A Frankfort, Illinois, mother accused of killing her 2-year-old son has been ordered to remain in custody after prosecutors argued that she could pose a continuing danger to her family.
Corie Walsh, 40, appeared Tuesday, September 8, in Will County Court in Joliet, where she faces three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the death of her son, Barrett.
Walsh’s attorneys argued that she was experiencing a severe psychotic episode when the boy died and asked the court to allow her to receive treatment in a secure psychiatric facility instead of remaining in jail.
The judge rejected that request and ordered Walsh detained while the criminal case moves forward.
What happened at the Frankfort home
Police were called to the family’s Brook Stone Court home shortly after 4 p.m. on September 1 after a 17-year-old neighbor contacted 911 for help.
The teenager found Barrett unresponsive in the basement and began performing CPR before officers arrived. The child was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Court records allege that Barrett had been suspended from a rafter by a device and that his death was caused by asphyxia.
Another child, an infant, was also inside the home at the time and was not injured. Two additional children returned from school around the time officers arrived.
Walsh was found upstairs in a bathtub with injuries to her wrists and thighs. Prosecutors said she appeared to be attempting to harm herself and that the teenage neighbor took a knife away from her before police arrived.
Her husband was out of state when the incident occurred.
Defense says Walsh was experiencing psychosis
During Tuesday’s hearing, Walsh’s defense team argued that her mental state was central to understanding what happened.
Her attorneys said she was experiencing hallucinations and displaying signs of severe psychosis around the time of the incident. They said she was intermittently conscious when first responders arrived and was saying things that did not make sense.
The defense also said Walsh had received treatment at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox for several days and could continue receiving care in a locked psychiatric unit.
Attorney Andrea Lyon, who is representing Walsh and previously represented Casey Anthony, described the case as a tragedy after the hearing.
“There are no winners,” Lyon said.
The defense has maintained that Walsh’s alleged actions occurred during a psychotic episode and that her mental condition should be considered as the case proceeds.
Prosecutors point to alleged threats against family
Prosecutors argued that Walsh should not be released because of what they described as a continuing risk to her husband and surviving children.
According to allegations presented in court, Walsh told investigators that she killed Barrett because she believed he was the “devil” and the “anti-Christ.” Prosecutors also said she provided investigators with details about the alleged killing.
They further alleged that Walsh had talked about poisoning her husband and had bottles set aside for that purpose.
Prosecutors acknowledged that they did not yet have access to all of Walsh’s medical information. Their argument, however, was that a person who experienced a period of psychosis severe enough to allegedly kill a child could remain a danger if released before receiving appropriate treatment.
The judge ultimately agreed to keep Walsh detained.
Prosecutors examine Walsh’s interest in Lindsay Clancy case
Another part of the investigation involves Walsh’s communications about the case of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children.
Prosecutors said Walsh had been closely following Clancy’s case and was discussing it with friends in a group chat only hours before Barrett’s death.
Clancy’s defense had argued that she suffered from postpartum psychosis. Her case recently ended in a mistrial after jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict.
Walsh’s defense has argued that the similarities should not be interpreted as evidence that she deliberately copied Clancy.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have indicated that Walsh’s messages could become significant evidence as investigators examine her state of mind and the events leading up to Barrett’s death.
There is currently no indication that investigators have established a direct connection between the two cases beyond Walsh’s reported interest in the Clancy proceedings.
Family mourns Barrett as case moves forward
Walsh’s husband and mother were not present for Tuesday’s hearing because they were attending Barrett’s funeral. Her uncle and a friend attended the proceeding in support of her.
The court also directed that Walsh receive medication as soon as possible after her attorneys raised concerns about delays in psychiatric treatment following her son’s death.
Walsh remains in custody as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue preparing for the case. Her next court appearance is expected on September 24.
The murder charges are allegations, and Walsh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
