Woman can use insanity defense in Ga. fatal crash, court rules
ATLANTA, Ga. - The Supreme Court of Georgia has ruled that a woman who was suffering from a psychotic break stemming from mental illness can use an insanity defense at trial over a fatal car crash.
In September 2018, Michelle Wierson was driving her Volkswagen Tiguan in DeKalb County when she hit a Toyota Corolla stopped at a traffic light. The Toyota was forced into the intersection, where it collided with another car.
Miles Jenness, a 5-year-old enger in the Toyota, later died from injuries suffered in the crash.
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Wierson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges including vehicular homicide and reckless driving.
Wierson had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and while in custody after her arrest, she was described as being in a manic state.
She was soon released on bond to a mental health facility for treatment and evaluation.
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The doctor who saw her at that facility noted Wierson’s prescribed treatment for her condition included at least four medications, but evidence showed Wierson had stopped taking at least three of those medications several weeks before the accident.
After her release from the facility, Wierson was examined by two more psychiatrists, one hired by the defense and the other appointed by the court.
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Both concluded that on the day of the accident, Wierson was under a delusion that God had told her that her daughter’s life was in danger. She believed it was God’s will that she rush to rescue her daughter, and that God was driving her car.
The psychiatrists agreed Wierson was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crash.
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Prosecutors argued Wierson should not be able to use the insanity defense. They said if it was allowed, they should be allowed to introduce evidence that she wasn’t taking all her medications.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed with a previous Georgia Court of Appeals ruling that said Wierson can use an insanity defense in the case.
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