Deadly Narcissism: Inside the Mind of Killers Like Tasha Fields - True Crime Psychology Breakdown
Narcissism can be a dangerous personality trait when taken to extremes. Those who exhibit narcissistic tendencies often place themselves at the center of their universe, pursuing their desires with little regard for others. These individuals typically construct elaborate false narratives about their lives and engage in manipulative behaviors to achieve their goals.
The case of Tasha Fields illustrates the devastating consequences of extreme narcissism. At 31, she presented herself as the perfect partner for single father Dwayne Barrentine, but beneath her caring facade lay a web of deception. Her history included five marriages, abandoned children, and ultimately, the orchestration of her ex-husband's murder during a custody dispute. When confronted with her crimes, she remained unrepentant—a classic narcissistic response to accountability.
Key Takeaways
Narcissists often create elaborate false realities and manipulate others to achieve their personal goals.
Persistent dishonesty and the inability to maintain relationships are common warning signs of dangerous narcissistic behavior.
When their control is threatened, narcissists may resort to extreme measures, including violence, to eliminate perceived obstacles.
Narcissistic Characteristics
Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often prioritize themselves above all others. Their self-centered worldview causes them to pursue personal desires regardless of who stands in their way. This pattern of behavior creates destructive relationships and can lead to serious consequences for those around them.
Deceptive Communication
Narcissists frequently engage in dishonesty as a core behavioral pattern. They create false realities not only to deceive others but also to shield themselves from their own truths. This deception becomes so ingrained that they often believe their own fabrications.
When confronted with evidence contradicting their claims, they quickly generate new stories to maintain their façade. These individuals can produce elaborate fabrications with remarkable speed and conviction, making their tales seem believable despite being completely manufactured.
Strategic Influence
Those with narcissistic traits excel at manipulating others to achieve their objectives. They identify what people want to hear and craft their communication specifically to exploit these desires. This calculated approach helps them form relationships based on utility rather than genuine connection.
Their manipulation techniques include:
Love bombing: Showering targets with excessive affection and attention
Fabricating sympathetic stories: Creating false narratives to gain compassion
Exploiting emotions: Using others' feelings as leverage for control
The manipulation often becomes most dangerous when they convince others to act against their own moral code or best interests. Even intelligent, caring individuals can be influenced to take harmful actions when skillfully manipulated by someone with narcissistic traits.
Tasha Fields: A Case Study
Initial Bond with Dwayne Barrentine
Dwayne Barrentine met Tasha Fields, an attractive 31-year-old woman, while they were both single parents. Dwayne had a son and Tasha had a daughter, creating what appeared to be an ideal situation for a blended family. Their relationship initially seemed promising, with Tasha frequently sending affectionate notes expressing her deep love and commitment. "I will raise our babies and love you forever," she wrote in one of her messages to Dwayne. For a single father, Tasha's apparent devotion was appealing—she would cook, clean, and show special attention to his son, behaviors Dwayne found particularly attractive.
Web of Deception
Dwayne's first indication that something wasn't right came when he discovered mail addressed to Tasha under multiple surnames: Fields, Morton, Kemp, and Hesse. When confronted, a tearful Tasha admitted to having been married five times by age 31, a revelation that shocked Dwayne. This was just the beginning of numerous fabrications. As Dwayne investigated further, he uncovered a pattern of elaborate lies:
False credentials: Claims of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice
Invented family stories: Tales about a grandfather who was a federal judge blinded by a battery explosion
Hidden children: Two additional children from previous relationships whom she had abandoned
Her ability to craft believable stories was remarkable. As Dwayne noted, she could "script a Broadway play at the drop of a hat" with convincing fabrications.
Past Marriages Revealed
Through continued investigation, Dwayne made disturbing discoveries about Tasha's marital history. Beyond the multiple marriages, an ex-boyfriend suggested she might have been involved in the murder of one of her former husbands, Mitch Kemp. Initially skeptical, Dwayne found that Mitch had disappeared during a custody battle with Tasha over their daughter. Messages from Mitch's concerned family members showed they hadn't heard from him in three to four years.
By 2008, Dwayne became convinced Tasha was responsible for murder—a suspicion later confirmed by police investigation. The truth eventually emerged: Tasha had orchestrated Mitch Kemp's murder to end their custody dispute. Her fourth husband, Greg Morton, was manipulated into committing the act after Tasha falsely claimed Mitch had raped her.
Traits of a Remorseless Narcissist
Tasha displayed classic characteristics of pathological narcissism throughout her relationships:
Master manipulation: She skillfully controlled others to achieve her goals
Pathological lying: Created elaborate fabrications to maintain her preferred narrative
Lack of empathy: Showed no remorse for her victims
Self-centered behavior: Pursued her desires regardless of consequences to others
The murder scene revealed her true character. When Mitch fell to his knees after being shot five times, reaching toward Tasha with blood coming from his mouth, she kicked his hand away and spat in his face, telling Greg to "hurry up, finish him." This callous behavior demonstrates the extreme detachment typical of severe narcissistic pathology.
