Mental Health Defenses in Murder Trials: A Focus on Postpartum Illness

The use of the insanity defense by Andrea Faust, a mother from North Carolina accused of killing her son, has raised questions about its prevalence in criminal cases. Faust, 41, faces charges of murder and attempted murder following the death of her 3-year-old son and the attempted murder of her 2-year-old son. Her legal team has announced plans to rely on defenses of insanity and diminished capacity, according to reports from WRAL.

This case is reminiscent of Lindsay Clancy’s trial in Massachusetts, which has highlighted postpartum mental-health issues. Clancy pleaded not guilty by reason of diminished criminal responsibility in the deaths of her three children, claiming postpartum psychosis. Her defense states she did not understand her actions, whereas prosecutors assert she acted with intent.

Deliberations in Clancy’s trial have been ongoing, with jurors unable to reach a verdict after two days. They are scheduled to reconvene on Monday. In Faust’s case, attorneys argue an expert found she could not distinguish right from wrong during the alleged acts.

Attorney Nicole Galinsky remarked on the similarities between Faust and Clancy’s cases, noting that both women were considered caring, responsible mothers facing intense mental-health challenges. Faust did not suffer from postpartum psychosis but struggled with hallucinations, hospitalizations, and mental health issues.

“Neither woman acted suddenly,” says Galinsky, highlighting society’s failure in addressing mental health for mothers. Both women sought medical help but felt their concerns were inadequately addressed.

Galinsky hopes Faust’s case will showcase effective treatment and rehabilitation for women facing severe mental-health crises. Clancy did not have this opportunity.

Judge Jack Lu, a retired Massachusetts Superior Judge, believes postpartum mental illness is inadequately understood in terms of behavior and criminal responsibility. He cautioned that such defenses often fail in trials.

Clancy’s family reportedly expressed significant concern about her mental health months before the tragic incident.

Faust’s trial progression was hindered in March due to severe mental-health concerns documented in court records. Central Regional Hospital later declared her fit to proceed by May 21, with an additional evaluation pending to assess her mental state at the time of the alleged crimes.

Lu emphasizes the importance of considering mental-health defenses as they can clarify behavior and lessen moral accountability. Yet, cases involving children face particularly tough challenges with juries.

“These cases deserve attention,” Lu states, “but societal and juror skepticism remains.”