Nobody Should Believe Me: Season 5, Episode 3 - "Constant Crisis"

Introduction

In the third episode of Season 5, titled "Constant Crisis," Andrea Dunlop delves deep into the tumultuous life of Sophie Hartman, a single mother whose relentless series of crises raises red flags about potential Munchausen by Proxy abuse. This episode unpacks the intricate dynamics of Sophie's family life, her daughters' challenges, and the community's growing suspicions.

Sophie's Arrival in the Pacific Northwest

Sophie Hartman's move to the Pacific Northwest in 2015 marked the beginning of a series of escalating crises for her family. After finalizing the adoption of her two daughters, C and M, Sophie relocated from Zambia to Seattle, ostensibly to provide better medical care for C at the renowned Seattle Children's Hospital.

Andrea Dunlop [07:05]: "After See's adoption was finalized, she told church friends she'd been called there by God to others... in this part of her police interview, she offered a more secular explanation."

Despite choosing a top-tier medical facility, Sophie relocated far from her familial support system, raising questions about her motivations and the sustainability of such a move.

C's Health Struggles and Medical Odyssey

From the moment they arrived in the U.S., C's health was a central concern. Sophie reported severe withdrawal symptoms due to in utero drug exposure, which necessitated constant medical attention. Over the years, C underwent multiple treatments and faced a rare neurological condition, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC).

Sophie Hartman [11:22]: "The neurologist had said... So we decided to do genetic testing at that time."

C's condition required numerous doctor visits, therapies, and surgeries, placing immense strain on the family's finances and Sophie's ability to manage daily life.

Em's Intensive Gymnastics Program

While C battled health issues, Sophie's older daughter, Em, was immersed in an elite gymnastics program aimed at qualifying for the National Olympic team for juniors. The Metropolitan Gym in Kent, Washington, became the family's focal point, demanding rigorous training schedules.

Michelle [15:07]: "They were working towards a Tops program, which is working towards the National Olympic team for juniors."

The demanding nature of Em's training meant long hours, extensive travel, and significant financial investment, further complicating the family's already strained resources.

Financial Support and Fundraising Efforts

Sophie managed the financial burdens through relentless fundraising efforts, leveraging her church community and social media platforms. Fundraisers included GoFundMe campaigns and church-sponsored events, which raised substantial funds for medical equipment and specialized vehicles.

Andrea Dunlop [38:15]: "From a police interview with a friend from Pursuit Northwest, the church that Sophie joined after moving to Seattle... 'The church helped raise over $30,000 to help Sophie purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle.'"

Despite these efforts, questions lingered about the sustainability and sufficiency of these funds to cover ongoing expenses related to C's medical care and Em's gymnastics training.

Community Observations and Growing Suspicion

Fellow parents at the Metropolitan Gym began to notice inconsistencies in Sophie's story and the logistical impossibilities of her lifestyle as a single, unemployed mother. The daily two-hour commute with two children, including a medically fragile toddler, seemed implausible without a stable income.

Unnamed Gym Parent [18:38]: "It's at least two hours. Well, it's an. Yeah, it's two hours. And when I heard that, I was like, what? Like that's crazy to do with two kids in the car."

Additionally, Sophie's frequent emphasis on her daughters' race and her behavior during gym meets raised further suspicions about her intentions and the authenticity of her narratives.

Sophie’s Use of Race for Attention

Sophie often highlighted her daughters' racial identities, asserting that they were the only black children at the gym, which many perceived as a tactic to garner sympathy and attention rather than genuine advocacy.

Unnamed Gym Parent [47:11]: "She would make them feel bad. So she would, like, scold a kid for, like, don't clap near my daughter's hair..."

Andrea enlisted the expertise of Chad Goler, a transracial adoption consultant, who commented on how such behavior can be performative and more about the mother's image than the children's well-being.

Chad Goler: "Sometimes that... it becomes more performative. Something is... interesting because... [Sophie's actions] give her a kind of upper hand in a given situation."

Financial Discrepancies and Unexplained Expenses

The episode meticulously examines the financial gaps in Sophie's story. Despite her claims of being unemployed, the substantial costs associated with C's medical treatments and Em's gymnastics were hard to reconcile with her income sources.

Andrea Dunlop [36:26]: "I have to break in here as an author who has worked in and around book publishing for 20 years to let you know that Sophie's book was not a source of income."

The self-published memoir, although professionally produced, unlikely covered the extensive financial needs, leading to questions about unaccounted income sources.

Expert Insights and Unraveling the Truth

Andrea consults experts to understand Sophie's behavior patterns, drawing parallels with Munchausen by Proxy tendencies, where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child to gain attention and sympathy.

The cumulative evidence—from constant crises, financial inconsistencies, to manipulative behavior—paints a distressing picture of a mother potentially abusing her children's vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Conclusion

"Constant Crisis" offers a compelling exploration of Sophie Hartman's complex family dynamics, raising important questions about the blurred lines between genuine parental concern and manipulative behavior. Through meticulous research, expert interviews, and firsthand accounts, Andrea Dunlop unearthed unsettling truths that challenge listeners to reconsider what they believe about those closest to them.

Andrea Dunlop: "Nobody Should Believe Me... unravels these complex and terrifying stories, shedding light on an unspeakable crime."

As the episode concludes, the audience is left contemplating the profound impacts of Munchausen by Proxy and the lengths to which perpetrators may go to maintain their facade of perpetual crisis.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Dunlop [00:04]: "True Story Media before we begin, a quick warning that in this show we discuss child abuse and this content may be difficult for some listeners."

• Sophie Hartman [07:05]: "We had friends out here from Kirkland and I had come out to visit when I moved back from Zambia."

• Michelle [15:07]: "They were working towards a Tops program, which is working towards the National Olympic team for juniors."

• Unnamed Gym Parent [18:38]: "It's at least two hours. Well, it's an. Yeah, it's two hours. And when I heard that, I was like, what?"

• Andrea Dunlop [36:26]: "None of this looks DIY. This could easily have been a $10,000 investment on Sophie's part."

• Chad Goler: "Sometimes that something is... interesting because even in spaces where they want to celebrate blackness, they still have to be the main person."

Final Thoughts

"Constant Crisis" serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities surrounding Munchausen by Proxy abuse. By dissecting Sophie's actions and the subsequent impact on her children, Andrea Dunlop not only tells a harrowing true story but also educates listeners on recognizing and understanding the signs of this insidious form of abuse.