The case of Lisa Montgomery is one of the most harrowing and tragic in recent American history. It involves the brutal murder of a pregnant woman, Bobbie Jo Stinnett, and the kidnapping of her unborn child. 

Background of the Victim and Criminal

Bobbie Jo Stinnett was a 23-year-old woman living in Skidmore, Missouri. She was a loving wife, expecting her first child with her husband, Zeb Stinnett. Bobbie Jo was known in her community as a kind and gentle person who had a passion for breeding rat terrier dogs. She was excitedly preparing for the birth of her baby, whom she planned to name Victoria Jo.

Lisa Montgomery had a troubled and traumatic past. Born in 1968 in Melvern, Kansas, she endured a childhood filled with severe abuse and neglect. Her mother was reportedly physically abusive, and Lisa was sexually assaulted by her stepfather for years. These traumatic experiences left deep psychological scars, and as an adult, Lisa struggled with mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She also developed a history of compulsive lying and pretended to be pregnant multiple times, despite having undergone sterilization surgery in 1990.

The Crime

The crime occurred on December 16, 2004. Lisa Montgomery had been posing as a pregnant woman in online forums for dog breeders, where she befriended Bobbie Jo Stinnett. Using a fake identity, Montgomery expressed interest in purchasing a puppy from Stinnett and arranged to meet her in person.

On the day of the crime, Lisa drove from her home in Melvern, Kansas, to Bobbie Jo's home in Skidmore, Missouri, under the pretense of buying a dog. Once inside Bobbie Jo's home, Montgomery attacked her. She strangled Bobbie Jo with a rope until she lost consciousness, then performed a crude cesarean section using a kitchen knife to extract the baby from Bobbie Jo's womb. Bobbie Jo regained consciousness during the attack but was unable to defend herself. Lisa Montgomery then fled the scene with the newborn baby girl, leaving Bobbie Jo to bleed to death on the floor.

Timeline of the Crime DayMorning of December 16, 2004: Lisa Montgomery leaves her home in Melvern, Kansas, and drives to Skidmore, Missouri.Around 2:30 PM: Montgomery arrives at Bobbie Jo Stinnett's home under the guise of purchasing a puppy.Shortly after arrival: Montgomery attacks Bobbie Jo, strangles her, and performs a cesarean section to remove the baby.After the crime: Montgomery flees the scene with the newborn, later presenting the baby as her own to her husband and others.The Aftermath

Bobbie Jo's mother discovered her daughter's body later that afternoon and immediately called 911. Despite efforts to save her, Bobbie Jo was pronounced dead at the scene. The brutal nature of the crime and the abduction of the baby sent shockwaves through the small community and prompted a massive manhunt to find the missing infant.

How the Criminal Was Caught

The FBI quickly became involved in the case, and through the investigation, they traced the online interactions between Montgomery and Stinnett. This led them to Lisa Montgomery's home in Melvern, Kansas. The following day, on December 17, 2004, the FBI arrived at Montgomery's house, where they found her with the abducted baby, who was miraculously unharmed. Lisa initially claimed the baby was hers, but under pressure, she eventually confessed to the crime.

The Trial and Sentence

Lisa Montgomery was charged with federal kidnapping resulting in death, a crime that carries the possibility of the death penalty. During her trial, Montgomery's defense team argued that she was mentally ill and suffered from severe psychological disorders stemming from her traumatic childhood. However, the prosecution contended that Montgomery was fully aware of her actions and that the crime was premeditated.\

In October 2007, a jury found Lisa Montgomery guilty, and she was sentenced to death. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the mental health issues involved.

Conclusion

Lisa Montgomery's crime was a shocking and tragic event that highlighted the devastating effects of untreated mental illness and the consequences of a lifetime of abuse. The case also underscored the importance of addressing the mental health needs of those who have experienced severe trauma. Despite the defense's argument regarding her mental state, Montgomery was held accountable for her actions and was sentenced to death. She was executed by lethal injection on January 13, 2021, becoming the first female federal inmate to be executed in the United States in nearly 70 years. The story of Lisa Montgomery serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence that can emerge from untreated mental illness and a history of abuse.