Home / Crime and Justice / COVID-19 Psychosis Defense: Mother Acquitted in Child's Death
COVID-19 Psychosis Defense: Mother Acquitted in Child's Death
24 Jun
Summary
- Mother found not guilty by reason of insanity in toddler's death.
- Defense argued COVID-19 caused a psychotic break leading to the act.
- Judge rejected prosecution's infidelity motive theory.
In a landmark ruling, a Miami-Dade judge declared Precious Bland not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of her 15-month-old daughter. The decision came during a bench trial, where defense attorneys successfully argued that Bland suffered a severe psychotic episode induced by COVID-19.
Judge Miguel De La O rejected the prosecution's claim that Bland killed her child due to perceived infidelity. The judge found the defense's argument, centered on voices and COVID psychosis, more plausible than the state's theory of anger over infidelity.
This case is reportedly the first in the country to use COVID-19 as a defense for murder. Bland had spent approximately three and a half years in jail and was released about a year ago while awaiting trial. A status hearing is scheduled to determine the conditions of her release.
