High School Principal George Kenney Hypnotized His Students, Then 3 of Them Died. Inside the Mysterious Case

In a deeply troubling case that has resurfaced through a recent docuseries, the actions of former high school principal Dr. George Kenney have come under intense scrutiny. Known for his unorthodox methods, Kenney allegedly used hypnosis on over 70 individuals during his tenure at North Port High School in Florida, wielding his influence over students without holding a valid therapeutic licence.

Kenney’s interest in hypnosis reportedly began in his teenage years, later culminating in a five-day training course in late 2009. Despite this, he never acquired proper licensure in hypnotherapy. Combining his newfound inclination with his role as principal, he reportedly conducted sessions designed to alleviate various issues, including test anxiety and performance anxiety in athletics. His early efforts drew commendations from some pupils who claimed that his techniques significantly aided their academic and athletic performance.

However, the tragic deaths of three students in 2011—Marcus Freeman, Wesley McKinley, and Brittany Palumbo—raised urgent questions about the potential risks associated with Kenney’s practices. All three teens had previously attended hypnosis sessions led by Kenney, prompting their families to demand answers regarding whether these sessions had played a role in their untimely deaths.

While Kenney maintained that his sessions were harmless, the parents alleged that students were led into trance-like states that misled them about the implications of their actions. A subsequent investigation found that Kenney had indeed practiced therapeutic hypnosis without a licence and in 2012, he pled no contest to misdemeanor charges. This resulted in probation and his resignation from the school, but a direct causal link between his techniques and the fatalities was never formally established.

In the docuseries, titled “True Crime Story: Look Into My Eyes,” it is revealed that Kenney initially hypnotised students in group settings before transitioning to one-on-one sessions. Some of his early recruits reported significant improvements in their academic performance. However, Kenney’s alleged lack of awareness regarding the adverse effects of hypnosis, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health issues, remains a concerning aspect of his case.

Accounts from students who participated in Kenney’s sessions depict experiences that left them feeling confused, disoriented, and, in some cases, frightened. One student recounted waking up in an embarrassing state after being hypnotised, unable to recall the events that transpired during the session. Others reported ongoing struggles with memory and focus, reinforcing fears that Kenney may have inadvertently crossed ethical boundaries in his sessions.

The first of the three tragic deaths, Marcus Freeman, was especially haunting. The young football player had been hypnotised multiple times to help manage pain and enhance his game performance. Shortly after a session, Freeman died in a car crash—his girlfriend stated that he exhibited unusual behaviour immediately before the incident.

Wesley McKinley, another student, died by suicide shortly after a hypnosis session with Kenney. His mother described alarming behaviour before his death, noting that McKinley appeared disoriented and confused, raising questions about the impact of his sessions on his mental state. Brittany Palumbo similarly sought Kenney’s help to improve her exam results. Sadly, after attending a session, she was found dead in her home. Her mother later suggested that hypnosis may have deprived her daughter of the will to fight against her distress.

Despite the controversies surrounding his practices, some students supported Kenney, asserting that he had positively affected their lives. Following Palumbo’s death, the school board initiated an investigation into Kenney’s activities, leading to claims that he had obstructed medical aid in some incidents—again raising questions about his professional conduct.

In 2012, following increasing scrutiny, Kenney ultimately resigned and accepted a plea deal that prevented a felony charge, which would have jeopardised his retirement benefits. The Florida Department of Health found sufficient grounds to allege that he violated regulations by practicing without a licence.

In a collective move, the parents of the deceased students filed a lawsuit against the Sarasota County school board, claiming negligence in permitting Kenney to perform hypnosis. This case concluded with a settlement amounting to $600,000. Although the families sought accountability for the link they believed existed between Kenney’s actions and their children’s tragedies, conclusions about this connection are still debated.

As this unsettling case continues to resonate, it serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities educators hold and the potential repercussions of crossing ethical boundaries in student welfare. With profound implications for mental health practices in educational settings, the story of Dr. George Kenney underscores the need for stringent standards and oversight in the realm of student support services.