Overview
This episode of "Murder Mystery & Makeup Monday" covers the story of Amy Bishop, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist who killed three colleagues in a 2010 university shooting, with a past that included the mysterious shooting death of her brother and other troubling incidents.
Introduction & Format
- Bailey Sarian introduces herself and her channel format: discussing true crime while doing makeup.
- Brief sponsor message for a game, Midas Merge.
Amy Bishop’s Early Life & Family Background
- Amy Bishop was born in 1965 in Iowa City; family later moved to Braintree, Massachusetts.
- Raised in an academically focused, musically talented family; Amy and her brother Seth were both violinists.
- Amy was described as gifted but socially awkward and prone to outbursts.
Death of Seth Bishop
- In 1986, Amy (21) shot and killed her 18-year-old brother Seth in their home; she claimed it was an accident.
- Official investigation quickly ruled it accidental; no charges filed and police records mysteriously disappeared.
- Community was skeptical of the investigation’s thoroughness, and family did not move or change Seth’s room after his death.
Amy’s Academic and Professional Path
- Amy pursued biology at Northeastern University, met and married James Anderson, then completed a PhD at Harvard.
- Suspicions arose regarding the quality of her doctoral work and unsubstantiated claims about her academic achievements.
- Involved as a suspect (but not charged) in a Harvard pipe bomb incident targeting a professor she disliked.
Behavioral Concerns & Other Incidents
- Amy was known for intense, confrontational behavior in academic and social settings.
- Notably assaulted a woman at IHOP over a booster seat; charges dropped, family excused her actions due to stress.
- Published three unpublished dark thriller novels with themes paralleling her own life.
Move to Alabama and University Issues
- Amy began teaching at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 2003, teaching five courses.
- Developed a reputation for poor teaching, frequent student and colleague complaints, and erratic disruptions.
- Denied tenure in 2009 after student petitions and administrative concerns; she unsuccessfully appealed and filed a discrimination complaint.
The 2010 University Shooting
- On February 12, 2010, at a faculty meeting, Amy opened fire on colleagues, killing three and injuring three others.
- Attack was targeted at those who voted against her tenure; she was apprehended shortly after attempting to flee.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
- Past incidents, especially the death of her brother, were re-examined; previously missing police files resurfaced.
- Evidence suggested prior intentional actions and possible cover-up in the 1986 case.
- Amy was charged with capital murder and attempted murder; later indicted for her brother’s death but not tried due to her existing life sentence.
Aftermath and Additional Tragedy
- Amy pleaded guilty in 2012 and was sentenced to life without parole.
- Multiple lawsuits filed by victims and families; Amy repeatedly attempted to appeal her conviction.
- In 2021, Amy’s son Seth (named after her brother) was killed in an accidental shooting.
Family and Community Responses
- Amy’s parents continued to defend her, attributing her actions to stress.
- Ongoing rumors about family dynamics and the nature of the original shooting persisted.
Channel & Content Updates
- Bailey announces a schedule update with compilation and audio-exclusive videos for April due to a personal break.
- Regular "Murder Mystery & Makeup" episodes will resume in May.
Decisions
- Amy pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, resulting in a life sentence without parole.
Action Items
- April – Bailey: Release compilation and audio-exclusive true crime videos during personal break.