Tragic Case of Maternal Violence: The Gardipe Children
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Chapter 1: The Devastating Discovery
On that fateful Friday morning, authorities arrived at a residence on Patty Ann Drive in Missoula, Montana, only to uncover a horrific scene. Five-year-old Namaus and his three-year-old sister, Evelyn, were found lying in their beds, their bodies covered with significant throat lacerations and evident defensive wounds on their hands.
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Section 1.1: The Note Left Behind
Inside the home, detectives discovered a chilling note that read, "It was the only way that we all wouldn’t burn, now I’m the only one of us that will." Leannah Gardipe, 34, had moved to the area with her children only a few months prior, quickly becoming a familiar and cherished presence in the neighborhood.
“They (the kids) were often seen riding their bikes, catching bugs, or exploring the garden,” recalled neighbor Sandra Talbot. “They were joyful to watch… just happy kids, always accompanied by their mother.”
Section 1.2: A Disturbing Emergency Call
The children's grandmother was the first to call 911 on November 19th after a troubling conversation with her daughter, Leannah, who claimed to have “saved her babies.” Shortly thereafter, Leannah herself reached out to the authorities, reporting a murder. She explained that an incident had transpired in her bedroom involving a knife and that she was “supposed to die” that day, later identifying the weapon as a steak knife.
When officers arrived and requested Leannah to step outside, she instead retreated into the house, locking the door behind her. While still on the phone with the 911 operator, she expressed disbelief that the officers were there to assist her, stating, “No they are not; not for what I did.” However,