Dena Schlosser, born Dena Leitner in 1969, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of eight, necessitating multiple surgeries during her early years. She pursued higher education at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. It was there she met her future husband, John Schlosser. The couple eventually relocated to Texas, where John worked as a software engineer, and Dena became a stay-at-home mother to their three daughters. The family attended the Water of Life Church, led by Pastor Doyle Davidson, whose teachings significantly influenced their beliefs and lifestyle.

On November 22, 2004, Dena Schlosser amputated the arms of her 10-month-old daughter, Margaret, resulting in the child's death. Prior to this tragic event, Dena had a history of mental health issues, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder with psychotic features. She had previously attempted suicide the day after Margaret's birth and had been under investigation by Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) following a psychotic episode earlier that year. Despite interventions, Dena's mental health continued to deteriorate. On the day of the incident, concerned daycare workers contacted authorities after a troubling conversation with Dena. Police arrived to find her calmly sitting, covered in blood, holding a knife, and singing hymns. She reportedly told the officers that she had severed her daughter's arms as an act of religious devotion, believing she was offering her child to God.

In April 2006, Dena was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to the North Texas State Hospital. During her time there, she became roommates with Andrea Yates, another Texas mother who had killed her children during a psychotic episode. Dena's mental health status has been periodically reviewed, and as of December 2020, she was ordered to remain committed to a state hospital. ​