Wisconsin Teen Claims Netflix Inspired His Maternal Murder
A tragic and chilling tale has emerged from Caledonia, Wisconsin, where 15-year-old Reed R. Gelinskey has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the brutal stabbing of his mother, SG. According to court documents, Gelinskey was allegedly inspired to commit this act after watching the Netflix documentary on the infamous Menendez brothers, who were convicted in 1996 for killing their parents in a similar fit of rage.
On March 4, police responded to a distressing Snapchat from Gelinskey, depicting a woman lying in a pool of blood—his mother, lifeless. Upon arrival, authorities found Gelinskey waiting outside, blood-stained and dropping the murder weapon, a kitchen knife. He reportedly confessed to officers, stating, “she is dead from what I did,” and later described in detail the violent events that transpired. The criminal complaint reveals that he struck his mother with a dumbbell before stabbing her multiple times.
What’s particularly alarming is the psychological backdrop of this case. Gelinskey had been taking anxiety medication, allegedly consuming nine pills the night of the incident. He had also been contemplating killing his father, revealing a premeditated element to his actions. The teenager became fixated on the Menendez brothers’ case, especially a scene depicting their violent act, which he claims sparked his murderous intentions.
This case raises pressing questions about the impact of media portrayals of violence and the psychological vulnerability of adolescents. The Menendez brothers’ story has been sensationalized in popular culture, from documentaries to dramatizations, potentially influencing impressionable minds. Experts warn that such portrayals can glorify violence, leading to tragic outcomes, particularly among youth struggling with mental health issues.
As Gelinskey awaits trial, charged as an adult with a bond set at $1 million, the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific crime. Prosecutors have emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, and Racine County District Attorney Patricia Hanson has labeled it “an extremely violent but planned offense.” The case highlights the urgent need for discussions around mental health, parental relationships, and the effects of media consumption on young minds.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WISN 12 News
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