Archive through February 23, 2002

The ClubHouse: Archives: Andrea Yates confession: Archive through February 23, 2002

Whowhere

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 08:02 am Click here to edit this post
Transcript of Andrea Yates' confession
Associated Press

Following is the transcript of Andrea Yates' interview with Houston Police Sgt. Eric Mehl:


MEHL: This is Sergeant Mehl. I'm with H.P.D. Homicide. The date is June 20th, 2001. It's 1:06 in the afternoon. I'm located in an interview room at 1200 Travis, within the homicide division. With me in the room is Andrea Yates, a white female, D.O.B. 7-2-64. Andrea, can you tell me your full and complete name?

YATES: Andrea Yates.

MEHL: And how old are you?

YATES: 36.

MEHL: And what's your home address?

YATES: 942 Beachcomber, Houston, Texas 77062.

MEHL: OK, and you and I have been talking for awhile, right?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: You understood your rights?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, I'm going to read them to you again for the purposes of this tape recording, OK?

YATES: OK.

MEHL: You have the right to remain silent and not make any statement at all and that any statement you make may be used against you and probably will be used against you at your trial. Do you understand that?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Any statement you make may be used as evidence against you in court. Do you understand that?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: You have the right to have a lawyer present to advise you prior to and during any questioning. Do you understand that?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: If you are unable to employ a lawyer you have the right to have a lawyer appointed to advise you prior to and during any questioning. Do you understand that?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And you have the right to terminate this interview at any time. Do you understand that?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Are you willing to waive those rights that I've just read to you and continue to take to me about this?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, an incident happened at your house this morning, right?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And that's at 942 Beachcomber?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What part of town is that in?

YATES: Clear Lake.

MEHL: OK, and the incident we're about to discuss, um, resulted in the deaths of your five children, is that correct?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK. Now I think you told me earlier, you're married.

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What's your husband's name?

YATES: Rusty.

MEHL: And how long have you been married?

YATES: Eight years.

MEHL: And, I think you described to me, you and Rusty have a pretty good relationship?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Rusty a good father?

YATES: He's a good father, a good husband.

MEHL: OK, and where does Rusty work?

YATES: NASA.

MEHL: And he's been there 16 years, I think you told me?

MEHL: And, you stay at home with...

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: The children, is that correct?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, and before, we went into a little bit about your education?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Um, you have a college degree?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And where is that from?

YATES: University of Texas School of Nursing

MEHL: And what year did you graduate?

YATES: 1986.

MEHL: And you went to high school hear in Houston, right?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Where?

YATES: Milby.

MEHL: And what year did you graduate?

YATES: 1982.

MEHL: And at one time you were employed as a nurse at M.D. Anderson?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK. What year did you stop working at M.D. Anderson?

YATES: 1994.

MEHL: OK, and why did you stop working there?

YATES: I had Noah.

MEHL: OK, Noah, your oldest child?

YATES: Yes

MEHL: OK, and if you could, just go ahead and, and name your children and give me their ages.

YATES: Noah, 7 years old. John, 5 years old. Paul, 3 years old. Luke, 2 years old. Mary, 6 months old.

MEHL: OK, and we also talked earlier, um, You've been treated for depression. Is that right?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And who's your current doctor?

YATES: Dr. Saeed.

MEHL: And the last time you saw him?

YATES: Two, two days ago.

MEHL: OK, this morning, um, what time was it that you got out of bed this morning?

YATES: About 8:10.

MEHL: OK, and who in your household was awake at that time?

YATES: Um, my husband, Mary, Luke and Paul.

MEHL: OK, and what time does Rusty leave for work?

YATES: He left about nine.

MEHL: And, by the time Rusty left, were all of your children awake at that time?

YATES: Yes

MEHL: OK. What was going on in the household at that time? Were they eating breakfast...

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Or what?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What were they having?

YATES: Cereal.

MEHL: Is that what you had as well?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Um, after Rusty left, you filled the bathtub with water, is that correct?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How many bathtubs are in your home?

YATES: One.

MEHL: OK, so it's just the, uh, the master bath I guess you would call it?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, is it a regular sized bathtub or is it a big one?

YATES: Regular sized.

MEHL: How far did you fill it?

