Troubled Teens
Early Signs of Violence
It’s not uncommon for families to consist of both achieving and under-achieving children. However, underlying issues may be to blame for one child falling behind or getting into trouble, but the problem is often overshadowed by the other child’s glowing success. Behavioral issues are often the first signs of developmental and psychological problems in a child, and should be addressed early on.
The Homicide at Home
A soft breeze swept the scent of gardenias across the field, and the sun radiated down in warm beams in the late spring afternoon.
Students decked out in their caps and gowns were growing restless as they began lining up for the procession across the outdoor stage. Seemingly endless rows of white chairs had been assembled, containing proud families watching their grown children commemorate their senior year.
Jacob watched as his sister Jenna stood off to the side of the stage, her fingers tracing the edges of the papers containing her notes for her valedictorian speech. His eyes narrowed in jealousy, watching her face beaming with pride before she addressed her senior class.
Their parents had been ecstatic when Jenna shared the news. What a future she had in store with that kind of recognition to boast about! Combined with her academic talent, Jenna also excelled as a star soccer player.
“Honey, we are so proud of you!” Jenna’s mom ran up to give her daughter a hug before she took the stage for her speech. Her dad also gave her a warm hug and a few words of praise. Jacob sulked lower in his seat, watching the outpouring of attention his parents were doting onto his sister.
Jenna enjoyed her time in the spotlight. Her good looks brought her a lot of attention, and along with her academic and athletic successes, she aspired to use her charisma and brains to become a broadcast journalist.
Jacob, however, hated school and being associated with his popular, successful sister. Jacob’s struggle appeared to be solely apathy, but he was actually suffering from an undiagnosed learning disorder.
He was a troubled teen, almost expelled for being caught with drugs and alcohol during a football game, and frequently mouthed off to his teachers when they disciplined him for falling asleep in class.
With two more years until graduation, Jacob already had a record of underage crime, including theft and attempted assault on another student after a bullying incident. His father had managed to expunge his son’s mistakes, writing it off to the judge as petty crimes committed by a minor.
“This is your final chance, son,” John had said to Jacob just three months prior. “Or you are being sent away. Why can’t you just follow your sister’s example?!” he was exasperated. John and his wife Peggy had tried so hard to raise their kids well and didn’t understand why Jacob was such a troubled teen.
Feeling neglected and rejected by his parents, Jacob withdrew further, scheming silently how he could get even with them one day for making him feel like an insignificant failure.
As the ceremony concluded and the audience applauded Jenna’s speech, Jacob put on his best smile and went to congratulate his sister.
“I know we’ve had our differences, but that was truly amazing, Jenna,” Jacob said, fiddling with his tie.
“Wow, that means a lot. Thank you, Jacob,” Jenna replied, slightly stunned. She had managed to avoid interacting with Jacob as much as possible, often times all her extracurricular activities keeping her busy and away from the house.
“Do you want to come to the graduation party tonight? I really would like you to have a little fun,” Jenna offered. Her boyfriend would probably hate her inviting her troublemaker brother to his family’s house, but she wanted to extend one last olive branch to Jacob since she would be leaving in the fall.
“Yeah that’d be great,” Jacob said, grinning a thin smile. Just as he replied, a throng of girls surrounded Jenna, anxious to take pictures with their best friend. Jacob scooted off awkwardly, back into the dispersing crowd.
That evening, Jacob showed up the party after it had been underway for a few hours. From the loud music and empty cups strewn all around the expansive lawn, it looked like Jenna’s boyfriend’s parents were away for the night.
Jacob let himself in through the open front door, pushing his way through the crowded foyer. He ignored a few glares and made his way up the staircase to the second floor. He had no idea where he would find Jenna, but figured she might have tried to get a little private time with her boyfriend.
Sure enough, Jenna and her boyfriend Scott were upstairs on the balcony in the rec room overlooking the backyard. When she saw Jacob, she got up and ran over to hug him. Scott rolled his eyes.
“I’m so glad you made it!” she said, seemingly genuinely happy to see him. “Thanks for the invite,” he said, nervously checking Scott out.
“Want a beer?” Scott said, without saying hello. “Just one,” Jenna said cautiously.
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” Scott said as he left the two alone.
“Great view they’ve got back here,” Jacob said, leaning over the railing. They were about three stories up, the backyard overlooking the golf course on one side and a nature preserve to the other. Kids were scattered all below them on the massive deck, fit for entertaining.
“You know, mom and dad are constantly on my case because of you,” Jacob blurted out angrily. “I try my best but they never seem to care because you were always there, so perfect.”
Jenna stepped back. “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
“They think I’m stupid and lazy and I’m so sick of it,” he continued. “And to be honest I really hate you for it.”
Jenna began to feel a bit uneasy, and increasingly threatened by Jacob’s harsh remarks. As he spoke, Jacob came closer and she could smell he had been drinking. She glanced toward the door, hoping to see Scott coming back, but was disappointed.
A moment later, Jacob’s voice was back to the light, casual sound she’d heard in it when he had congratulated her that morning.
“C’mon over here and check this out,” he said to Jenna, gesturing to the side and pointing off to the distance into the preserve.
“I don’t see anything?” she said, carefully approaching the rail and straining to look through the growing darkness. Heights did not give her a warm and fuzzy feeling at the best of times and Jacob’s outburst had her on edge, even if he had seemed to have forgotten about it. Jenna didn’t catch the sly smile he gave seeing her nervousness. He knew she was afraid of heights.
“There’s a big owl over there,” he said. “See it?” he said, pulling her arm. For a second Jenna began to feel uncomfortable and regretted inviting Jacob here, then tried to dismiss her negative thoughts, thinking he was just messing with her as he often had before.
“Do you see it?” he asked again, this time pushing Jenna as she leaned forward and throwing her right over the edge of the balcony. Jenna screamed and frantically grabbed at him, at the railing, anything to keep her from falling, catching the edge of the deck briefly but unable to hold on for more than a second or two. Jacob was surprised to feel a pang of guilt as he caught the look of panic and terror on her face in the moment before she lost her grip and fell.
Jenna landed on the concrete deck below with a thud, her neck twisted awkwardly and her limbs splayed. Partygoers screamed and began frantically yelling for help.
Jacob stared down at his dead sister, a sense of satisfaction warring with remorse. Had he really wanted this? There was no going back now. The perfect princess was gone.
Just as he shook himself and began to run inside to escape, Scott returned and playfully tackled him to the floor. “Where are you going?” He laughed. What was intended as a lighthearted wrestle quickly became a serious detainment, as a partygoer had rushed up the deck and told Scott what happened.
After Scott, who had gone into a fury when he learned Jenna was dead, had been pulled off of Jacob and led into another room, several of Scott’s friends restrained the boy until police and Jenna’s parents arrived. He was taken into custody and is awaiting psychological evaluation before being sent to trial. Grief-stricken, John and Peggy are seeking counseling for themselves and exploring options for their son.
Scott’s family later contacted us to clean the scene.
Warning Signs: High-Risk and Troubled Teens
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- A history of violent or threatening behavior
- Problems interacting with peers
- Excessive exposure to violent video games, TV or other media
- Lack of interest in school or constructive extracurricular activities
- Poor school performance, particularly related to learning disorders
Resources for Troubled Teens
Dealing with Anger, Violence, Delinquency, and Other Teen Behavior Problems
We are Advanced Bio Treatment and are here for you 24/7. Should you need our services, please call us at 800-295-1684.
Further Reading
