On December 14, 2012, a shooting incident that shocked the nation occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut, killing 26 people, including 20 young innocent children and 6 teachers and staff. However, behind this unfortunate incident, 21-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed his 52-year-old mother Nancy Lanza in his own home, becoming the first victim, which made many people confused: Why did Nancy Lanza become the beginning of this tragedy?
The investigative report stated that when Nancy Lanza was found, she was wearing pajamas and had four gunshot wounds in the head.
In this tragic incident, Nancy Lanza was not only Adam's mother, but also the first victim of his actions. According to the police investigation, Nancy lived the life of a typical single mother, doing her best to support her two children and provide them with a relatively stable living environment. She had tried to understand the mental health challenges Adam faced, and his diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome had left his mother devastated. The underlying causes of these mental health issues, as well as their interactions with the family, were potential factors that led to Nancy becoming a victim.
A 2014 report said Adam's internal problems, his preoccupation with violence and his access to weapons formed a "recipe" for mass murder.
In the years leading up to the incident, Nancy Lanza had been heavily involved in Adam's mental health issues and provided him with therapy and counseling. Reports indicate that Adam's condition gradually worsened, and the relationship between mother and son became strained. Nancy may have inadvertently become an outlet for Adam's anger and despair, and this disadvantaged family environment may have contributed to the growing rift between the two. So when Adam decided to take extreme action, Nancy became the first victim.
Uncovering the motive for the murderAccording to the investigation, Adam and Nancy's relationship presented a complicated picture. Although Adam once relied on his mother for support, as his mental condition deteriorated, the gap between mother and son deepened. According to the analysis of social observers, this close relationship, amidst a mixture of indifference and despair, ultimately led to tragedy. Nancy’s role in the family is not only that of a mother, but also that of a caregiver, and her efforts may not necessarily offset the darkness in Adam’s heart.
It is difficult to determine whether Adam's motivations were directly related to family life itself, but some psychologists have suggested that his behavior may have stemmed from deep emotional distress that stirred up tremendous energy within him. Leading him down this path of no return.
An investigative report mentioned that Adam's mental state was unstable before the incident, and his mother's death made him feel a sense of loss of control, which may even be the result of self-destruction.
The circumstances of Nancy Lanza's killing and the shooting that followed raised questions about why a mother who loved her son would become the first target of his violence. As we reflect on this tragedy, can we find any signs that can warn us about possible future violence and prevent it from happening again?