YATES: About three inches from the top.

MEHL: About three inches from the top, um, after you drew the bath water, what was your intent? What were you about to do?

YATES: Drown the children.

MEHL: OK. Why were you going to drown your children?


15 SECONDS OF SILENCE


MEHL: Was it, was it in reference to, or was it because the children had done something?

YATES: No.

MEHL: You were not mad at the children?

YATES: No.

MEHL: OK, um, you had thought of this prior to this day?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Um, how long have you been having thoughts about wanting, or not wanting to, but drowning your children?

YATES: Probably since I realized I have not been a good mother to them.

MEHL: What makes you say that?

YATES: They weren't developing correctly.

MEHL: Behavioral problems?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Learning problems?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: So after you drew the bath water, what happened?

YATES: I put Paul in.

MEHL: And how old is Paul?

YATES: Paul is 3.

MEHL: OK, and when you put Paul in the bath water, was he face down or face up?

YATES: He was face down.

MEHL: And he struggled with you?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How long do you think that struggle happened?

YATES: A couple of minutes.

MEHL: And you were able to forcibly hold him under the water?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: By the time you brought him out of the water, had he stopped struggling?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: There was no more movement?

YATES: No

MEHL: And, after you brought him out of the water, what did you do?

YATES: I laid him on the bed.

MEHL: Face up or face down?

YATES: Face up.

MEHL: Did you cover him?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Did you cover his entire body?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: With what?

YATES: A sheet.

MEHL: OK, so after you put Paul on the bed and covered him, then what happened?

YATES: I put Luke in.

MEHL: OK, how old is Luke?

YATES: He's 2.

MEHL: OK, and was he face down in the water or face up?

YATES: Face down.

MEHL: Did he struggle?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How long do you think that struggle lasted?

YATES: Just a couple minutes.

MEHL: OK, and when you brought Luke out of the water, um, was he, any movement at all?

YATES: No.

MEHL: What happened to Luke then?

YATES: I put him on the bed.

MEHL: Um, did you cover him with the same sheet that you'd used to cover Paul?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, so Paul and Luke are on the bed, then what happens?

YATES: I put John in.

MEHL: OK, and how old is John.

YATES: John is 5.

MEHL: OK. How did you get John to come into the bathroom?

YATES: I called him in.

MEHL: OK, and, and he came in...

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Um, did you say anything to him?

YATES: I told him to get in the tub.

MEHL: OK, and did he?

YATES: No.

MEHL: Um, what did he do?

YATES: I put him in.

MEHL: Did you pick him up, how? Under the arms?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And did he go into the water face down or face up?

YATES: Face down.

MEHL: OK. Did he struggle with you violently.

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Did that struggle last longer than with the younger children?

YATES: A little bit, yeah.

MEHL: OK, but still you were able to hold John under the water?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And eventually he stopped struggling?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, when you brought John out of the water, was there any movement at all from him?

YATES: No.

MEHL: What happened then?

YATES: I put him on the bed.

MEHL: Did you then cover him along with Paul and Luke?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, and then what happened?

YATES: I put Mary in.

MEHL: Did you actually have to go out into the other room to get Mary?

YATES: No, she was in there already.

MEHL: Was Mary in the bathroom with you when Paul, Luke and John all went in the water?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, what was she doing?

YATES: She was crying.

MEHL: OK, was she, was she sitting in a chair, one of those . . .

YATES: She was sitting down.

MEHL: On the floor?

YATES: Um-hmm.

MEHL: OK, um, so you picked Mary up?

YATES: Um-hmm.

MEHL: She go into the water face down or face up?

YATES: Face down.

MEHL: OK, she was able to struggle with you?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Because she's only six months old, right?

YATES: Um-hmm.

MEHL: But she struggled and how, how long do you think she was able to struggle for?

YATES: A couple of minutes.

MEHL: OK, and after Mary had died, um, what did you do with her body?

YATES: I left it in there and called Noah in.

MEHL: OK, did Noah come immediately?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And, when Noah walked in the bathroom, did he see Mary in the tub?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What did he say?

YATES: He said, `What happened to Mary?'"

MEHL: And what did you say?

YATES: I didn't say anything. I just put him in.

