Ep 6. The Strange Case of the Killer Nanny
- November 12, 2017
- 42 min
In season 2 episode 6 of "How It Really Happened," entitled "The Strange Case of the Killer Nanny," viewers delve into the infamous murder of two children by their trusted nanny.
The episode starts with the shocking news breaking out in New York City in October 2012; two young children, a 6-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, were found stabbed to death in their family's luxury apartment. The prime suspect? The family's trusted nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, who was found on the floor next to the children, critically injured from self-inflicted stab wounds.
As the episode progresses, viewers get to know more about the family, the victims, and the accused killer. The family, Marina and Kevin Krim, were affluent and successful; Marina was a stay-at-home mom and a blogger, while Kevin was a media executive. Their children, Lucia and Leo Krim, were described as happy and playful, and their lives were full of love and laughter.
Next, the episode takes a closer look at the killer nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, who had been working for the Krims for two years. A Dominican immigrant, she was described as a dedicated and reliable caregiver, with no warning signs of the tragedy that was about to unfold. Friends and family members attest that she was not a violent person and never showed any signs of mental illness.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials reveal that Ortega had a history of depression and financial stress and that she had been struggling to make ends meet. Police also found a notebook with Ortega's scribbled notes about hearing voices and feeling paranoid. It's revealed that she had visited a doctor only a few days before the murders and that she had been prescribed medication for her depression.
As the episode reaches its climax, viewers witness the trial of Yoselyn Ortega. The prosecution argued that she knew exactly what she was doing when she killed the children and that her claim of hearing voices was just a ploy to get a lighter sentence. The defense, on the other hand, painted her as a woman who had snapped under the weight of her personal and financial problems and who had lost touch with reality.
Throughout the trial, the Krims remained a pillar of strength, with Kevin Krim testifying about his love for his children and how their deaths had destroyed his family. After a harrowing few months, the verdict was finally delivered; Yoselyn Ortega was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of sadness and disbelief. The brutal murder of two innocent children by someone they trusted and loved is a truly tragic event, and one that will stay with the Krims and the community for a long time. The episode highlights not only the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues but also the fragility of life and the devastating impact of violence.