The Murder Mindset

The Daniel Marsh Case | Neuroscience Behind a 15-Year-Old Killer


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In this episode, we examine the disturbing case of Daniel Marsh, a 15-year-old who brutally murdered an elderly couple and later described the act as making him feel “happy.”

This episode is not a retelling for shock value. Instead, it explores what many true-crime narratives leave out: the neuroscience, psychology, and developmental factors behind extreme adolescent violence.

Drawing on research in adolescent brain development, psychopathy, trauma, and impulse regulation, we break down:


  • How the teenage brain processes violence differently than the adult brain
  • The role of empathy deficits, reward circuitry, and emotional regulation
  • Whether adolescents can fully understand consequences at this level
  • What neuroscience can — and cannot — explain about cases like Daniel Marsh

With a background in public health and behavioral science (graduate training at Johns Hopkins), The Murder Mindset focuses on education, prevention, and accountability, not glorification.


⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of violent crime and may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised.


🎧 This episode is for listeners interested in true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, and criminal behavior.

Follow The Murder Mindset on Instagram and TikTok: @TheMurderMindset for case insights, short-form analysis, and episode updates.

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The Murder MindsetBy deardhra mcgeough

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