MEHL: Did he try to run from you?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Did he get out of the bathroom or were you able to catch him?

YATES: I got him.

MEHL: OK, and Noah is 7, is that correct?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Did Noah put up the biggest struggle of all?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, did he go in the water face down or face up?

YATES: He was face down.

MEHL: Um, when you were struggling with Noah, did you have to, did he try to flip over and come up for air at any time?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Did he ever make it out of the water long enough to get a gasp of air or anything?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How many times?

YATES: A couple times.

MEHL: But you forced him back down into the water?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How long do you think that struggle lasted?

YATES: Maybe three minutes.

MEHL: OK, and after Noah was dead, when you brought him out of the water, was there any sign of life from him.

YATES: No.

MEHL: What did you do with his body?

YATES: I left it there.

MEHL: OK, so Mary and Noah were left in the bathtub?

YATES: I took Mary out.

MEHL: After John, excuse me, after Noah was dead?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, what did you do with Mary's body?

YATES: Put her on the bed.

MEHL: Did you cover her?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And you left Noah's body in the tub?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, then what did you do?

YATES: I called the police.

MEHL: OK, did you call 911?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What did you tell the, the dispatch clerk that answered the phone?

YATES: Needed a police officer.

MEHL: Did that clerk ask you why you needed the police?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And what did you say?

YATES: I didn't really say anything. I just said I needed a police officer.

MEHL: OK, and you called your husband?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: After you called the police?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What did you tell your husband?

YATES: I told him to come home.

MEHL: Did you say why?

YATES: I said it was time.

MEHL: Did he ask you what you meant by that?

YATES: Yes, I didn't say it well.

MEHL: What did he say when you said it was time, what did, what did he say?

YATES: He asked me what was wrong.

MEHL: And you, how did you respond to that?

YATES: I just said it was time.

MEHL: Did he agree to come home?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Who got to your house first?

YATES: The police.

MEHL: OK, what did you tell the first officer that got there?

YATES: That, that I had drowned the children.

MEHL: OK, did you tell him why or, or go into it with him in any way?

YATES: No.

MEHL: Did you talk to your husband when your husband got there?

YATES: No.

MEHL: OK, did the officer put you in a police car, I take it?

YATES: No.

MEHL: He did not?

YATES: He set me on the couch.

MEHL: Oh, he set you on the couch?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: What happened when Rusty got there?

YATES: He was crying.

MEHL: OK, did he come in the house?

YATES: No.

MEHL: OK, so the officer kept him out?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, you had told me earlier that, that you'd been having these thoughts about hurting your children for up to two years. Is that, is that about right?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, is there anything that happened two years ago that, that made you, that you believe led you to have these thoughts?

YATES: I realized that it was time to be punished.

MEHL: And what do you need to be punished for?

YATES: For not being a good mother.

MEHL: How did you see drowning your five children as a way to be punished? Did you want the criminal justice system to punish you or did you . . .

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, we were also talking earlier and there was one other time when you filled the tub with water and were going to do this and did not do it. Is that correct?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: How long ago was that?

YATES: It was two months ago.

MEHL: OK, were all the children at home at that time?

YATES: Yes, Rusty was there too.

MEHL: Rusty was there too? Do you think Rusty would have stopped you?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: So, you filled the tub with water that time. What is it within yourself that stopped you from, from doing it that time?

YATES: Just didn't do it that time.

MEHL: OK, Noah, what's his date of birth?

YATES: Feb. 26, `94.

MEHL: And John's?

YATES: Dec. 15, `95.

MEHL: And Paul?

YATES: Sept. 13, `97?

MEHL: OK, and Luke?

YATES: His is Feb. 15, `99.

MEHL: And Mary?

YATES: Nov. 30, 2000.

MEHL: OK, after all your children were dead, did you let the water out of the tub or did you . . .

YATES: I left it in.

MEHL: OK, so when the first officer got there, Noah was still in the tub?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: And the other children were on the bed?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: Were they still covered?

YATES: Yes.

MEHL: OK, it's now 1:23 in the afternoon and I'm going to stop the tape.

Twiggyish

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:22 pm Click here to edit this post
I am probably totally wrong, but I partially blame the husband. He knew his wife could not handle childbirth. She had been hospitalized with mental illness in the past, yet they continued having children. He should have used protection. Plus, why didn't he convince his wife to never have another child?

