Illinois Mother Accused of Son's Murder and Husband's Poisoning Plot Enters Not Guilty Plea

An Illinois woman accused of killing her 2-year-old son and allegedly plotting to poison her husband has entered a not guilty plea. Corie Walsh, 40, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, where her husband, Michael Walsh, was also in attendance.

Allegations of Murder and Poisoning Plot

Prosecutors have charged Walsh with strangling her son, Barrett, and leaving him suspended from a rafter. She is also accused of attempting to take her own life on September 1, an incident her legal team characterizes as a "psychotic episode."

In addition to the charges concerning her son's death, authorities allege Walsh formulated a plan to poison her husband. This alleged scheme reportedly stemmed from "a fixation with the Lindsay Clancy trial," according to prosecutors.

Defense Cites Psychotic Episode, Seeks Hospital Release

Following the court hearing, defense attorney Andrea Lyon spoke to reporters, stressing the family's support for her client. "They love her, and this is not — she’s never been violent. … She was psychotic," Lyon asserted. "They all know that and want her to get better. This is not who she is."

Lyon, known for her previous representation of Casey Anthony, also announced that her legal team has issued a subpoena for Walsh's treatment information from the jail where she is currently incarcerated. The defense is actively working to secure Walsh's pretrial release to a hospital for specialized care.

Lyon highlighted the family's presence in court, stating, "Her whole family is here today — her husband, mother, mother’s best friend."