Parricide: when children kill their parents -

Ex-NFL safety Sergio Brown has been arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder in relation to the death of his mother, Myrtle Simmons Brown. The 73-year-old was found dead near her home in a Chicago suburb on September 16. Police treated the death as a homicide, revealing that she had sustained injuries from an assault. On the day her body was found, both she and Sergio had been reported missing. Almost a month later, police arrested Sergio as he re-entered the United States from Mexico.

Sergio, 35, played seven seasons with the NFL between 2010 and 2016, playing with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. He now awaits extradition to Illinois to face the charges. 

Parricide is the type of murder that refers to the killing of a parent, whether it be the mother, father, or both. A study conducted in 2019 revealed that parricide is the least common form of murder. The rarity of these incidents could explain why they receive extensive media coverage and are incredibly chilling. Typically, this unusual crime is committed by white males with no prior criminal record. Female perpetrators of parricide are exceptionally rare, but there are a few instances documented on this disturbing list.

To explore more about these terrifying crimes where parents were tragically murdered by their own offspring, simply click through the gallery.

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Lyle and Erik Menendez -

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, gained notoriety for committing parricide in 1989. Lyle, aged 21, and Erik, aged 18, murdered their parents in their home in Beverly Hills. This brutal act shocked law enforcement to the extent that mob involvement was initially suspected. The victims endured a barrage of gunfire, as they were struck by 15 rounds discharged from two 12-gauge shotguns.

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Lyle and Erik Menendez -

During the subsequent six months, the brothers utilized US$700,000 from their parents' US$14 million wealth to indulge in luxury goods and expensive vacations. Erik carried on with therapy sessions he had started prior to the dreadful murders, and ultimately admitted his guilt. The police were provided with a recorded transcript of the confession, leading to the apprehension of the brothers.

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Lyle and Erik Menendez -

According to their claims, their father had subjected them to severe abuse, and they claimed to have acted to end their mother's suffering. The nation's opinion was split, with some viewing the brothers as ruthless murderers while others saw their actions as self-defense. The jury was also divided and failed to reach a verdict. Consequently, their case had to undergo a new trial, resulting in a life sentence for first-degree murder in 1996.

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Thomas Gilbert Jr. -

Thomas Gilbert Jr., residing in New York City, was the son of a prosperous hedge fund manager. Despite his Princeton education, Gilbert Jr. faced employment challenges and battled with anxiety and depression. At the age of 30, he was living alone but still being supported financially by his father.

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Thomas Gilbert Jr. -

Despite his parents' efforts to help him, Gilbert Jr. refused to seek professional help, leading them to take drastic measures. One such instance occurred when they decided to reduce his allowance, hoping to push him towards seeking help. It was the day of one of these reductions that Gilbert Jr. showed up at his parent's Park Avenue apartment. He asked his mother to go to the store so he could have a private conversation with his father.

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Thomas Gilbert Jr. -

When his mother returned, she found her husband lying dead on the floor with a gun in his hand. It was a clumsy attempt by Thomas Jr. to make it look like his father had killed himself. He was immediately arrested and convicted of second-degree murder.

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Kipland Kinkel -

At just 15 years old, Kipland Kinkel went on a fatal killing spree in 1998. Kinkel, a troubled teenager, had been dealing with schizophrenia since he was 12. His life was overshadowed by intense delusions and paranoia, convinced that the government had implanted a chip in his mind.

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Kipland Kinkel -

Kinkel had a strong fascination with weapons from an early age, and his father went as far as purchasing various guns for him (an interest in firearms was not unusual in the society in which he grew up). He often found himself in trouble both at school and with the authorities. On May 20, 1998, after being expelled, he tragically took the lives of both his parents.

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Kipland Kinkel -

The next day, Kinkel brought three guns with him, concealed in his trench coat, to his old high school. He began shooting at the cafeteria, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 25 others. He was wrestled to the ground by five of his classmates. Kinkel was subsequently given a prison sentence of 111 years with no chance of parole.

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Lizzie Borden -

Lizzie Borden is a well-known name to many. The renowned female killer resided in Massachusetts and gained notoriety for her act of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. Lizzie's relationship with her affluent father was far from amicable. He was described as a short-tempered man who frequently clashed with his daughter over financial affairs.

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Lizzie Borden -

As per Lizzie Borden, she arrived home one day to discover her father and stepmother deceased, both brutally murdered. Borden faced trial for these killings, yet the evidence against her was purely circumstantial. For instance, there were allegations that she had attempted to buy poison the day prior to the murders and had been observed burning a dress a few days later.

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Lizzie Borden -

Borden was cleared of charges  but lived a sad life in her hometown where she was ostracized until she died. Her infamous reputation as a ruthless female murderer was further established by the creation of an opera and a ballet inspired by her story.

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Suzane von Richthofen -

Suzane von Richthofen was involved in one of Brazil's most notorious crimes. In October 31, 2002, her affluent parents were discovered murdered in their beds. Shortly thereafter, 18-year-old Suzane, along with her boyfriend Daniel Cravinhos, 21, became suspects. Photographed is her family home, now abandoned and covered in graffiti. 

