The tragic case of Brandi Worley, a mother who stabbed her two young children to death, is a devastating example of how a parent’s mental health can deteriorate to the point of violence. This story highlights the importance of recognizing and treating mental health issues and the devastating impact that untreated mental illness can have on families.
Background:
Brandi Worley was a 30-year-old mother of two young children, Tyler and Charlee Worley, aged 3 and 7 respectively. She was married to Jason Worley, and the family lived in Darlington, Indiana, a small town in the Midwestern United States. According to friends and family members, Brandi Worley had been struggling with depression and anxiety for several years.
The Tragedy:
On November 17th, 2016, Brandi Worley called 911 and told the operator that she had just killed her two children. When the police arrived at the scene, they found Tyler and Charlee Worley dead in their beds, both with multiple stab wounds. Brandi Worley was found in a nearby room with self-inflicted stab wounds to her neck and wrists.
Investigation and Trial:
During the investigation, it was discovered that Brandi Worley and her husband Jason were going through a divorce, and that the divorce proceedings had been particularly contentious. Brandi had reportedly been struggling with depression and anxiety, and Jason had expressed concerns about her mental health to family members and friends.
At the trial, Brandi Worley pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to 120 years in prison without the possibility of parole. During the trial, Jason Worley testified about his concerns for his wife’s mental health and the need for her to seek treatment.
Lessons Learned:
The tragic case of Brandi Worley highlights the importance of recognizing and treating mental health issues. It also underscores the need for families and loved ones to speak up and seek help for individuals who may be struggling with mental illness. Had Brandi Worley received appropriate treatment for her depression and anxiety, this tragedy could have been avoided.
Here are some facts about Brandi Worley:
- Brandi Worley was born on December 28, 1985, in Indiana, United States.
- She was married to Jason Worley, and they had two children together, Tyler and Charlee.
- In November 2016, when Tyler was 3 years old, and Charlee was 7 years old, Brandi stabbed both of her children to death in their beds.
- After killing her children, Brandi attempted to take her own life by stabbing herself in the neck and wrists.
- Brandi Worley was charged with two counts of murder and was later sentenced to 120 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
- During the trial, it was revealed that Brandi and Jason Worley were going through a divorce, and the proceedings were particularly contentious.
- Brandi Worley had a history of mental health issues and had reportedly been struggling with depression and anxiety for several years leading up to the murder-suicide.
- The case received widespread media attention and sparked a conversation about the importance of recognizing and treating mental health issues in individuals and families.
- The tragedy also led to increased awareness of the impact that divorce and custody battles can have on families and the need for resources and support for those going through these difficult processes.
- Brandi Worley’s case is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the need for individuals and families to seek help when struggling with mental health problems.
Why did she do it?
Brandi Worley’s motive for killing her two children has been attributed to her mental health issues and the stress of going through a contentious divorce with her husband, Jason Worley. According to reports, Brandi had a history of depression and anxiety, and her mental health had been deteriorating leading up to the murder-suicide. Additionally, the divorce proceedings were particularly difficult, with both Brandi and Jason expressing concerns about the welfare of their children.
It is believed that the combination of her mental health struggles and the stress of the divorce proceedings may have led Brandi to act out in a violent and tragic manner. However, it is important to note that the exact reasons behind her actions may never be fully known, and that her mental health struggles may have played a significant role in her decision to kill her children.
Brandi said she killed the children to prevent her husband from taking them
It is true that during her 911 call, Brandi Worley claimed that she had killed her children to prevent her husband from taking them away from her. However, this statement should be taken with caution, as Brandi was in an extremely distressed and unstable state at the time of the call.
It is likely that her mental health issues, coupled with the stress of the divorce proceedings, may have led her to believe that killing her children was the only way to protect them from being taken away. However, it is important to note that this belief was likely influenced by her mental state and may not reflect reality.
Ultimately, the exact reasons behind Brandi’s decision to kill her children may never be fully known. What is clear, however, is that her mental health struggles played a significant role in her actions and that her tragic case highlights the importance of recognizing and treating mental illness in individuals and families.
Where is Brandi Worley now?
Brandi Worley is currently serving her sentence at the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was sentenced to 120 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of her two children, Tyler and Charlee, in November 2016.
Brandi was initially charged with two counts of murder, but in October 2018, she pleaded guilty to the charges as part of a plea deal. The plea deal allowed her to avoid the possibility of the death penalty, and she was instead sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for each count of murder, to be served concurrently.
Brandi’s case remains a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the need for individuals and families to seek help when struggling with mental health problems.
What is to be learned from this story?
The tragic story of Brandi Worley’s murder of her two children offers several important lessons that can be learned:
- The importance of recognizing and treating mental illness: Brandi Worley’s history of mental health issues and struggles with depression and anxiety highlight the need for individuals and families to seek help when dealing with mental health problems. Mental illness is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences if left untreated, and it is important to prioritize mental health and seek professional help when necessary.
- The impact of divorce and custody battles on families: Brandi Worley’s case highlights the difficulties and stress that can arise from divorce and custody battles, particularly when children are involved. It is important for families to prioritize the welfare of their children and work together to minimize the negative impact of these processes on the entire family.
- The importance of seeking help in times of crisis: Brandi Worley’s case underscores the importance of seeking help in times of crisis, whether it be through friends, family, or professional resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
- The need for resources and support for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues: The tragic outcome of Brandi Worley’s case highlights the need for increased resources and support for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues. This can include access to affordable and quality mental health care, support groups, and resources for dealing with stress and difficult life events.
Overall, the story of Brandi Worley’s murder of her children is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the need for individuals and families to prioritize mental health and seek help when necessary.

Conclusion:
The story of Brandi Worley is a heartbreaking example of how untreated mental illness can lead to devastating consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and treating mental health issues and the need for individuals and families to seek help when struggling with mental health problems. We must continue to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and providing access to effective treatment for those who need it.
Interesting facts about Jason Worley
Jason Worley, the husband of Brandi Worley and father of the two children she murdered, has largely kept a low profile in the aftermath of the tragedy. As a result, there is not a great deal of information available publicly about him. However, here are a few interesting facts about Jason Worley:
- Jason is a resident of Darlington, Indiana, where he lived with his family before the tragedy.
- He worked as a software engineer for a company in Lafayette, Indiana at the time of the murder.
- Following the murder of his children, Jason established a memorial scholarship in their honor. The Tyler and Charlee Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to graduating seniors at North Montgomery High School, where Jason and Brandi both attended.
- Jason has spoken publicly about his grief and the impact of the tragedy on his life. In an interview with a local news station, he described the process of grieving as “a long journey” and emphasized the importance of taking things one day at a time.
- According to court documents, Jason and Brandi had a tumultuous relationship leading up to the murder. They had filed for divorce in early 2016 and were in the midst of a custody battle over their children.