It’s funny how much you learn about the law from watching any of the Law and Order shows. There, I’ve learned that if you were aware enough to hide your crime, your “insanity plea” will not be accepted, because a crazy person wouldn’t care about their actions or about getting caught.
Andrea Yates pleaded insanity during her 2002 trial, stating she suffered from schizophrenia and postpartum depression. A jury rejected her defense and sentenced her to life in prison for the drowning of three of her five children. Her convictions were overturned last year and she is now awaiting trial for the murder of her children.
While incarcerated, Andrea Yates allegedly told a fellow inmate, Felicia Doe, not to eat, not to speak properly and not to be friendly or open in front of people if she wanted to “beat her case”. What’s worse is that she offered up details of the methodical murders:
“She hit his head against the bathtub several times in an effort to incapacitate him,” Doe told prosecutors.
We have discussed this case in this forum before. True, post-partum depression can be debilitating and a very serious problem. Never mind the fact that her husband, Russell Yates should share some responsibility over the murder of his children. But, is Andrea Yates sick? You betcha. Crazy? Hell no.
