This is the mobile home where Jesse Fierstine lived in rural Manchester. He was hiding in the adjacent garage when authorities arrested him April 25 on suspicion of assaulting his father. His uncle said Jesse Fierstine suffers from bipolar disorder and was not taking medication at the time of the attack.
Bipolar disorder is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It is characterized by extreme mood HIGHS AND LOWS - swings from mania and manic behavior to anger, restlessness to major depression. It’s not just a case of ‘the blues’ or normal up and downs we all experience from too little sleep, too much stress or relationships. They can be psychotic and cannot distinguish reality and may do some very strange things… Their ability to function can result in poor job performance/school and broken relationships. Symptoms do not go away in a week or two and if not treated; the disorder can even result in suicide…
By going after the pacemaker, he might have thought that he was helping his dad in some way, according to his uncle, Jim Fierstine. "I think that was on his mind, but who knows what was going on in there," Jim said. "If he intended to (just) murder him, one good blow to the heart would have done that."
He also said his nephew eagerly helps with chores like mowing and shoveling snow. He also saved an abandoned baby squirrel by having a cat that recently had kittens nurse it, he said. "That," he said, "is the Jesse I know."
If he has a mental illness, it’s definitely something more than bipolar and it doesn’t excuse this terrible act.
The 32 year-old Jesse Fierstine faces an attempted murder charge for the attack on his father.
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2 comments:
That's a shame. You always hear about how hard it is to keep people on their medications for mental illnesses and he probably didn't realize what he was actually doing--hallucinations and such. Thanks for the follow-up! :)
Always, Rita
So true Rita - keep well and regards to Dagan
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