Murder or Mistake?

Kenneth Park murdered his in-laws while sleepwalking.

On May 23rd, 1987, Kenneth Parks rose from his bed, wandered out of his home, drove 14 miles in his car to the neighbouring town, and proceeded to beat his mother-in-law to death and choke his father-in-law.

Covered in blood and bruises, Kenneth drove to a nearby police station and told the police, he “thought” he had murdered someone. A few hours later he identified the dead bodies of his in-laws. Confused Kenneth, told the investigators that it was “all his fault”.

Later, Kenneth’s defence in court claimed he was sleepwalking while committing the murder.

Sleepwalking has always been considered harmless, making for funny conversational anecdotes and humorous incidents for family gatherings or entertainment. Yet one would never imagine a quirky habit like sleepwalking transform into acts of violence in one’s sleep.

Nevertheless, for Parks, this small abnormality transformed his life forever.

Sleepwalking comes in many forms. In most cases, a sleepwalking person remains confined to their bed or room. And, is mildly aware of their surroundings, they can navigate their apartment with closed eyes, mostly due to habit and instinct. Furthermore, sleepwalking is usually non-violent, with two notable…