In 2010, Tasha Fields received a life sentence without parole for first-degree murder, while Greg Morton was sentenced to 19 years for second-degree murder. Dwayne, reflecting on his narrow escape, stated, "I think that man's doing 19 years in prison because he loved a master manipulator, and I'm just lucky that I got out."
Murder and Manipulation
Dwayne's Investigation
Dwayne Barrentine initially thought he had found the perfect partner in Tasha Fields. As single parents, they seemed well-matched—his son and her daughter could form a blended family. Tasha appeared devoted, writing passionate love notes and caring for his child. However, red flags emerged when Dwayne discovered mail addressed to Tasha under various surnames: Fields, Morton, Kemp, and Hesse.
When confronted, Tasha tearfully admitted to five marriages by age 31, raising serious questions about her past. Dwayne's suspicions grew as he uncovered more falsehoods. She had fabricated credentials, including a fictional criminal justice degree and a grandfather who was supposedly a federal judge blinded in an accident.
Further investigation revealed Tasha had abandoned two additional children from previous relationships. The most disturbing revelation came from an ex-boyfriend who suggested Tasha might be connected to a murder. Despite her skill at crafting believable stories on the spot, Dwayne couldn't ignore the mounting evidence of deception.
Mitch Kemp's Disappearance
Dwayne's research uncovered a troubling pattern connected to one of Tasha's former husbands, Mitch Kemp. At the time of his disappearance, Kemp had been engaged in a custody battle with Tasha over their young daughter. Messages from Kemp's worried family showed they hadn't heard from him in several years.
The timing raised serious concerns—Mitch vanished precisely when the custody dispute was at its peak. By 2008, Dwayne had gathered enough information to contact authorities with his suspicions about Tasha's involvement in Kemp's disappearance. Police confirmed they'd been conducting preliminary investigation and believed they were dealing with a homicide.
What emerged was a calculated scheme orchestrated by Tasha. She had manipulated her fourth husband, Greg Morton, into killing Kemp by falsely claiming she had been raped. Driven by misguided devotion, Morton became the weapon Tasha needed to permanently end her custody battle.
Discovery of a Homicide
Police investigation confirmed Tasha Fields had orchestrated her ex-husband's murder. The details revealed a cold-blooded plot: Tasha lured Mitch Kemp to their farm where Greg Morton was waiting. When Kemp exited his vehicle with hands raised, Morton shot him five times in the chest.
The crime scene painted a chilling picture of Tasha's cruelty. As Mitch fell to his knees with blood bubbling from his mouth, he reached toward Tasha. Her response was to kick his hand away, spit in his face, and demand Morton "hurry up and finish him."
In 2010, justice finally came for Mitch Kemp:
Individual Charge Sentence Tasha Fields First-degree murder Life without parole Greg Morton Second-degree murder 19 years
Morton accepted a plea deal, testifying against Tasha in exchange for reduced charges. Dwayne Barrentine, reflecting on his narrow escape, remarked that Morton's imprisonment stemmed from loving "a master manipulator." The case illustrated classic warning signs of narcissistic behavior—pathological lying, manipulation, and complete disregard for others when pursuing personal desires.
Tasha's Downfall
Murder Plot Uncovered
Tasha Fields orchestrated an elaborate scheme to eliminate her ex-husband Mitch Kemp during their custody battle for their young daughter. Her manipulative nature became evident through numerous fabricated stories she told to those around her. When Dwayne Barrentine, one of her later partners, discovered concerning inconsistencies in her background, he began investigating her past. Through his diligent research, he uncovered that Mitch Kemp had mysteriously disappeared years earlier.
Dwayne's suspicions grew stronger as he connected with Mitch's family, who hadn't heard from him in 3-4 years. By 2008, after sharing his findings with authorities, police confirmed Dwayne's suspicions, informing him they believed they were dealing with a homicide case. The investigation revealed how Tasha had manipulated her fourth husband, Greg Morton, into committing the murder by falsely claiming Mitch had assaulted her.
Greg Morton's Involvement
Greg Morton became entangled in Tasha's web of deceit through his deep devotion to her. Tasha exploited his loyalty by fabricating a story that Mitch had raped her, triggering Greg's protective instincts. This manipulation transformed Greg from a loving husband into an accomplice in murder.
The murder occurred when Tasha lured Mitch to their farm where Greg was waiting. According to later testimony:
When Mitch arrived and exited his vehicle, he raised his hands
Greg shot him five times in the chest
As Mitch fell to his knees reaching toward Tasha with blood coming from his mouth
Tasha kicked his hand away, spat in his face, and instructed Greg to "hurry up, finish him"
Their plan might have succeeded if not for Dwayne's persistence in uncovering the truth. When authorities finally closed in, Tasha led them to Mitch's body but attempted to shift blame to her ex-husband, maintaining her manipulative behavior until the end.
Tasha's Trial and Sentencing
The trial revealed the full extent of Tasha's manipulation and calculated behavior. Greg Morton made a plea deal to testify against her, providing crucial details about the murder plot and execution. His testimony painted a chilling picture of Tasha's callousness during the killing.
