15-year-old charged with killing Wisconsin mother says he was inspired by Menendez brothers’ Netflix documentary: cops

A Tragic Tale of Murder and Inspiration: The Case of Reed Gelinskey

In a shocking and disturbing incident, a 15-year-old Wisconsin teenager, Reed Gelinskey, has been accused of murdering his mother, Suzanne Gelinskey, in their Caledonia home on March 4. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, not only due to the brutal nature of the crime but also because of the chilling inspiration behind it: a Netflix documentary about the infamous Menendez brothers. Gelinskey, who will be tried as an adult, allegedly planned and executed the murder after watching the documentary, which detailed the 1989 double murder of Lyle and Erik Menendez’s parents. This harrowing case raises questions about the influence of media on impressionable minds and the darker corners of human psychology.

The Crimes and Confession of Reed Gelinskey

Reed Gelinskey’s alleged actions were both deliberate and brutal. According to the criminal complaint, Gelinskey sent a grim photo of his deceased mother to a girl via Snapchat, prompting her to contact the police. When officers arrived at the Gelinskey residence, they found the teenager sitting on the front stoop, covered in blood, still clutching a knife. He reportedly told the officers, “She is dead. She is dead from what I did.” During the investigation, Gelinskey confessed to the crime, revealing a deranged thought process that unfolded over the course of the day.

The events of that fateful day began when Gelinskey, after watching the Menendez brothers documentary, decided to orchestrate his mother’s murder. He hid his sleeping medication to avoid suspicion, armed himself with a steak knife, and concealed a weighted barbell under his shirt. He then lured his mother downstairs by pretending to search for his medication. When she turned her back, he struck her over the head with the barbell, shoved her to the floor, and stabbed her five times—three in the chest and twice in the neck. In her final moments, Suzanne Gelinskey asked her son, “Why?” to which he chillingly replied, “pain.”

The Menendez Brothers: A Dark Inspiration

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 in a case that shocked the nation. Their story has recently gained renewed attention through documentaries and advocacy efforts, with some portraying the brothers as victims of abuse who acted in self-defense. Gelinskey claimed that watching one of these documentaries inspired him to commit his own heinous act. He told police that the “shotgun scene” in the documentary triggered his murderous rage, leading him to plan and execute the killing of his mother.

This case highlights the potential influence of media on vulnerable individuals, particularly teenagers who may struggles with mental health issues. Gelinskey reportedly suffered from depression and was taking his brother’s anti-anxiety medication, consuming about nine pills on the day of the murder. He also revealed that he had considered killing his father but was unable to find a suitable weapon. The combination of mental health struggles, medication, and the graphic content of the documentary created a deadly cocktail that ended in tragedy.

Trial and Aftermath: A Teenager Faces Life Imprisonment

Reed Gelinskey is now facing first-degree intentional homicide charges and could spend the rest of his life behind bars if convicted. The case has raised questions about the legal system’s approach to juvenile offenders, particularly those who commit such heinous crimes. While some argue that Gelinskey’s youth and mental health issues should be taken into account, others believe that the severity of the crime warrants the harshest punishment.

The Gelinskey case has also sparked broader conversations about the impact of true crime documentaries and the glamorization of violence in media. While documentaries about the Menendez brothers aim to explore the complexities of their case, they inadvertently risk inspiring vulnerable individuals to emulate such acts. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for responsible media consumption and the importance of addressing mental health issues in young people.

The Menendez Brothers’ Ongoing Legal Battle and Public Support

Meanwhile, the Menendez brothers continue to make headlines as their case gains fresh attention. Recent documentaries and advocacy efforts, including those by high-profile figures like Kim Kardashian and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have called for their release from prison. Supporters argue that the brothers were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father and acted in self-defense. However, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has rejected these claims, and the brothers remain incarcerated.

The debate surrounding the Menendez brothers highlights the complexities of justice, abuse, and accountability. While some see them as victims deserving of sympathy and freedom, others view them as cold-blooded killers who must face the consequences of their actions. The renewed public interest in their case has also raised questions about the role of celebrity advocacy in influencing legal outcomes and public perception.

A Nation Grapples with Violence, Media, and Mental Health

The case of Reed Gelinskey and the ongoing debate over the Menendez brothers serve as a stark reminder of the intertwined issues of violence, media influence, and mental health in modern society. As true crime documentaries continue to captivate audiences, it is crucial to consider the potential risks they pose, particularly to young and impressionable viewers. At the same time, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for better mental health support systems and early intervention to prevent such senseless acts of violence.

In conclusion, the story of Reed Gelinskey is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked mental health struggles, the influence of media, and the darkness that can lurk within the human psyche. As the legal system grapples with how to handle this case, society must also reflect on how to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.