New court records are providing a clearer picture of what investigators say happened inside a Frankfort home this week, where a 2-year-old boy was found unresponsive and his mother was later discovered with self-inflicted injuries.
Corie A. Walsh is facing three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of her son, Barrett Walsh, who was also known as “Bear.” Police responded to the family’s home in the 22700 block of Brook Stone Court shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday following a report of an injured child.
According to prosecutors, a neighbor found Barrett in the basement and began performing CPR before police arrived. The toddler was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy was conducted Wednesday. Prosecutors said preliminary findings indicated that Barrett died from asphyxia caused by ligature compression of the neck. The final cause and manner of death remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
Neighbor Found Toddler and Called 911
Court documents describe a chaotic scene inside the home.
The neighbor told investigators she found Barrett suspended in the basement and immediately removed what was around his neck before lowering him and attempting CPR.
The neighbor reported that the child was cold and had no pulse when she began trying to revive him.
Three other children were also at the home around the time of the incident. Authorities said they were not physically harmed.
Walsh’s husband was out of state when the incident occurred and returned after learning what had happened, according to information included in the case.
Walsh Was Found Injured Upstairs
While officers were investigating the child’s condition, they were directed to an upstairs bathroom where Walsh was found in the bathtub with injuries, according to prosecutors.
Investigators said she had cuts to her wrists and thighs and had apparently attempted to harm herself.
The neighbor who had responded to the home told police she took a knife away from Walsh. Walsh then indicated that Barrett was downstairs and said she had been trying to kill herself, according to the court records.
Walsh was transported to a hospital for treatment. Police have described her injuries as non-life-threatening, and she remains in custody.
Prosecutors Say Walsh Described Her Son as the ‘Devil’
Investigators say Walsh later made statements about why she killed Barrett.
According to prosecutors, she told officers that she had “done this” to her son because she believed he was the “devil” and the “anti-Christ.”
She also later spoke with investigators while receiving medical treatment, prosecutors said. Authorities indicated that statements attributed to Walsh were consistent with evidence found during the investigation.
The allegations are part of the prosecution’s case, and Walsh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Court Records Connect Case to Lindsay Clancy Trial
Prosecutors also pointed to Walsh’s recent interest in the high-profile Lindsay Clancy case in Massachusetts.
Witnesses told investigators that Walsh had been closely following the case and discussing it with friends through a group text message. Prosecutors said those conversations continued until only hours before the Frankfort incident.
Clancy was accused of killing her three children before attempting to take her own life. Her trial ended in a mistrial Friday, according to recent reporting.
Investigators are examining Walsh’s phone as part of the Frankfort case.
Authorities have not said that following the Clancy case establishes a motive by itself. The connection is included in court filings as part of the information prosecutors say investigators uncovered about Walsh’s activities before the killing.
Three Murder Charges Filed
Walsh faces three first-degree murder charges despite there being one child victim. Prosecutors are seeking to keep her detained before trial, arguing that she poses a danger to her husband and the three surviving children.
Frankfort police said Walsh will remain in custody for medical treatment. Once she is released from treatment, authorities said she will be transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility to await a detention hearing.
Her next court appearance has been reported for September 8.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have said additional details may be released as the case moves through the court system.
Frankfort police Chief Leanne Chelepis called the incident a heartbreaking tragedy and asked residents to respect the privacy of the family and others affected.
The case has shocked the Frankfort community, but local officials have urged residents to avoid drawing conclusions beyond the facts established through the investigation and court proceedings.
