Daniel Bartlam vs. Nehemiah Griego

Attribute	Daniel Bartlam	Nehemiah Griego
Age at time of crime	14	15
Motive	Anger towards mother	Family issues
Victims	Mother	Family members
Method of killing	Arson	Shooting
Legal outcome	Found guilty of murder	Found guilty of murder

Background

Daniel Bartlam and Nehemiah Griego are two individuals who have gained notoriety for their criminal actions. Bartlam, a British teenager, was convicted of murdering his mother in a brutal attack at their home in 2011. Griego, an American teenager, was convicted of killing his parents and three siblings in a shooting spree in 2013. Both cases shocked their respective communities and raised questions about the motives and mental states of the perpetrators.

Family Dynamics

One key difference between Bartlam and Griego is their family backgrounds. Bartlam was raised by a single mother, who was his only parent. Griego, on the other hand, came from a large family with both parents present in the household. While Bartlam's relationship with his mother was reportedly strained, Griego's family was described as close-knit and loving. This disparity in family dynamics may have played a role in shaping the individuals' behaviors and attitudes towards violence.

Mental Health

Another factor to consider when comparing Bartlam and Griego is their mental health. Bartlam was diagnosed with conduct disorder and narcissistic personality traits, which may have contributed to his violent outburst. Griego, on the other hand, was found to have a history of depression and suicidal thoughts, leading some to speculate that his actions were driven by a desire to end his own life. Both individuals exhibited signs of mental distress, but the specific diagnoses differed between them.

Motives

When examining the motives behind their crimes, Bartlam and Griego present contrasting narratives. Bartlam claimed that he killed his mother in a fit of rage after an argument, while Griego stated that he was influenced by violent video games and wanted to experience what it was like to kill someone. Bartlam's motive appears to be more personal and impulsive, while Griego's motive seems to be rooted in a desire for excitement and a distorted view of reality. These differing motives shed light on the individuals' thought processes leading up to the crimes.

Legal Proceedings

The legal proceedings following Bartlam and Griego's crimes also differed in significant ways. Bartlam was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years. Griego, on the other hand, was tried as a juvenile and received a sentence of 30 years in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 15 years. The contrasting legal outcomes highlight the differences in how the justice system approached each case and the severity of the crimes committed.

Public Perception

Finally, the public perception of Bartlam and Griego varied greatly following their crimes. Bartlam was portrayed as a cold and calculating killer, with media outlets focusing on his troubled upbringing and psychological issues. Griego, on the other hand, was often depicted as a troubled teenager who had been failed by the system, with some sympathizing with his struggles and mental health challenges. The differing portrayals of the individuals in the media reflect broader societal attitudes towards crime and punishment.