Experts Explore 'Social Contagion' in Recent Maternal Filicide Cases

A series of recent cases where mothers have allegedly killed or attempted to kill their children have prompted experts to consider the possibility of "social contagion," a phenomenon where high-profile acts of violence may inspire copycats. The trial and extensive media coverage of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her three young children, has become a focal point in this discussion.

Since Clancy's trial began in July, at least eight other mothers have allegedly killed or attempted to kill their children. Among them is Corie Walsh in Illinois, who is accused of hanging her 2-year-old son and then attempting suicide. Weeks prior, Shatayvia Alisha Calderon in Indiana allegedly killed her 9-year-old son shortly after sharing a fundraiser for Clancy's family. Metallica Rose Harrison in Pennsylvania is accused of fatally stabbing her husband and their 3-year-old son before attempting to end her own life.

"This fits the contagion model, especially with all the media attention," said Dan Romer, of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Romer, who has studied the impact of media on suicide rates, suggests that the widespread attention on Clancy's case and the public reaction to it may have resonated with other mothers experiencing severe distress.

Dr. Susan Hatters-Friedman, a psychiatrist and expert on maternal filicide at Case Western Reserve University, noted the unprecedented level of media coverage for the Clancy case. "Would someone with a certain personality might then start to have thoughts of getting that attention? Could this be putting the idea in people’s minds?" she questioned.

Clancy's defense has argued that she suffered from severe postpartum psychosis and was not properly diagnosed in the months leading up to her children's deaths. Her case has also garnered a significant base of supporters who argue she was failed by the medical system. Supporters, some wearing matching pink shirts, have rallied outside the courthouse during her trial.

While female perpetrators are rare in homicides, accounting for less than 10% of killers in the U.S. according to FBI data, maternal filicide—the killing of a child by their mother—is even less common. An analysis of crime data from 1976 to 2007 indicated approximately 200 cases of mothers killing their children annually.

Traditional motives for maternal filicide, as identified by psychiatrist Phillip J. Resnick in the 1960s, include a parent not wanting the child, abuse and neglect, or a twisted form of love, often when a child has a serious health condition or the parent is planning suicide. Many of these cases involve newborns or infants. However, some of the recent cases, including Clancy's, involve older children. Clancy's children were 5, 3, and 8 months old when they died.

Other alleged motives in recent cases include revenge against a partner, as seen in the case of Kailey Erhart in North Dakota, who allegedly killed her two children after sending her estranged husband a text message saying, "say goodbye to your children." In contrast, cases like that of Corie Walsh and Metallica Rose Harrison involved mothers who were still with the children's fathers at the time of the alleged crimes.

Experts also note that many of the mothers involved in these recent cases posted seemingly happy and loving photos on social media shortly before the alleged incidents, a pattern that also emerged in the coverage of Clancy's case. This social media presence, combined with extensive media coverage, may contribute to a form of "social contagion," according to Romer.

Clancy's defense claimed she heard a male voice instructing her to kill her children, a defense that has been echoed in other cases. Corie Walsh's lawyer argued she was experiencing a psychotic break when she allegedly killed her son, believing him to be the anti-Christ. Janieka Ellington in Washington allegedly killed her daughters after rambling about being followed and intentionally crashing her car.

Whether these events represent a true social contagion or heightened public awareness remains a subject of debate. However, it is clear that the Lindsay Clancy case has significantly increased public discussion around maternal filicide. "People are now coming into their mental-health appointments thinking about it and talking about it," Hatters-Friedman said, noting that the conversation extends beyond new mothers to a broader audience.

Resources for those affected by mental health issues or suicidal thoughts are available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.