Illinois mother charged with killing 2-year-old son also alleged to have plotted husband’s murder
Prosecutors say Cori Walsh, accused of hanging her 2-year-old son, discussed poisoning her husband and exhibited signs of severe mental illness, prompting her defense to request continued medical care.
A 40-year-old mother from Frankfort, Illinois, appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of killing her 2-year-old son, Barrett, by hanging. During the bail hearing, prosecutors disclosed that Walsh allegedly talked about poisoning her husband with a drink and possessed multiple prescription bottles. Evidence presented indicated she also attempted suicide and claimed to believe she had killed her other three children.
Walsh’s attorney, Robert Kerr, told the judge that his client is "severely mentally ill" and suffers from a "grief psychotic disorder" diagnosed after the incident. He asked that she remain in medical care, citing doctors’ recommendation for immediate treatment to prevent self-harm.
The case attracted media attention after prosecutors said Walsh had been discussing the high-profile Lindsay Clancy trial with friends shortly before the alleged killing. Walsh’s lawyers denied any copycat motive, describing references to the Clancy case as "sickening" and unrelated to the present charges.
Walsh’s husband has not appeared in court but, according to her attorney, continues to support her and is cooperating with investigators.