Did not know about the two older. (college...married...missionaries?)
The whole thing incredible. . .two parents trying to bring sense to an 'out-of-control' situation; doing the right thing; killed instantly.
In Lititz, Pa. yet. . .
As to her 'liking to talk to her Mother'. . .wonder if that written before this 'kid' became her focus or not. .
I dunno. That post was from ... June, I think? She seems to have gone in and out of having a "right mind". [How can you tell with teens? They can be so moody, each one is different, and every day brings something new! That's why I pray for wisdom... even when things seem to be going ok. ]
But a parent should tell when something's up, and when "NO" needs to be said. I truly wonder what her parents sensed*, esp. since her mother had apparently discussed her distress with her friends. But if that's true, why not crack down?
Distress ... how's that for an understatement! I'm not sure why there wasn't a firmer response, earlier, especially since the stakes were so high (ie, their daughter's and family's wellbeing).
I agree -- the tragedy is that the parents were finally getting to the point of getting a grasp on the situation (it was unavoidable, in their faces!), then were suddenly literally removed from the picture. Just when they were needed the most. I mourn what coulda, shoulda been for that family.