Sorry, I didn't notice a thread had already been started. In the Valley Times today the article said that three cats and a dog belonging to the boy had been euthanized. In the link provided in the other thread, the article states the cats were taken to a shelter. I would really like to understand the thinking of these horrible people who are suicidal and decide in their infinite wisdom that their children and spouses qualify for death too.

Lisa, abuse does not have to be physical or extremely violent in order for CPS to be notified. This mother was most mentally ill which does not always fit the mold of what child abuse is. Abuse can be in the form of violence or it can be emotional; she could have also been neglectful towards her son. As for CPS services ignoring families that need help, many times the parents receiving the services mask the troubles that plague these families. Services can only do so much before the courts are able to step in and strip a parents rights; even then, it takes a large amount of proof to do so.

I have a feeling that this mother was neither abusive nor neglectful to her son. She probably provided for him the best way she knew how; he had clothes, shelter, food etc. If he didn't he probably would have told his father- seeing that he was a teenager he could have voiced his opinion if his mother was abusive. The mother fits the category of of a suicidal person. The best way she knew how to deal with the situation was to take her and her son's life. People that are suicidal have a one track vision- it's like looking down a tunnel for them and that is the only answer. To get help from a medical professional isn't in their logic. Her reasoning behind taking her son's life was probably that she was ending his "pain" as well; he doesn't have to suffer the death of his mother or any other life worries since he'll be "with her."

The situation that happened is very sad. The other common threads on this discussion have some very shocking comments and I was surprised at what others have said. This story shows that ordinary people, possibly your next door neighbor, could have similar feelings, all the while you know nothing about because they put on a facade when in public. This should make us all think...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and relatives of this family. Such a tragedy.

I think that it's best to wait before jumping to conclusion re: motives for killing herself and her son.

deb thinks that it cool to kill animals?

Of course, abuse doesn't have to be extremely violent just to NOTIFY CPS.
Your point that since food, clothes and shelter were provided means abuse did not occur is an interesting one. At the time of his death, the boy was wearing clothes, had food in his stomach, and had a home. So abuse hasn't even taken place now, with his murder. I'm sure he'll get a casket, a grave and a service. This child was provided for in life and in death. No abuse!

I wouldn't be so quick to say it's over. Since nobody knows the full story at this time, your conclusion re: "no abuse" is wishful thinking. Anybody can notify CPS or the police if there is reason to believe that there is abuse/neglect. Perhaps they were murdered and it was made to look like a homicide/suicide?