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Suzanne von Richthofen -

Suzane's parents disapproved of her boyfriend Daniel due to his lack of employment or education, as well as his daily marijuana use. Despite this, Suzane continued to date him secretly. According to their testimonies, Suzane, Daniel, and his brother allegedly plotted to murder her parents and benefit from their wealth.

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Suzane von Richthofen -

During the trial, it was established that Suzane, Daniel, and Daniel's brother were all involved in the murder. Suzane allowed the Cravinhos brothers to enter the family home at night and stayed downstairs while they carried out the murder of her parents. Suzane was sentenced to 39 years in prison, the highest possible sentence in Brazil, while the brothers were each sentenced to 38 years. Years passed and her sentence was reduced to 34 years and 9 months. Suzane is now free.

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David Brom -

David Brom, at the age of 16 in 1988, committed a brutal murder. He was raised in Rochester, Minnesota alongside his parents, younger brother, and younger sister.

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David Brom -

David reportedly had a disagreement with his father regarding his musical preferences. David was a supporter of an unconventional band known as Negativland, which had a track entitled 'Christianity Is Stupid.' Following this altercation, David tragically resorted to violence, using an ax to take the lives of everyone in his household. Tragically, his victims included his parents, his 11-year-old brother, and his 13-year-old sister.

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David Brom -

After finding the crime scene, law enforcement became concerned about David's whereabouts, suspecting he may have been abducted. These worries were laid to rest when one of David's classmates revealed that he had confessed to her about murdering his family. Following his arrest the following day, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms.

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Charles Whitman -

Charles Whitman was born in 1941 in Florida and enlisted in the Marines at 18. With a passion for weapons, he honed his sharpshooting skills. He was raised by a short-tempered, violent father whom he probably tried to escape.

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Charles Whitman -

Whitman went on to college and there he met his wife. After enduring years of abuse, his mother eventually left his father and got her own place. Regrettably, these hopeful changes did not lead to a happy outcome. In the summer of 1966, Whitman began suffering from intense headaches and had a single therapy session. However, he never followed through with the next appointment.

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Charles Whitman -

On July 31, 1966, Whitman committed matricide by killing his mother. Accompanying the act, he left a note justifying his action as the sole means to relieve her from suffering. Subsequently, he targeted and killed his wife, leaving behind a note acknowledging his inability to rationalize these acts. The day after, he ascended to the apex of the University of Texas tower and initiated gunfire towards people below. The vicious assault resulted in the death of 14 individuals, while 30 others were wounded. In response, the Austin police shot and fatally wounded him, thus earning him the title of the Texas Tower Sniper.

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Ronald DeFeo Jr. -

Ronald DeFeo Jr. gained notoriety through the 'Amityville Horror' movies. He resided in Amityville, New York with his parents and four younger siblings during his youth. Reports suggested he faced behavioral problems and had a tendency to indulge in recreational drugs.

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Ronald DeFeo Jr. -

In 1974, DeFeo murdered his entire family while they slept using a gun. He then went to a bar, proclaiming that his family was dead, and reported their deaths to the police. He was arrested and his lawyer plead insanity, stating that voices in DeFeo's head told him to do it.

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Ronald DeFeo Jr. -

DeFeo's story of the murders underwent various alterations over the course of his life. On certain occasions, he acknowledged his culpability, while on others, he shifted the blame onto others. Consequently, he was sentenced to six consecutive life terms and ultimately died in prison in 2021 at the age of 69.

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Sef Gonzales -

Sef Gonzales was raised in Sydney by his Filipino-Australian family. His father, a accomplished lawyer, held great expectations for him. Sef initially pursued medical studies but abandoned them within two years. He then shifted his focus to becoming a lawyer; however, he faced difficulties and came close to being kicked out of the program.

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Sef Gonzales -

After his younger sister disclosed his academic troubles to their parents, they engaged in an intense argument with him, issuing threats to confiscate his cherished car or potentially disinherit him. Additionally, his mother expressed disapproval towards his girlfriend, fueling further conflict. The subsequent actions taken by Sef were later determined by the police to be driven by these factors.

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Sef Gonzales -

On July 10, 2001, a tragic incident occurred when Sef used a baseball bat and kitchen knives to take the lives of his sister and parents, one after the other. After disposing of the incriminating evidence, he went out with a friend and chose to report the incident to the authorities upon his return home later that evening. Sef even made public appearances, appealing for the perpetrator to confess, and attended the funeral. It was not until several months had passed that the police were able to refute his alibi and apprehend him for the heinous crimes. This regrettable incident took place when Sef was just 20 years old.

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Beatrice Cenci -

During the Renaissance, Beatrice Cenci, an Italian noblewoman, gained notoriety for the murder of her abusive father, Count Francesco Cenci. Collaborating with her family, Beatrice orchestrated the killing, disposing of his body from a balcony to feign an accidental death.

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Beatrice Cenci -

The plot was unsuccessful, resulting in the apprehension of Beatrice and her allies. Pope Clement VIII, disregarding public protest and pleas for leniency, condemned them to death. Beatrice's tale gained widespread attention, inspiring numerous poems and books, ultimately transforming into a legendary narrative.

Sources: (KTNV) (Thought Catalog) (Grunge)

See also: The most mysterious murders of all time

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