Carole Barker

Crush: Verb 1) to Press or Squeeze with a Force That Deforms or Destroys Carole Barker

When Mormon missionary Keith Barker meets Patty Jenkins, he is unaware that one step inside her home will catapult him into the life of an accomplished sociopath. Patty's life story includes rape, abuse, abandonment and alcoholic parents. She is in desperate need of a good friend. Keith's empathy for Patty leads to a physical relationship resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. Keith is sent home from his mission and his life soon spirals out of control. Patty travels cross-country by bus to marry Keith. It quickly becomes apparent that all is not what it seems with Patty. Her outlandish tales and amazing stories send the Barker family in search of answers about the stranger now living in their home. After his birth, Keith's son Steven is diagnosed with one illness after another, and Keith's suspicions fall squarely on Patty. Desperate for understanding, the Barker family finds answers in the study of psychopathic behavior. Keith's worst fears materialize as they investigate Munchausen by Proxy, a disorder where a parent, usually the mother, makes her own child sick in order to garner attention for herself. This is the true account of a ten year battle to save the life of Steven Barker.