Ep 3. Never Too Young

Deadly Women is a true crime series that documents some of the most notorious female killers in history. Each episode delves into the lives of these women, exploring what led them to commit their crimes and the impact of their actions on the victims and society at large. Season 8 episode 3 of Deadly Women is called "Never Too Young" and focuses on female murderers who committed their crimes at a relatively young age.

The episode opens with the case of Melissa Huckaby, a 28-year-old Sunday school teacher who kidnapped and murdered an 8-year-old girl. Huckaby had a troubled childhood and was known to be emotionally unstable. She became a mother at a young age and struggled to provide for her daughter. Huckaby's crime shocked the small town of Tracy, California, where the victim, Sandra Cantu, lived. It also raised questions about the safety of children in religious communities and the potential dangers of social media.

The next story is about Mary Flora Bell, a British girl who, at the age of 11, strangled two young boys to death. Bell had a traumatic upbringing, with an abusive mother who prostituted her to her clients. She showed signs of psychopathy from a young age and was known to harm animals and other children. Despite her age, Bell was deemed responsible for her actions and sentenced to life in prison. Her case attracted widespread media attention and sparked debates about the nature of evil and the ability of children to comprehend the consequences of their actions.

The third case is that of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl who was tortured and murdered by her caregiver. Gertrude Baniszewski, a mother of seven, allowed her children and neighborhood kids to abuse and torment Likens over several months. Baniszewski had a history of mental illness and a violent temper. She targeted Likens, in part, because of her beauty, which made Baniszewski's own daughter jealous. The case shocked the nation and led to reforms in child welfare laws.

The final story is about Holly Harvey, a 19-year-old woman who killed her 4-year-old daughter by suffocating her with a plastic bag. Harvey had a history of drug abuse and mental illness. She had also been the victim of sexual abuse and had a troubled relationship with her daughter's father. Despite her troubled past, Harvey was a doting mother and her crime came as a shock to those who knew her. The case raised questions about the role of mental health in criminal behavior and the need for early intervention and treatment.

Throughout the episode, expert commentators provide insight into the psychology of these women and the social and cultural factors that contributed to their crimes. They also explore the legal and ethical questions raised by cases of juvenile murder, including the age of criminal responsibility and the potential for rehabilitation and reform. The episode is a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature and the devastating consequences that can result from untreated mental illness, abuse, and neglect.