Being a single parent is not an excuse for this kind of behavior. My husband and I have 7 children and I know how hard it is to raise kids basically on my own as my husband works long hours. I have been so stressed at times, I wanted to pull my hair out. All parents, one parent home or two, feel this way. Many families have financial difficulties. You do not kill your kids because you are a single parent and having financial problems. Doesn't happen. This mother was not mentally ill. She knew what she was doing and she knew it was wrong. Just the act of calling her children home to finish off the job...she knew exactly what she was doing. My question is, were the neighbors mentally ill or just plain stupid?

This is becoming the norm. It is sad. Each week we are hearing of another parent harming their children. This trend is not going to stop. It will only get worse.