New Lenox, Ill. — A local mother, Corie Walsh, 38, is accused of strangling her 2‑year‑old son Barrett on Sept. 1, saying she believed the child was the “devil” and “Antichrist.” The toddler was discovered hanging from a basement rafter, and despite a neighbor’s attempt at CPR, he was pronounced dead at New Lenox Hospital.
Police reports indicate Barrett died of asphyxia due to ligature compression of the neck. Walsh was treated for self‑inflicted wounds to her wrists and thighs at a nearby hospital. Prosecutors allege she also plotted to poison her husband, a claim her defense team disputes.
Family stands by Walsh
Walsh’s husband and mother were not present at her detention hearing on Sept. 8 because the hearing coincided with Barrett’s funeral. Defense attorney Andrea Lyon, who previously served on Casey Anthony’s defense team, said Walsh was experiencing a psychotic episode and emphasized the family’s “unwavering love and support.” Lyon added that any suggestion of a connection between Walsh’s actions and her interest in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial is “baseless and cruel.”
According to court documents, Walsh had been actively discussing the Clancy case via group text up until 12:30 p.m. on the day the toddler was found, roughly three and a half hours before the discovery. Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy noted that psychiatric defenses are rarely successful in child‑victim cases, citing the heightened public attention such crimes attract.
Legal context
Prosecutors are pursuing charges of first‑degree murder and attempted poisoning. The defense maintains that Walsh’s mental state at the time of the incident should be a central consideration, though they reject any implication that the Clancy trial inspired the alleged crime.
Fox News Digital reached out to Walsh’s attorney and her husband for comment; no response was received.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
