Ripley Co. Mom Goes On TV To Defend Teenage Son Accused Of Killing Siblings

Dr. Phil was televised nationally on Wednesday, but it had a local feel.

(Ripley County, Ind.) – Does a 14-year-old Ripley County teen accused of killing his younger siblings belong in jail? His mother took to national television this week to give her answer.

Nickalas Kedrowitz is accused of smothering 23-month-old Desiree McCartney in May of 2017 and 11-month-old Nathaniel Ritz in July of 2017.

Kedrowitz was arrested approximately three months ago. His mother, Christina, believes her son does not belong in jail, but would instead benefit from being in a mental health facility.

On Wednesday, Christina was featured on Dr. Phil, where she stated her son is “every mother’s dream child” and not a “serial killer.”

“Prior to all of this, my son was the picture-perfect kid,” Christina said. “He did know right from wrong and he did not need a mental hospital or any of that. I think that after all this has happened and the trauma he has had to face, something has definitely switched in him. He’s not the same child as he was before.”

Christina, who has a master’s degree in psychology, was questioned about any indications that her son might have some mental and emotional problems.

“I think she’s really confused,” said Dr. Phil. “On the one hand, she says my son Nickalas is a dream child, a child that anyone would want. But, on the other hand, she says he need to be in a mental institution.”

Christina stated that she was aware her son had a mild intellectual disability, but that he didn’t have any behavioral problems or red flags.  

However, court documents say Kedrowitz mutilated a kitten prior to the second child’s death. He also allegedly told a relative that they might be better off if someone murdered them due to the fact they were missing a leg and had a heart condition.

“I think he is in need of serious help and I don’t think he should be tried as an adult,” said Dr. Phil. “I think he should be tried as an adolescent and I think he should be sent to a psychiatric facility for whatever time is necessary to get him help.”

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel is on record saying he will ask a judge to waive the murder cases against the 14-year-old to adult court. A decision has yet to be made.  

In related news, Christina hopes to be reunited with her daughter that was put into foster care shortly after the alleged murders. Dr. Phil told her that will never happen unless she takes some ownership of the situation and admits some wrongdoing.

RELATED STORIES:

14-Year-Old Charged In Smothering Deaths Of Baby Sister, Brother