This list includes information on people who killed their parents, loosely ranked by notoriety. Over the years, several people have been found guilty of murdering their parents. Some of these individuals killed out of anger, while others claimed self-defense. A few of the murder motives also involved hefty inheritance checks.
Who is the most famous person who reportedly killed their parents? Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 shooting deaths of their parents Jose and Kitty. Their trial became a media sensation in the early 1990s. Other notable cases involving a parent's murder include defendants Heather Mack, Brian Blackwell and David Brom.
Do you think that murdering parents is one of the worst crimes imaginable? Explore this list then weigh in with your opinion in the comments.
Sarah Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of her parents, Alan and Diane, in 2005. She was sentenced to two life sentences for the crimes plus 15 years.
In 2005, Brian Blackwell was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his parents, Sydney and Jacqueline. Both victims were beaten with a hammer and stabbed multiple times.
Christopher Porco was sentenced 46 years to life in prison for the 2004 axe murder of his father, Peter. His mother was also attacked and left for dead, but she survived the incident. Porco denies involvement in the crime, and his mother also believes him to be innocent.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 shooting deaths of their parents, Jose and Kitty. Police arrested the brothers after Erik confessed to his psychiatrist and Lyle made threats against the psychiatrist.
Larry Swartz was convicted in the 1984 stabbing deaths of his adoptive parents, Bob and Kay Swartz. He served nine years in prison before being released on parole in 1993. He died of an apparent heart attack in 2004.
