[StealthMode]

I'm still trying to make this makes sense in my head (a battle which I am losing). One of my final papers is about relating developmental theory to psychopathology in adolescents so the wheels are really turning about this case. These girls are at an age where sensation-seeking and impulsivity are high. I can completely see actions taking place in situations of immediacy (e.g., a physical fight, sending a text) with little forethought of the consequences and even no remorse after the fact given the status of cognitive decision making versus affective decision making. What is different about this case is the premeditation of it--they had reportedly been planning this since February. They took months in thinking up various plans, considering how they would play out, and deciding on the best one. It's fascinating. As a person and (hopefully) a future parent, it's horrifying but, as a clinician...I can't help but be absolutely fascinated at the mental processes that must have been at play.

ETA: And now I'm thoroughly creeped out and don't want to go back to that paper or have to think about this anymore.