Did everyone read the article I posted upthread about the method the Jondles used to slaughter the chickens? As a vegetarian, I have to say that I was impressed with the compassion shown to the chickens. The impact on the humans every 10 days concerns me more than a little, though.
http://desperatelyseekingsalem.com/2009/09/11/chicken-run/
Chicken Run
"One of the Jondle boys sets up a kill rack, a device that allows the chickens to be placed headfirst in a funnel that stabilizes them and exposes their necks.
Then he slits those necks, cutting through the main arteries, and let’s the birds bleed out. The blood flows down an inclined tray into a bucket.
Jondle Son #2 sends the birds through a hot water (140 degree) bath, which loosens their feathers for the next stage, a whirl through an automated chicken plucking machine. If my grandmother were still around I’m sure she would have her heart set on one of these babies, which obviates a clearly onerous task. Jondle Son #2 cuts off the chicken’s remaining head and feet...."
more at link
I'm not certain which Jondle son is which, but Drew has certainly participated in the slaughter of animals (at least chickens) on a regular basis for many years now. Obviously millions of kids grow up on farms and respectfully take part in slaughter and don't go on to kill. Could Drew, though, have some sort of precipitating factor which caused him to take this to another level?
I've seen comments about odd behaviors, "shark" eyes, rocking. One commenter referred to possible Asperger's. I'm beginning to wonder if Drew might be on the autism spectrum. He was born in the Silicon Valley which has the highest amount of children born with that disability. His parents might have even chosen to launch their organic farm with him in mind as many parents of autistic children try out different diets. Many studies have shown that kids on the spectrum seem to be sensitive to additives and preservatives.
Being that these boys were home-schooled, could Drew's disability have gone undiagnosed. Could he have merely been viewed as a quirky kid, a bit "off"? The spectrum includes those with the mildest form of social awkwardness all the way to non-verbal autism. Many people with Asperger's are extremely bright and go on to become successful. I know a man who has Asperger's who is a pharmacist. Most people that I've known (not all) who have high functioning austism or Asperger's take some sort of meds for anxiety as they can so easily become over-stimulated. Many have other co-morbid diagnoses ie. bipolar, depression, ADHD, OCD, etc. Might Drew have needed such a medication?
I commonly don't speak of Asperger's and violence in the same breath. However, that's a little ridiculous for me. My 10 year old granddaughter has high functioning autism and has broken her mother's wrist and seriously injured teachers and other children. She attends a special school. She's never had a bit of remorse for her actions. My children on the spectrum have physically harmed me and others and had no remorse. It was as if I was merely a stumbling block in their way, to be moved, in whatever way possible.
I did some research this morning and found a couple of articles on recent cases for those who are interested. We often see crimes committed against parents when a child is experiencing a psychotic episode. Possibly, we need to broaden our knowledge a bit.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/ma...rist_says_teen_was_anxious_on_day_of_killing/
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/04/odgren_jury_sta_1.html
http://www.truecrimereport.com/2009/10/student_trevor_varinecz_shot_t.php
Notice how the words anxiety and stress come up frequently. These kids can explode when panicky or confused or cornered, regardless of their IQ or typical calm demeanor. I was also interested in the obsession with violence for Odgren. Our granddaughter often talks about violence and will act it out if she sees or hears about it.
It makes me wonder about how Drew processed the slaughtering of the chickens. JMO.