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The Shocking True Story Of America's Youngest Serial Killer: Mary Bell

George Hayes

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Published in Fiend: The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Seria

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In the annals of true crime, the story of Mary Bell stands out as one of the most shocking and disturbing. At just 11 years old, Bell killed two young boys, and her crimes sent shockwaves through the nation. This article explores the events leading up to and surrounding Bell's murders, as well as the psychological factors that may have contributed to her behavior. It also examines the impact of her crimes on the victims' families and the community, and discusses the ethical and legal issues raised by her case.

Fiend: The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Seria

by Harold Schechter

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Background

Mary Bell was born on May 26, 1957, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Her mother, Betty, was a prostitute who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. Bell's father is unknown, and she was raised by her mother and her mother's boyfriend, Billy Bell. The family lived in poverty and squalor, and Mary was often neglected and abused.

From a young age, Bell exhibited signs of behavioral problems. She was cruel to animals, and she showed a lack of empathy for others. She also had a fascination with violence, and she would often draw pictures of people being killed. Her teachers and social workers were concerned about her behavior, but they were unable to get her the help she needed.

The Murders

On May 25, 1968, Bell lured a 4-year-old boy named Martin Brown into an abandoned house. She strangled him and then used a pair of scissors to mutilate his body. Two months later, on July 31, 1968, Bell killed again. This time, her victim was a 3-year-old boy named Brian Howe. She strangled him and then carved the letter "M" into his stomach.

Bell's crimes were discovered when she bragged about them to her friends. The police were called, and she was arrested. She was charged with two counts of murder, and she pleaded guilty to both charges. At her trial, Bell was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. She was sentenced to life in prison.

Psychological Factors

There is no single explanation for why Mary Bell committed her crimes. However, a number of psychological factors may have contributed to her behavior. These factors include:

Attachment disorder: Bell had a difficult attachment to her mother. She was often neglected and abused, and she did not receive the love and support she needed. This may have led to her developing an attachment disorder, which can make it difficult to form healthy relationships and can lead to antisocial behavior.
Conduct disorder: Bell exhibited signs of conduct disorder from a young age. This disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Children with conduct disorder may be cruel to animals, they may bully others, and they may engage in other forms of destructive behavior.
Psychopathy: Some experts believe that Bell may have been a psychopath. Psychopathy is a personality disorder that is characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt. People with psychopathy are often manipulative and deceitful, and they may have difficulty controlling their impulses.

Impact on Victims' Families and Community

Bell's crimes had a devastating impact on the families of her victims. The parents of Martin Brown and Brian Howe were left heartbroken and shattered. They struggled to come to terms with the senseless deaths of their children, and they were haunted by the thought of what Mary Bell had done.

The community was also deeply affected by Bell's crimes. The murders of two young children sent shockwaves through the town, and people were afraid to let their children play outside. The community was also divided over how to deal with Bell. Some people believed that she should be locked up for life, while others felt that she should be given a chance to rehabilitate.

Ethical and Legal Issues

Bell's case raised a number of ethical and legal issues. One of the most controversial issues was whether or not she should be tried as an adult. At the time of her crimes, Bell was just 11 years old, and some people felt that she should not be held responsible for her actions in the same way as an adult. However, the court ruled that Bell was capable of understanding the wrongfulness of her actions, and she was tried as an adult.

Another ethical issue raised by Bell's case was the question of whether or not she should be released from prison. Bell was sentenced to life in prison, but she was released on parole in 1980. Some people believe that Bell should have been kept in prison for the rest of her life, while others believe that she deserved a second chance.

The story of Mary Bell is a tragic and disturbing tale of violence and depravity. At just 11 years old, she killed two young boys, and her crimes sent shockwaves through the nation. Bell's case raised a number of ethical and legal issues, and it continues to be debated today. However, one thing is for sure: Mary Bell's crimes were a tragedy for everyone involved, and her story is a reminder of the dark side of human nature.

Fiend: The Shocking True Story Of Americas Youngest Seria

by Harold Schechter

4.5 out of 5