Solidsnake

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:40 pm Click here to edit this post
just readin that makes me wonder what those kids were going through..

i think a lot of people are to blame for what happened.. why was this woman allowed to be out n about when she had a history of depression..

all that stuff doesnt matter now anyways because the kids are dead... sad indeed

Labmouse

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:45 pm Click here to edit this post
I find the husband very creepy. Most men would be shattered by the news that their children had been drowned in a bathtub by their wife. I saw the films of him arriving home from work on the day of the crime. He seemed to be totally at peace with the whole situation. He didn't look the least bit surprised or shocked.

Many family members stated that as she sank deeper into depression with each birth, he pushed her to have more children.

He lived with the woman and saw her plummet into a bottomless despair. This did not seem to move him in the right direction for help.

I know he didn't break any law, but I sort of consider him an accomplice to the crime. He saw the possibilities and did nothing about them.

I get more upset when I see him on TV, than when I see her.

He definitely did not succeed at being a Ward Cleaver type of dad, and he failed to make the cut as a Stephen Douglas type of dad.

Oregonfire

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:56 pm Click here to edit this post
As tragic as these murders are, (and I do think Yates should be held accountable for them), I think all of the endless publicity about this case has finally drawn attention to Post Partum Depression and Psychosis as genuine, serious illnesses. From what I've heard on the news, women (and their doctors) have not nearly been informed enough about the potentially dangerous effects of PPD and PPS. Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy of this magnitude to really wake people up to a serious problem.

Twiggyish

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 03:18 pm Click here to edit this post
Exactly Oregon. Let's hope this NEVER happens again.

Dahli

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 03:39 pm Click here to edit this post
Heart breaking I think all the Yates should be held accountable, her, him, his mother,any family member who was around. Her condition was not a huge secret and how about the doctor treating her?
This reminds me of the way the law treats anything involving women and their children or women and their lot in life from domestic abuse to prostitution to stripping it seems often the most lucrative positions involve direct connection to male genitalia. I have always been perplexed how women get blamed if they don't 'leave' an abusive situation or how often the pimp and the john walk away and the female gets to take the fall. I think women are demanding that this attitude change and it is starting to. I have very personal and real experience with this terrible post partum psychosis situation and I pray that understanding education and prevention will be the order of the day in future.
Thanks for all your thoughtful, circumspect and beatifully articulated comments in this thread I was afraid to open it in case everyone was yelling OFF WITH HER HEAD!

It makes me so sad it's all so terribly sad

Backhome

Friday, February 22, 2002 - 08:15 pm Click here to edit this post
Dahli -- as someone who has had "very personal and real experience" with post partum psychosis, what do you think the verdict should be in the Yates case? And can you offer any insights into the how's and why's of what she did?

I'm having a tough time figuring how I feel about Yates. On the one hand, I cannot understand how any mother can kill her own children. On the other hand, if there is truly an underlying psychological problem can she be held accountable for her actions?

However, it seems that whenever there is a horrific crime, there is always an excuse of some sort which attempts to take the blame off the perpetrator and passes it on to some other entity whether it be a psychological problem, prior abuse, etc. At some point, don't we need to take responsibility for our own actions regardless of any instigating factors???

Christina

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 06:09 am Click here to edit this post
I have had a personal experience with pshchosis. Although it came on SO suddenly there doesnt seem to be anyone to blame. My other half had this happen. Always had a normal life etc. No big problems a little every day stress. It was a chemical imbalance. He said and did things he would never do otherwise. I dont understand why these people did not get more help, BUT what happened to us could not be seen ahead of time, nor prevented. Just treated. If my other half could change things or blame it on someone he would. I dont believe he is responsilble for any of the things that happened during the psychosis, as I know he would not act this way normally. Once on the proper meds. he is fine. He remembers what happened though, and he remembers not being albe to help himself, actually during the time he thought that we were the ones that were losing it. Do I make sense?? Hope so.

Jenhavins

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 07:13 am Click here to edit this post
I grew up with a mother whom I thought hated me. She was not a wonderful mother by any means. I know this doesn't compare, but I always wondered why my father didn't take me and leave. He left for work early in the morning and got home late in the evening. He never knew what went on while he was away and I was told I would not see the next morning if I ever told him.

