Ep 18. Deadly Delinquents

In the season 5 episode 18 of Deadly Women, titled Deadly Delinquents, viewers are brought into the complex world of female juvenile delinquency and crime. From petty theft to violent homicides, the episode explores the stories of three teenage girls who went down dark and dangerous paths.

The first story follows Brenda Spencer, an isolated and troubled 16-year-old who lived with her alcoholic father in San Diego. On January 29, 1979, Brenda took her .22 caliber rifle and shot at children who were entering the elementary school across the street. The shootings left two adults dead, eight children injured, and shook the nation. Spencer was arrested and confessed to the crime, explaining that she did it because "Mondays always got her down." The episode shows how Brenda's troubled upbringing and mental health issues contributed to her harmful behavior.

Next, the show takes a look at the case of Lisa Costello, a rebellious teenager from New Jersey who became involved with a group of heroin addicts. In 1989, Costello and her boyfriend, Tyhan Brown, shot and killed two men during a drug deal gone wrong. Costello's testimony during the trial was inconsistent, and it is suggested that she may have been under the influence of drugs during the incident. The episode delves into the influence of peer pressure and addiction on Costello's behavior and how it led to her involvement in a double homicide.

The final story follows the case of Christine Paolilla, a teenager from Texas who struggled with self-esteem and depression. In 2003, Paolilla and her boyfriend, Chris Snider, robbed and murdered four people in a drug dealer's house. The killings were particularly brutal, with the victims being shot multiple times in the head. The episode highlights how Paolilla's troubled past and history of mental health issues contributed to her involvement in these heinous crimes.

Throughout the episode, interviews with experts, friends, and family members shed light on the motivations behind each girl's crimes. Friends of the victims speak out on the shocking tragedies while psychologists discuss the psychological factors that led to these girls' involvement in criminal activity. The episode also examines the legal proceedings that followed each case and the consequences faced by each of the girls.

Deadly Women season 5 episode 18, Deadly Delinquents, offers a powerful exploration of the issue of teenage delinquency and the devastating consequences of dangerous behavior. Viewers are provided with a glimpse into the troubled lives of three girls whose involvement in criminal activity led to the loss of innocent lives and, ultimately, their own downfall. The episode is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the underlying causes of delinquent behavior among teenagers and the need for support and intervention before it is too late.