According to court documents, Jody Herring experienced trauma throughout her life, including the death of her father, which she and other family members believed was murder — despite it being ruled a suicide. In addition, she was physically abused by her mother and stepfather, which Herring’s older brother, Dwayne, confirmed. Following being kicked out of the house as adolescents, Herring and Dwayne lived in abandoned shacks, and by age 17, she became pregnant with her first child as a result of rape (via Justia).
Leading up to the murders of her family members and Lara Sobel, Herring experienced homelessness and substance abuse — which led to a break-up with her boyfriend and a suicide attempt by overdose (via The Cinemaholic). Henry Premont — her boyfriend at the time — told police that Herring was keeping a hit list before the crimes and claimed that there would be an “armageddon.” According to her estranged boyfriend’s testimony, revenge was at the forefront of her mind. She allegedly said (via CBS), “People are going to pay.” Although she was diagnosed with severe anxiety by a forensic psychologist, Herring’s attorney was unable to prove that she was not of sound mind (via Justia).
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
