TRUE CRIME A Family Torn Apart by a Ritual: The Tragic Tale of Tori and Lily Ball

A Troubled Beginning

On September 12, 2007, twin sisters Tori Margaret Ball and Lily Teri Ball were born to Monica McCarrick and Michael Ball in San Diego, California. Despite the joy of their arrival, the family's beginnings were marred by significant challenges. Monica and Michael had a ten-year age gap, which, while not inherently problematic, highlighted deeper issues within their relationship. Monica's frequent drug use and a domestic violence arrest in 2006 further strained their relationship, leading to their eventual separation. By 2009, Monica had taken Michael to court for child support, and by 2010, she had relocated across the country to Pennsylvania.

A New Love, A New Hope

In Pennsylvania, Monica reconnected with Robert Paulson, an old flame, over Facebook around Thanksgiving of 2009. Their long-distance relationship quickly blossomed, and by May 2010, they were engaged. Monica seemed to find stability; she worked at a dental office and was pursuing further education. Meanwhile, Robert was grieving the loss of his ex-girlfriend, Jill, who had ended her life in April 2010 using one of Robert's guns. Despite his grief, Monica provided a supportive shoulder, and their relationship seemed strong.

Moving Across the Country

In late August 2010, Monica and her three-year-old twin daughters moved to California to live with Robert. They settled into an apartment complex in Fairfield, and Monica began looking for a school to continue her dental assistant training. Robert's frequent business trips kept him away from home, but he supported Monica financially and emotionally.

However, as Robert's work assignments took him away, Monica began to exhibit signs of mental instability. She found a synopsis for a horror movie Robert was writing, which she misinterpreted as a threat to her and her daughters. Her paranoia grew, leading her to believe that various external forces, including a UPS driver and Robert's friends, were conspiring against her.

A Descent into Paranoia

Monica's mental state deteriorated rapidly while Robert was away. She communicated her fears to her friends through text messages, expressing concerns that Robert and his mother were out to get her. Her messages became increasingly erratic, with Monica fearing for her and her daughters' safety. She even contacted her mother, Margaret, and other relatives, voicing her belief that Robert was plotting against her.

Despite these alarming signs, Monica tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. She visited her mother in San Diego, where they shopped for a wedding dress, momentarily alleviating her fears. But her paranoia soon returned with a vengeance, as she continued to send frantic messages to friends, hinting at the possibility of harm.

The Breaking Point

By early October 2010, Monica's condition had reached a critical point. Her conversations with Robert became increasingly disjointed, filled with references to "robot butterflies" and cryptic messages. On October 11, Monica contacted various people, including her daughters' grandmother and Robert's mother, expressing fears and behaving irrationally.

On October 12, Monica's mental state completely unraveled. She had multiple incoherent conversations with Robert, culminating in a terrifying final call where she mentioned starting a fire and reassured Robert that everything would be okay. Shortly afterward, the apartment's fire alarm went off, and Robert, unable to reach anyone, grew increasingly worried.

The Unthinkable Crime

Monica's actions on that fateful day were beyond comprehension. Strapping Tori and Lily to their highchairs, she attacked them with a katana, one of the weapons in Robert's collection. The twins suffered horrific injuries; one was partially decapitated, and the other was stabbed multiple times. Monica then attempted to set the apartment on fire to cover up her actions.

A neighbor, Andre Douglas, noticed smoke and attempted to enter the apartment, only to be blocked by the twins' bodies. Firefighters eventually arrived, extinguished the fire, and discovered the gruesome scene. Monica was found unconscious in the kitchen, having inflicted severe injuries on herself.

The Aftermath

Monica was arrested and charged with two counts of homicide, arson, and other related offenses. During her trial, it was revealed that Monica had a long history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder with psychotic features and poly-substance abuse. Her defense argued that she was not fully culpable due to her mental state, but the jury found her sane at the time of the murders.

In 2012, Monica was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Despite her multiple appeals and a petition to the governor for clemency, her sentence remains unchanged.

Reflections on a Tragic Tale

The story of Tori and Lily Ball is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating impact of untreated mental illness. Monica's journey from a hopeful new start to a tragic end underscores the importance of mental health support and intervention. As the family and community continue to grapple with the loss of these two innocent lives, the lingering question remains: could more have been done to prevent this tragedy?

Tori and Lily's brief but impactful lives serve as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of children and the critical need for vigilance and support for those struggling with mental health issues. Their story, though filled with sorrow, also highlights the enduring love of family and the importance of seeking help in times of crisis.