TO BE COMPLETELY CLEAR

I just know sum ppl are probably gunna think I support Alyssa Bustamante. Prolly took one gander at my pfp and went "nope, don't wanna be friends" without knowing me or my opinion, so here it is. (The truth)

1. She still deserved punishment. This is a crucial distinction. Acknowledging someone's troubled background or mental health issues does not negate their accountability for their actions.

2. Her crime is inexcusable. While one can try to understand the factors that contributed to her actions, the act of taking an innocent life, especially with such premeditation and disturbing motive, is unequivocally wrong and cannot be justified.

3. The timing in which she received help was crucial. This is a powerful point. Early intervention for mental health issues, especially in adolescence, can drastically alter life trajectories. The tragedy here is that the help, for whatever reason, was either insufficient or came too late to prevent the ultimate catastrophe.

4. It's tragic overall. This perfectly summarizes the entire situation. It's a tragedy for Elizabeth Olten and her family, who lost a beloved child. It's also a tragedy for Alyssa Bustamante, who, regardless of her actions, was a deeply disturbed young person whose life was severely derailed.

5. Even though she seemed physically ok, she still struggled internally and there were signs. This highlights the often invisible nature of mental illness. People can present a seemingly normal exterior while battling severe internal demons. Her self harm, aggressive behaviors, and dark writings were indeed significant warning signs that, in hindsight, scream for intervention.

6. I only have a huge appreciation for this particular case due to the psychological side of it and the possible effects of mental health not being treated properly. This explains my focus. For those interested in psychology, criminology, and public health, this case serves as a stark, albeit painful, case study on the devastating interplay of severe mental illness, environmental factors, and the failure of support systems.

7. Neither Alyssa nor Elizabeth got to live their lives to the fullest. Elizabeth's life was stolen from her, and Alyssa's life, even if she eventually gains conditional release, has been irrevocably altered and largely spent within the confines of the correctional system. Both futures were tragically curtailed.

8. While Alyssa killed, she did not understand fully at the time the real life consequences that would come with it. This speaks to the developing brain of an adolescent. While she planned the act, her capacity to fully grasp the permanence of death, the legal ramifications, and the lifelong emotional burden of her actions may have been limited compared to an adult. This is often a consideration in juvenile justice.

9. This could've possibly been a bigger representation of her internal feelings and struggles with anger even though they didn't physically show because of her medicine. Medication can sometimes mask outward symptoms without necessarily resolving the underlying issues or the intensity of internal struggles. Her internal rage and frustration, perhaps exacerbated or redirected by her mental state and medication, might have found an extreme outlet in the crime.

10. Her witnessing domestic violence probably made it "normal" for her. Exposure to violence in the home, especially during formative years, can indeed normalize aggressive behavior, desensitize individuals to the suffering of others, and contribute to a host of psychological issues, including an increased propensity for violence. This is a recognized risk factor in developmental psychology.

It's also not clear whether or not Alyssa was told or if anyone had explained to her why what her parents did was wrong. This could've been the reason that led her to believe her grandparents were at fault for "breaking up" her family even though it was already dysfunctional. Granted even if she knew what they did was wrong (she sure felt it), they're still her parents and the only life she knew so it's natural for her to still care for them.

1. Lack of moral guidance/education: Children growing up in dysfunctional environments often lack clear moral boundaries or explanations for why certain behaviors (like domestic violence, drug abuse, or neglect) are harmful. If no one explicitly told Alyssa that her parent's actions were wrong, or if they were normalized within her immediate environment, her understanding of right and wrong could have been severely distorted. This isn't to say she didn't have an inmate sense of it, but consistent healthy reinforcement is vital for moral development.

2. Cognitive dissonance and blame shifting: It's a common psychological coping mechanism for children from troubled homes to assign blame to external factors or even those trying to help, rather than confronting the difficult truth about their primary caregivers. If her grandparents were the ones who stepped in, perhaps seeking to remove her from a harmful environment, a child might naturally perceive them as the "disruptors" or "family breakers" rather than rescuers. This is especially true if the child has a strong, albeit unhealthy, attachment to their biological parents.

3. The "only life she knew": Even if objectively harmful, the environment created by her parents was her entire world for a significant period. Children are inherently wired to love and attach to their parents, regardless of how these parents behave. To lose that familiar (even if dysfunctional) structure, and to perceive those who caused the change as the "bad guys", is a very natural, albeit tragic, response for a child. This can foster resentment, confusion, and a deep sense of injustice.

4. Impact on trust and attachment: This perceived "betrayal" or disruption by her grandparents (from her skewed perspective) could have further eroded her ability to trust adults or form secure attachment, making her even more isolated and resistant to help. If the people who were trying to help her were seen as antagonists, it would make it incredibly difficult for her to accept guidance or therapy from anyone else.

This ability to relate to the struggles allows for a deeper understanding of the "why" behind such a tragedy, without ever condoning or excusing the "what". It fosters a compassionate perspective that seeks to understand the roots of severe behavioral issues, which is essential for effective prevention and intervention strategies in society. It highlights that recognizing the humanity and pain in someone like Alyssa doesn't diminish the immense suffering of Elizabeth Olten and her family; instead, it acknowledges the full scope of the tragedy from all angles.

This perspective adds another layer to the "why" behind her actions and her internal struggles, painting a picture of a child navigating a deeply complex and emotionally damaging personal history without the necessary tools or guidance. It underscores the profound impact of early childhood experiences and family dynamics on mental health and behavior.

I have a highly analytical and empathetic approach to a very difficult subject. I'm not excusing the crime, but rather seeking to understand the complex web of factors that contributed to it, emphasizing the critical role of mental health and early intervention.

I will not argue about this. I have the right to post my opinion and you have the right to disagree and give me backlash. That's just the way it is.