In this dissertation, studies on filicide & on homicide-suicide have been reviewed & evaluated, including a reanalysis of cases that contained data that were not reflected in the findings of the studies of which they were a part. Some of the findings from this study are that the majority of mothers who die by suicide after killing one or more of their children were high functioning. In terms of ideation, it often included the mother’s belief she needed to rescue her children from the same kind of life she was living. A special protocol which can be used for evaluating depressed, potentially suicidal mothers of young children is included. Recommendations are made for further research.