Criminologist weighs in on motive of babysitter accused of kidnapping toddler

HAMILTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The babysitter charged with kidnapping a toddler was held without bail Monday, but many questions about her mental health remain.

<< RAW VIDEO: Abigail Hanna appears in court >>

Abigail Hanna of Topsfield is accused of breaking into a home in Hamilton early Friday morning and kidnapping two year old Lyndon Albers while her parents were sleeping. Hours later, Lyndon was found on the side of a road in Rowley. She was released from the hospital Sunday and is safe with her parents.

<< READ MORE: Local couple finds missing toddler naked in leaves with shaved head >>
<< READ MORE: Missing Hamilton 2-year-old found alive >>
<< READ MORE: Kidnapped Hamilton toddler released from hospital >>

The images Hanna posted of herself online are a sharp contrast to the person Hannah protrayed herself as in court Monday. On social media, she posts photos and video portraying a well adjusted, happy and vibrant young woman. She also reportedly posted on another website about arts and crafts projects and positive things to say to kids. But inside court, she could barely stand on her own.

Criminologist and Northeastern Professor Jack Levin says the information we learned in court, that Hanna has been dealing with hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, may be legitimate.

"This is a crime that is totally nonsensical. It does not seem to me to be the work of someone who has a character disorder, a personality disorder who is a sociopath, lacks a conscious. This is a person who profoundly suffers from a terrible mental illness and she has for a long time," he said.

After studying the case, Levin thinks Hanna wasn't trying to hurt the toddler, but change her appearance out of some sort of unexplained resentment.

"She didn't just want to inflict pain on this toddler. She wanted to instead to disfigure the toddler to make this beautiful little girl into something ugly. So she shaved her head and burned her with a cigarette, not necessarily to inflict pain, but to make her something that was not attractive to other people," he said.

The Hanna family put out a statement in advance of court Monday saying, "We are so thankful that Lyndon is improving and wish her and her family complete healing in every way. We also will continue to care for Abi, whom we love very much."

Cox Media Group