Illinois mother denies murdering toddler; husband remains supportive amid poison allegation

Corie Walsh, 40, has pleaded not guilty to murder over the death of her two-year-old son, Barrett, in their Frankfort, Illinois home on 1 September. Her lawyers say she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis and intend to argue she was not guilty by reason of insanity. They also say her husband, Michael, remains supportive, despite prosecutors alleging she planned to kill him with a poisoned drink.

At a pre-trial hearing attended by rows of Walsh’s supporters, her lawyer said Michael could not attend because of work. Prosecutors say Walsh hanged Barrett in the basement and then tried to take her own life; police say two of her other children found the scene and sought help from a neighbour. The case has drawn attention to Walsh’s reported interest in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who killed her three children in 2023 and also cited postpartum psychosis. Walsh’s next hearing is set for 23 November, and her lawyers say she continues to experience severe symptoms.