This is why killing in self-defense is legally distinct from out-and-out murder. And this is also why the laws are flawed, because "self-defense" only includes defense against getting killed. Torture isn't covered, except clumsily and indirectly under the "by reason of insanity" clause.

I don't doubt that the girl is probably crazy as a bedbug after years of abuse. But I don't think that specifically killing her father was a crazy thing to do. She'd have met the same fate at someone else's hands if she ran away, and had no reason to believe that the Authorities would take any interest.

For those who have been tortured and toughed it out - hey, good for you. But I don't think it's at all realistic to expect that of everybody. If the guy had been, say, an enemy combatant, they'd be looking up the rules for awarding medals to civilians. But I think the fact that he was her father makes his behavior far, far more horrific.

Love, Columbine