Key Evidence Against Tasha:
Testimony from former partners about her deceptive nature
Greg Morton's detailed account of the murder
Pattern of abandonment of her other children
History of using false identities (multiple married names)
In 2010, the jury reached their verdict. Tasha Fields was convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating the killing of Mitch Kemp. The court sentenced her to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Greg Morton received a 19-year sentence for second-degree murder, a lesser charge recognizing his role as being influenced by Tasha's manipulation.
Warning Signs of Narcissistic Behavior
Signs of Deep Insecurity and Jealousy
Narcissists often project confidence, but beneath the surface lies profound insecurity. This insecurity manifests as intense jealousy and an inability to celebrate others' achievements or happiness.
They constantly seek validation and attention, placing themselves above everyone else. As one professional noted, "For some people, nothing and no one comes before that person in the mirror."
When feeling threatened, narcissists may display:
Excessive competitiveness
Constant need for praise and admiration
Quick jealousy when attention shifts to others
Inability to handle criticism
Tendency to devalue others' accomplishments
These behaviors stem from a fragile self-image that requires constant reinforcement. When their perceived superiority is challenged, narcissists often respond with anger or manipulation tactics.
Patterns of Dishonesty and Deep Resentment
Deception is a hallmark of narcissism. They fabricate elaborate stories about their achievements, background, and experiences to enhance their image. These aren't simple exaggerations but often complete fabrications designed to impress or manipulate.
Some common signs include:
Dishonest Behavior What It Looks Like Pathological lying Creating false credentials, fake histories, multiple identities Blame shifting Never accepting responsibility, always finding scapegoats Reality distortion Rewriting history to suit their narrative Manipulative tactics Using others' emotions to achieve personal goals
Narcissists harbor deep resentment toward anyone who challenges their distorted self-image. This resentment can escalate dangerously when they feel exposed or undermined.
They excel at quick thinking and crafting convincing narratives. As relationships progress, these deceptions typically multiply rather than diminish. When confronted with evidence of their dishonesty, narcissists often double down rather than admit wrongdoing.
The Danny Pelosi Story
Meeting with Generosa Ammon
Danny Pelosi's life took a dramatic turn in 2000 when he met Generosa Ammon, a wealthy New York socialite. At the time, Generosa was embroiled in a bitter divorce from her millionaire husband, Ted Ammon. Pelosi, working as an electrician on the renovation of Generosa's Manhattan townhouse, was offered a position with an annual salary of $300,000. For Pelosi, this opportunity felt like "winning the Powerball lottery," and he eagerly shared the news with everyone he knew.
Their professional relationship quickly evolved into a personal one. According to Pelosi, Generosa initiated their romantic involvement with a direct approach, telling him, "If you don't kiss me, you're going to lose your job." This interaction marked the beginning of their relationship, which would later become central to a high-profile murder case.
Complicated Character
Pelosi describes Generosa as having "two sides," portraying her as a beautiful woman whose personality changed dramatically after her husband's death. He warns that if someone crossed her, they would "see the face of evil you never wanted to see again in your life." This description reveals the complex and potentially volatile nature of their relationship.
In interviews, Pelosi demonstrates characteristics typical of someone who needs control. He frequently interrupts conversations to direct them according to his preferences, insisting on finishing his thoughts without interruption. Even when speaking from prison, he maintains this domineering communication style.
His insistence on controlling the narrative extends to his claims about Ted Ammon's murder. While maintaining his innocence, he mysteriously claims to "know everything" about the killing, suggesting that others were responsible while he merely protected his lover.
Murder Accusations
The prosecution presented a different narrative about Ted Ammon's death on October 20, 2001. They contended that Pelosi attacked Ammon with a stun gun before beating him to death. This version of events led to Pelosi's conviction and imprisonment at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in New York, where he was interviewed in 2013.
Pelosi vehemently denies these allegations. He insists that three other men killed Ted Ammon and claims the murder was recorded on home security cameras. In his account, he watched the murder "in real time" on his laptop, though he later clarifies it was "two hours later." He provides specific details about the weapons used, claiming "Ted Ammon had his skull broken with a .38 caliber revolver" rather than a stun gun.
Living in a Self-Created Reality
Pelosi's version of events reflects what appears to be an alternative reality common among narcissistic personalities. He constructs elaborate narratives about the murder, offering detailed information that contradicts established evidence while maintaining absolute certainty in his claims.
His statements about watching the murder on a computer and his precise descriptions of weapons demonstrate his commitment to this alternative narrative. Despite the prosecution's evidence leading to his conviction, Pelosi remains steadfast in his account, exemplifying the narcissistic tendency to create and believe in a self-serving reality.
When confronted with inconsistencies in his story, Pelosi quickly adjusts his claims without acknowledging contradictions. This pattern of behavior suggests someone who prioritizes maintaining his preferred narrative over factual accuracy, making it challenging to distinguish truth from fiction in his accounts.
