Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Suicide Post by School Principal


 

Christopher Christensen, 51, was the principal of William T. Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach, Calif, for 22 years.  He committed suicide  days before he was scheduled to appear in court on two misdemeanor charges of battery and child endangerment. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute between Christensen and his wife, Marlena. 

 Christensen had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On the day of his death, Christensen posted a lengthy note on Facebook in which he proclaims his innocence, saying he got into a heated argument with his wife but denied violence. 


Here are some quotes from his post, in which he addresses the allegations.  Analysis follows the quotes. 

He admitted getting into an argument: 

"However, never in this exchange did I hit, slap, or hurt Marlena in any manner. Nor did I ever touch the girls (I never have and never will),” 


"never" and "ever" are labeled as either unreliable or not reliable for the sake or analysis.  Which distinction is used often gives us insight into the analyst's thinking. 

If an allegation is vague in terms of dating, the word "never" may be not reliable, but could still be truthful.  If the subject (accused) does not know the dating of the allegation, and did not commit the act, he cannot look back to a specific time period in memory.  

However, in this case, the incident is singular (meaning a particular date, particular acts and the memorable calling of the police) which means the subject is looking back (and describing the event) to a most unique day o which hormonal consequence (experience) will be elevated.  (This is why lying under oath is most popular via 'I don't recall').  

He does not say, "I didn't hit Malena" but that he "never" did---- with "never" expanding time to his 3+ years of being married.  This is to avoid the specific crisis date for which he was arrested and charged, and for which now, he will (at the time of the writing) commit suicide.  


"However, never in this exchange did I hit, slap, or hurt Marlena in any manner. Nor did I ever touch the girls (I never have and never will)

"hit, slap or hurt"

Besides the unreliable use of "never", he specifies "hit" and "slap,"  

Did he punch?

Did he kick?

Did he threaten?

Did he throw something at her? 

Is his denial being unreliable ("never")  deceptive

He will give us more to continue analysis. 


What was it like for the girls?  

" Nor did I ever touch the girls (I never have and never will)

We should consider that more will come out about his relationship with what appears to be his step daughters. 

Did he cause them to witness domestic violence? (the impact upon children can alter their lives)

Did he throw things at them, or in their direction?

His statement to "never will" is true (due to suicide) but its inclusion here may suggest that this statement, as an unreliable denial, is also deceptive. 


He stressed, saying he loved the girls “like my own.” 


Next, he turns to blame his wife.  He wrote that it was her anger that causes him to commit suicide, and that she tried to take back her initial report from police.  

“Unfortunately, Marlena’s anger got the best of her that night and she called the police, which landed me in jail that night. Yes, me! A man who has never hit or harmed ANYONE in his life!

He now expands time even beyond the 3 years of marriage to his whole life...or did he? 

The expansion of time is noted (its need) but who is the person who has "never hit or harmed ANYONE in his life"?

He has removed himself from the sentence.  He does not say, "I have never hit or harmed anyone in my life" but turns to

a.  "a man" 

b. "in his life."

This is a subtle psychological removal of his presence from the statement---a statement being made just before suicide.  (greater context) 

He first blames his wife and now he blames the legal system.  

He addressed his upcoming court appearance: 

However, the legal system is extremely flawed (especially against men/fathers) and it’s sickening how quickly and easily an innocent man can be thrown in jail based on zero evidence or proof!” 

“So, here I am … writing my final FB post to all of you,” he wrote.

"an innocent man" continues the same theme of psychological commitment.  You must interpret this as him, rather than one, facing death and addressing all in a manner of which he will not face judicial nor societal consequences for.  This is the time when many make a more broad confession, even if it includes minimization or justification.  

He continues to distance himself from his statement.  Pronouns and articles are instinctive: