Summary of "The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby" | Episode 6: A Problem Like Kaitlyn
The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby is a gripping six-part true crime series produced by CBC and BBC World Service, exploring the intricate web of deception spun by Kaitlyn Braun, a young woman who manipulated dozens of birth workers, including doulas, under the guise of a pregnant woman in crisis. Episode 6, titled "A Problem Like Kaitlyn," delves deep into the psychological, legal, and emotional ramifications of Kaitlyn's actions, unraveling the complexities of factitious disorders and the challenges faced by both victims and the justice system.
Introduction to Kaitlyn's Deception
The episode opens with startling accounts of Kaitlyn's manipulative behavior. A doula based in Lincolnshire, England, Verena Henchy, recounts her harrowing experience:
Verena Henchy [02:06]: "I got an early evening call... She continues to contact me by text many, many times over the next few hours. And then eventually she gets in touch with me verbally on the phone and starts to talk me through her labor and begs me to stay with her."
Kaitlyn Braun presented herself as a first-time mother in distress, reaching out to several doulas for support. Verena spent nine exhausting days assisting Kaitlyn, only for the situation to unravel when suspicious messages revealed Kaitlyn’s deception.
Verena Henchy [03:23]: "I quickly knew it was fake."
Unraveling the Con
As the story unfolds, it's revealed that Kaitlyn targeted multiple doulas, creating a network of trust and emotional investment. The podcast introduces Dr. Catherine Nunes, a clinical psychologist, who provides insight into the societal challenges of believing and supporting victims:
Dr. Catherine Nunes [04:40]: "You don't question a grieving mother or someone who's claimed that they've been raped, especially in the context of a society that historically has a narrative of not believing women."
This context sets the stage for understanding the profound impact Kaitlyn's actions had on her victims, both emotionally and professionally.
Psychological Insights: Factitious Disorder
Dr. Mark Feldman, a clinical professor of psychiatry, sheds light on the nature of factitious disorders—conditions where individuals feign or induce illness for emotional gratification:
Dr. Mark Feldman [05:40]: "Factitious disorder... refers to people who feign, exaggerate or actually induce illness in themselves or others because they find it emotionally gratifying."
Despite her previous diagnoses, the court dismissed factitious disorder in Kaitlyn's case, attributing her behavior to borderline personality disorder instead. Dr. Feldman emphasizes the rarity and underdiagnosis of such disorders, highlighting the complexities in identifying and treating individuals like Kaitlyn.
Dr. Mark Feldman [17:23]: "Disorder is... much more common than we think because most of the examples go unidentified."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Kaitlyn's legal journey is fraught with controversy and debate. After pleading guilty to multiple offenses, the court grappled with determining an appropriate sentence. The prosecution and defense proposed a joint sentencing agreement, recommending house arrest and probation alongside therapy.
However, Judge Robert G expressed reservations:
Judge G [16:58]: "She's fundamentally dishonest and her whole history is filled with deception and manipulation."
The judge questioned the availability and effectiveness of the proposed therapy:
Judge G [24:25]: "The judge needs to know that if he puts her on house arrest in... her mom's home, it's not suitable supervision."
Ultimately, the judge deferred the decision, mandating the lawyers to present a more comprehensive plan that balances Kaitlyn's mental health needs with community protection.
Victim Impact and Emotional Toll
Victims like Shauna and Verena voiced their profound distress through victim impact statements. These testimonies highlighted the deep-seated fear and trauma inflicted by Kaitlyn's actions:
Dr. Catherine Nunes [10:34]: "I’ve spent the last year in fear for not only myself, but for every doula in the area and across the world... The trauma that Kaitlyn Braun caused me and my family is... cannot be understated."
These statements underscored the desperation of the victims for justice and protection from potential future deceptions.
Aftermath: House Arrest and Re-Incarceration
Despite initial sentencing, Kaitlyn violated the terms of her house arrest by engaging in further deceptive activities. In April 2024, she contacted another doula and a family helpline worker under a pseudonym, leading to her re-arrest:
Jeff Turner [26:03]: "Caitlin contacted another doula and a family helpline worker... committing these crimes while on house arrest."
Her subsequent guilty plea to additional offenses led to an extended potential incarceration period, reinforcing the system's struggle to adequately address and contain her manipulative tendencies.
Conclusion: Ongoing Struggle and Unresolved Issues
As of the episode's recording, Kaitlyn's sentencing remains under review, leaving unresolved questions about the effectiveness of the legal and therapeutic responses to her actions. The case exemplifies the challenges in dealing with individuals suffering from complex psychological disorders within the criminal justice system.
Production Credits
Caitlyn's Baby is meticulously produced by a dedicated team:
- Written and Researched by: Sarah Treleaven
- Produced, Written, and Edited by: Kathleen Goldhar
- Senior Producer: Veronica Simmons
- Extra Production Support: Andrew Friesen and Alexis Green
- Sound Design and Scoring: Mitchell Stewart
- Digital Coordinating Producer: Emily Kannell
- Fact Checker: Emily Mathieu
- Podcast Art: Natalie Weinberg
- Cross Promo Producer: Amanda Cox
- Video Producers: Evan Agard, Tamina Aziz, and John Lee
- Executive Producers: Cecil Fernandez and Chris Oak
- Senior Manager: Tanya Springer
- Director: Arif Nurani
- Executive Director of CBC Podcasts for BBC World Service: Leslie Murphy Merklinger
- Senior Producer: Kat Collins
- Podcast Commissioning Editor: John Mennell
A special thanks goes to Evan Kelly, Jason Paris, Damon Fairless, Kelvi Goldhar Killick, and Phelan Johnson for their contributions.
The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby continues to explore the dark intricacies of deceit and the profound impacts on those deceived, offering listeners a compelling look into a case that blurs the lines between mental health and criminal manipulation.