Whenever there were visible marks of anger on my body, my mother would make we wear long shirts, or if on my face, my mom would keep me out of school and make me stay in my room (told my dad a cat scrathed my face, or I fell down). Now, this wasn't all the time, but when it did happen, it was awful.

My mother died when I was 23. I never cried at her funeral or while she was in the hospital (terrible bout with diabetes). I broke down 6 months later when a Tom Hanks movie was on (the one with Jackie Gleason..Nothing in Common I believe). I called my grandmother and talked to her for hours. My grandfather did the same thing to my mother. My grandmother was always taught that marriage is forever and you don't leave.

My father remarried two years later to his high school sweetheart. She is the most wonderful person and I sometimes wish that she had been my mother. My father and I are somewhat closer only because of her.

My mother had some good qualities on good days, but when I think back I was angry at my father because he didn't pull me out of that situation. I know he believed in 'til death us do part', and he did take care of my mom until her death, but I still hold resentment for him not taking me and leaving. Okay enough rambling.

My big question is this: Rusty knew she had a depression problem. He knew she had this depression for at least 2 years. WHY would he feel the need to keep having more children? I just do not understand why he didn't see this coming.

Do people put blinders up because they don't want to see what they think is there but just hasn't been written in stone?

I learned a lot from my experience with my mother. I held my own with her once I got into my teens. I had my music lessons and practice to keep me sane, and as soon as I got my scholarship, I got the heck out.

I believe I turned out okay, and currently, my husband and I are trying to have a baby. I have 2 step-children that I adore. I was always scared that I would turn out like my mother, but thank God, I never will. I could never do what she did to me, and I have a hard time with people who see the writing on the wall, but look the other way.

Christina

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 07:29 am Click here to edit this post
Hi Jen, sorry to hear about your life. You sound like you came through it a much wiser person. My thought as to why they continued to have children...cuz nobody ever thinks that it will happen to them, its usually someone else right??

Jenhavins

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 07:41 am Click here to edit this post
Thanks Christina. Aside from my mother, I had a pretty good life (depending on mood swings). I think one of the reasons that I am an only child is that my father didn't want to bring any other children into the picture. I know my mother wanted more, but he said no. He came from a big family. He said 2 years ago, he wouldn't have minded having a big family, but way back I remember him saying no.

I think that he knew, but he was an officer in the military, and at that time, not a deeply emotional approachable guy. He has mellowed a bit at 62, but not much.

Twiggyish

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 09:58 am Click here to edit this post
((Jen)) I agree with you. I also think SOME men put on blinders.
Christina, this family had problems in the past with childbirth. They knew Andrea had SEVERE problems, but they kept having children. That is why I think someone should have thought about what happened each time. They had four wonderful, healthy children, why not count their blessings. I am not talking about those women who suddenly develop this problem.
I personally don't think Andrea was able to make a responsible decision in this case. She truly was suffering and that makes me sad.

Christina

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 10:58 am Click here to edit this post
Yes but the only people to make the decision to have the children were the parents. NO ONE else can make them not able to have children. I am sure that they had more only because they wanted to have more kids and a NORMAL life. I know they probably did not think it could come to this. What I am trying to say that I am sure if we could have seen what could happen ahead of time , they wouldnt have had children, and she would have had the proper help etc. Blah blah I am just trying to say that you cannot predict the future. I have seen depression and pychosis up real close and I still trust the person,

Karuuna

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 11:04 am Click here to edit this post
I wonder if the reason they continued to have children might have had something to do with their religious beliefs. All of their children were given clearly Biblical names: Noah, Mary, Luke, Paul, John.

It's not uncommon for folks of certain strong religious convictions to feel it's their duty to have large families, and/or not to use birth control.

Karuuna

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 11:06 am Click here to edit this post
Jen, I'm so sorry you had such an awful early life. It's not at all uncommon to be very angry at a parent who didn't protect you; sometimes even angrier than you are at the parent who hurt you.

You have a great deal to be proud of, for coming out of it the way you did, and making so much more of yourself and your life. You must be one courageous and extremely strong lady!

