close to home

While watching the news last night, I am told about a 12yr old boy who has come up missing. The creepy thing is that he goes to the same school and even the same class as my nephew. Turns out, the child was walking home from school after a band practice, at 3:30 in the afternoon on a beautiful day - and has not been seen or heard from again.
Now, there are circumstances to consider, it could have been the estranged parent, or the child was simply upset and decided not to go home after school, but...what if it wasn't either of those? The one thing that really bothers me is: what is it that motivates people to prey on children? I mean, there is Susan Smith, the notorious drowner of her children, Darlie Routier, who knifed her children and then the nanny, (whose name escapes me) who shook a baby to death...
I'm often asked why I have no children, well, this is my answer...too afraid.
I hope all your children are safe, healthy and home!!! God Bless All the Children!!!!