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Tragic Cases Highlight Urgent Need for Mental Health Reform

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In California, Constance Fischer killed six children in the 1950s, and she was not tried for murder nor given adequate treatment.
In 2017, Rashanda Franklin was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend Dushan McBride in front of her children.
McBride was sentenced to 95 years to life for murder and related offenses.
These cases underscore the urgent need for effective mental health care and the dangers of domestic violence.

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Story summary

In California, Constance Fischer killed six children in the 1950s, and she was not tried for murder nor given adequate treatment.
In 2017, Rashanda Franklin was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend Dushan McBride in front of her children.
McBride was sentenced to 95 years to life for murder and related offenses.
These cases underscore the urgent need for effective mental health care and the dangers of domestic violence.