Few murders in the history of crime were as morally depraved as the Ken and Barbie Murders committed by Karla Leanne Homolka and Paul Bernardo in Canada. These two serial killers are part of a fairly exclusive group of killers that killed as a couple. They raped and murdered two young teenaged girls as well as Karla’s sister. Paul Bernardo also admitted raping numerous other women over a period of years, and he eventually brought Karla into the mix. The question most people have when they hear of these murders, is why did Karla do it?
The answers to those questions are ones that we may never have all the answers to, but we certainly have a few. Karla was an active participant in the murders, and even participated sexually alongside and with the girls, mostly for Paul’s affection and at his urging. This was the basis behind Karla’s defense and her reasoning to strike a plea bargain that allowed for her current release. Karla Homolka served only twelve years in prison for her part in the murders.
One thing that we know for certain is that Karla was abused heavily by Paul Bernardo both physically and mentally in their relationship. The record clearly shows brutal beatings and horrible mental abuse perpetrated by Paul Bernardo. The puzzling part of this, however, is that Karla never attempted to get out. She came from a supportive family that surely would have tried to protect her. Could it be that she was afraid of Paul hurting them or her anyway?
Whatever the case, the reasoning behind Karla Homolka participating in these killings does not seem to possibly be driven by Paul alone. There were numerous chances for Karla to do the right thing, and each time she did not. While one of the girls was being held, Karla was alone with her and refused her begging to be released. She could have saved no less than one of the girls rather easily. Her sister Tammy, who was also raped and murdered, was given a knockout drug by Karla. Karla got the drug from the vet clinic, and used too much. She was drugging Tammy so that she could give Paul a “virgin gift” and instead killed her sister with the drug.
After all of these things, one must conclude that Karla had at least a modicum of serial killer running through her veins as well. The evil that it takes to do the things these two people did is simply not normal. What makes the situation even worse is the fact that this woman is walking the streets free now. She served twelve years, while the victims and their families are suffering a life sentence.
Seems like the short answer to the question of why Karla did it is this…. She was evil.
