Australian Mother Convicted of Infant Deaths Claims Pardon as a Triumph for Science
After spending two decades in prison, Kathleen Folbigg, an Australian woman convicted of killing her four infant children, has declared her release and subsequent pardon as a "victory for science" and "truth." The decision came following an inquiry that upheld new evidence, which raised "reasonable doubt" regarding her convictions. Originally accused of smothering her children, the evidence put forth suggested that their deaths were a result of rare genetic abnormalities.
Expressing her gratitude and humility upon her release, the 55-year-old stated in a video message, "For the past 20 years I have been in prison, I have forever, and will always, think of my children [and] grieve for my children." Folbigg extended her appreciation to her friends and supporters who tirelessly campaigned for a review of her case. She credited them, saying, "I would not have survived this whole ordeal without them."
Upon her release, Folbigg was welcomed by her long-time friend, Tracy Chapman, who revealed that she spent her first day of freedom relishing in simple pleasures such as a comfortable bed, pizza and garlic bread, and a Kahlua and coke. Chapman also mentioned that Folbigg was fascinated by modern technology like smartphones, expressing awe at the advancements.
Folbigg's lawyer, Rhanee Rego, confirmed that they would now pursue the quashing of her convictions in the Court of Criminal Appeal. Rego urged Australia to use this tragic story as an opportunity to seriously review the system of post-conviction reviews, emphasizing the need for timely scrutiny of cases.
Folbigg consistently maintained her innocence, despite two unsuccessful appeals and a previous inquiry that upheld her guilty verdict. However, a recent inquiry into her case led by retired judge Tom Bathurst prompted the New South Wales (NSW) attorney general to grant her an unconditional pardon. The inquiry presented evidence suggesting that all four children may have died from natural causes.
Immunologists discovered that Folbigg's daughters, Sarah and Laura, shared a rare genetic mutation called CALM2 G114R, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. This condition, known as calmodulinopathy, has only been identified in 134 cases worldwide. The inquiry also revealed that her sons had a different genetic mutation associated with sudden-onset epilepsy in mice, with Patrick experiencing epileptic seizures in the months before his death.
Additionally, the inquiry concluded that the diary entries from Ms. Folbigg, which were used against her in the original trial as admissions of guilt, should not have been accepted as such. These entries were initially brought to the attention of the police by her ex-husband, Craig Folbigg, who believed they implied her involvement in harming the children. He maintains her guilt and expressed that news of her release has further exacerbated his two decades of pain and suffering.
If Folbigg's convictions are overturned, she may potentially seek substantial compensation from the state. A successful appeal could lead to legal action against the NSW government or a settlement payment from them.
