A 27 year-old mother killed her three children, aged 3, 1, and seven months. When she was prosecuted for capital murder, Ms. Henry introduced various psychiatric defenses. Maricopa County prosecutors retained The Forensic Panel to explore the potential mitigating influence of different evidence. In all, our specialists from substance dependence (and methamphetamine in particular), psychiatric diagnosis, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, victimology and domestic violence, and forensic psychiatry reviewed evidence.
Conclusions of The Forensic Panel contributed to resolution of the case. The Forensic Panel found numerous areas in which the defense expert witnesses had embellished testimony, and guided prosecutors on appropriate diligence to inform mental health questions and what caused Ms. Henry to kill her children, including the influence of drugs.
The case highlighted the high risk of the overwhelmed, under-resourced mother in spousal conflict and with impaired impulse control or moral restraint. Filicide happens as a result of several alternative triggers, but the above scenario is a more objective accounting of what is otherwise described as “altruistic” motivation by the homicidal parent. Ultimately, despite advancing numerous mental health arguments, Ms. Henry agreed to a plea that carries a life sentence.
