NSW court finds mother not criminally responsible for killing two sons
A NSW mother has been found not criminally responsible for killing her two sons due to severe mental health impairment.
A NSW Supreme Court judge ruled that a 44-year-old mother is not criminally responsible for stabbing her two sons to death in September 2024. Justice Richard Cavanagh found she had suffered severe mental health impairment that meant she could not be held criminally liable.
The boys, aged nine and 11, were killed in their home. In the month before the deaths, the woman searched online many times.
She looked for information about killing herself and her children. This came after learning her ex-husband's new partner was pregnant.
She also faced stress from an adverse Industrial Relations Commission ruling. Psychiatric experts agreed she could not be held criminally liable.
She remains in custody.
- 9 and 11 years old
- Sons' ages
- September 2024
- Killing date
Why it mattersThe case examines how severe mental health impairment affects criminal responsibility in family tragedy cases.
AustraliaThe case highlights the need for better mental health support and early intervention in Australia, especially around perinatal and post-separation mental illness.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