Twiggyish

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 11:11 am Click here to edit this post
Kar, I think you have a point there. It is possible. I have seen cases where this is true.

Twiggyish

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 11:18 am Click here to edit this post
Christina, that's why I hold the husband responsible to some degree. Of course, no one else could have stopped them.
This man knew she was mentially unstable and that his wife could not handle childbirth. He certainly could have used protection. That's my point.

Car54

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 12:40 pm Click here to edit this post
Before we place blame or guilt for this tragedy, walk a mile in their shoes. This whole story is tragic from every perspective. No one can ever know what is in another person's head or what is going to happen. Every life that has been involved in this has been ruined.

I have been dreading this trial because this entire story makes me incredibly sad. JMHO.

Dahli

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 12:50 pm Click here to edit this post
Backhome I don't think any punishment is greater than her realization of what's she's done, but the law demands someone pay for this... it's like witch burning - because we don't understand this it's scary and so let's hurt/punish/teach/burn her.

But I wonder why for example, if someone is driving a get away car in the commission of a crime - say armed robbery and somebody gets killed - the law says the driver is just as culpable as the trigger man even if he's not even present?

However here when it involves women and children 'the driver' Rusty is walking around free and so is everyone else who knew about her condition - it wasn't a secret...

Christina it's hard to explain but that's very close to how I would explain it; You know exactly what's happening but can't nor won't stop it, since it's meant to happen it's the 'right thing to do' and everybody else is so darn stupid so you feel you need to just 'do it' whatever bizarre thing you're doing or thinking, the feeling is almost of another world.

I believe they continued to have children because it's the whole 'purpose' of life to some folk - the cost be damned, and it cost her big time... her sanity her children and possibly her life.
He on the other hand can carry on with everyone feeling sorry for him and in no time likely find another breeder to help him pass along his genes. That all consuming desire some have to do that at any cost is such a selfish act and that's what I see when I look at him... selfish

Jenhavins

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 01:11 pm Click here to edit this post
I never even put the biblical names together. I wonder what their religious beliefs are?

I wonder how many people feel sorry for him though? I don't, and I think a lot of other people are starting to see the light. I haven't been following the story that much.

Bottom line for me is that he chose to ignore it either because of faith, or just didn't see it. He may have known, but maybe he chose to believe that if she could raise three and be depressed, why not 5?

He may have been smart, but mabye not in tune with the common sense that it takes to clearly see what the big picture was. Selfish is a very good word.

Jenhavins

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 01:17 pm Click here to edit this post
Sidenote: Thank you for your kind words...I don't talk about it much, but I felt compelled to tell it this morning sitting at work. It made me feel better!

Car54

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 01:39 pm Click here to edit this post
If you haven't read this article, it gives some insights into the family. This was an very complicated family with religious, emotional, and psychological issues.

sorry, link didn't work-
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,195267,00.html, you can paste it to go to site.


Twiggy, with all respect, you are entitled to your opinion on this. You are right, five beautiful babies are dead, and no one wanted that and no one did anything to make that happen on purpose. IMO it is a disgrace that anyone is on trial for this. Mr Yates will have to live with this, as will his wife and family for the rest of their lives. Seems like punishment enough.

I think we will have to disagree on this one, sorry.

Twiggyish

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 01:41 pm Click here to edit this post
Car, true we haven't walked in their shoes, but those children are dead and someone is responsible. Andrea could not possibly make a reasonable decision. I feel sorry for her and the pain she must feel is horrible. The only person who could have prevented this tragedy is not on trial.

Karuuna

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 01:57 pm Click here to edit this post
The Time article does note that he did use birth control at one time when Andrea was on anti-psychotic meds. It also notes that several times he was the one that forced her to get treatment, even physically dragging her to the hospital when she refused to go.

However, it also notes that he was an extremely controlling individual. Andrea apparently believed that she was possessed. To some degree, her husband agreed, believing that the devil used her weakness (her mental illness) to gain an advantage over her self control.

This article also makes a strong case that the doctor kept sending her home, believing that she wasn't that ill. And Rusty kept taking her back, because she was.

What I find incredible is that given her condition, anyone would have left her alone with the children for any period of time at all.