she views the lives of strangers.

[@queenvirgo9972]

My uncle who’s schizophrenic strangled me and try to throw me off the balcony when cops arrived they said they would arrest us both if I didn’t claim it was family dispute. We’ve become to leaning on “mental health” it’s just an excuse to get away with the most disgusting evil actions at times. Couple months in jail but more likely the pychward for a couple of weeks until they need that bed for someone else and the cycle repeat itself over and over again. Bring the insane asylums back

[@this.is.pointless]

No. It's not an excuse. Some people really cannot help it and are incredibly impulsive. It's tragic

[@Married2Peter]

“Insane asylums” literally never stopped being a thing, they’re just called something different now. Y’all are just saying anything at this point

[@Married2Peter]

Sounds like you and your uncle are just two more people out of countless who are failed by the system.

[@FIoridaMilkMan]

“Insane asylums” and psych wards are the same thing, one is just the old school ‘offensive’ way of saying it And you should’ve let them arrest you both. You probably could’ve gotten a lawsuit out of that

[@donlosu9371]

How could this happen. They knew she was crazy

[@54321-p]

I knew a young man who had schizophrenia. In one of his lucid moments, he killed himself as he (said in a note) that he did not want to kill his parents and had thoughts of it. Mental illness is so unbelievably sad and bad. We have lesser such (not schizo) in our family and it is awful.

[@esteemedmortal5917]

We need to do a better job of responding to escalating issues with mental health instead of waiting for the person with the illness do something to themselves or someone else to ‘justify’ getting them admitted.

[@ButterflyHummingbirdLover3]

@@esteemedmortal5917 just like this Monster did to her Son , this is Soo aweful , sad RIP LIL MAN 🙏🙏❤️😇🕊️,, Condolences to his family and friends, far nd near ,, SOO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

[@snicole042]

Well they “destigmatized mental health” and now crap is worse than ever.

[@esteemedmortal5917]

@@snicole042so….we should reinforce the stigma of mental health? How does that help? And lots of people have benefited from being more open about mental health issues and it being more acceptable to get treatment.

[@lauradierking1516]

Tired of the "mental" illness defense.

[@LifeChanges41595]

Her saying "If I can't have him, no one will." That statement sounds like a girlfriend or boyfriend killing their partner because they didn't want them with someone else. She's a danger to society and shouldn't ever get out. R.I.P. Young Man! My condolences and prayers to the family, I'm really sorry for your loss. 💔🙏🏻

[@janataylor5520]

Sadly, those of us who lived near them before the move KNEW something like this would happen. She took herself off her meds & was out of touch with reality.

[@itsninjamo752]

What else needs to happen for people to realize how imperative it is to take mental health seriously in this country. Imagine calling for help only to be met with “It’s not illegal to be crazy” then to wake up to find out your child has been stabbed in the back by the person you were seeking help for, the fuq? So many of these awful outcomes could have been prevented if the families that are desperately seeking help with mentally unwell members of their family were taken seriously. RIP sweet boy you deserved so much better I’m sorry this system failed you.

[@debbratrueax4430]

How does someone stab themselves 4 times? Have you ever seen anything like that?

[@socialbutterfly4146]

This entire family was in danger living with this woman! This poor innocent boy paid the ultimate price, from not being protected against his crazy mom! 😩💔

[@MarioGoatse]

That other cop was seemingly unwilling to believe that she did it. Bringing up alternative theories within minutes of hearing the story

[@jomoland]

Only 20yrs???!!! For taking that poor boy’s life away? What a shame. Should be life for a life! Whether by DP or life in prison idc but should be one or the other. Sad. 😞 Rip young man 🕊️

[@Adventures-with-Sisters]

Omg I thought the title was wrong since the kids was awake and talking. RIP Brucie

[@LisaSimplified]

OMG that poor boy. So disturbing.

[@TheHAMMER91]

A man just did this in the city I live in. Shot his 6 month old son 4 times in the stomach after a nasty divorce. Even burned his ex’s house down in the standoff. Luckily, the baby survived! Can’t believe people like this exist.

[@katyc.1969]

i swear there is a button being pushed somewhere that makes people go nucking futz

[@JohnWick-el9yw]

What If its the people that took the jab??

[@caseycat]

​@JohnWick-el9yw just over here making up BS

[@druelia9485]

​@@JohnWick-el9yw it probably is!! People never ever killed anyone prior to 2020! I'm pretty sure murder was actually invented by fauci during the plandemic. All part of the plan!

[@The.flower.club.pmc17]

​average American intelligence

[@Andible]

​@@caseycathe proposed a theory he didn't state it as fact, weirdo.

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

Mental health or not, that is the most selfish, evil thing ever.

[@shandajames5444]

I can't even wrap my head around this tragedy!!!

[@kmduarte2005]

That poor father. He tried to get help and he’s helpless to do anything because the laws won’t allow it until things get dire. 😔

[@chloer2584]

I hate how these custody battles all turn violent nowadays! Think of the two Kansas moms, Jennifer dulos and the man who killed his three little boys💔

[@MovementGraffiti]

The lady in Nyc who sh0+ her daughter in law and then sh0+ herself because she wanted her son to get custody of the baby. Happened over the weekend. She did it with the baby in the car😥

[@kimberlysandel1735]

This wasn't a custody battle. The mom is mentally ill!

[@honestyisadyingvirtue]

It's not just nowadays. It's been happening. Just easier access to the Info

[@almondjoy123]

Wow. She is UNHINGED!

[@saintsinner7565]

How do u make a plea deal WITH A MURDERER? Absolutely diabolical

[@mariekauhi9034]

Our system is broken where mental health care is concerned.

[@elizabeths113]

I somewhat agree, but the husband said she had meds and wouldn't take them 😢. My mother was the same way. She had meds but wouldn't take them as prescribed. Ended with a unintentional overdose. 😢. So heart breaking. But she never hurt anyone.

[@mariekauhi9034]

@elizabeths113 I know that happens sometimes and I am so sorry about your mom 🫂

[@ayamystic2]

If they took it seriously. They know most people would need to be committed. The patients are now running the asylum.