Summary of Dr. RJ Parker's Parents Who Killed Their Children

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 Andrea Yates was a nurse who had her first mental breakdown in 1999. She was treated by a psychiatrist, who advised her to not have any more children as this would lead to future psychotic episodes. Against the advice of her doctor, Andrea conceived her fifth child.#2 On June 20, 2001, Andrea Yates drowned her five children. She called 911 and spoke in a calm and unemotional voice. She did not sound out of breath, yet portions of the 911 recording indicated that heavy breathing could be heard.#3 After the investigation, the officers took photos. They found small footprints in the hallway, and the water in the tub was still 9 inches deep. They found medications in the kitchen, including Effexor, Remeran, Wellbutrin, and Resperidol, which is an antipsychotic medication.#4 The trial of Andrea Yates began on February 18, 2002. Her religious beliefs about Satan and her severe history of mental illness were challenged when she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the deaths of Noah and John, but not for the deaths of Paul and Luke. In Texas, anyone convicted of multiple murders or the killing of an infant is eligible for the death penalty.