US News
North Carolina mother charged with child's murder plans insanity defense
Attorneys for Andrea Faust cite severe mental health struggles in the death of her toddler.
The short version
- Andrea Faust faces murder and attempted murder charges in North Carolina involving her two young sons.[Fox News]
- Her defense team formally filed notice to pursue insanity and diminished capacity defenses.[Fox News]
- A defense expert determined Faust could not distinguish right from wrong during the alleged incident.[Fox News]
- Faust was previously declared unfit for trial in March before being deemed capable in May.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Andrea Faust is charged with murder and attempted murder concerning the February 12 death of her 3-year-old son and the attack on her 2-year-old son in Durham, North Carolina.[Fox News]
- Defense attorneys filed notice of intent to argue not guilty by reason of insanity and diminished capacity.[Fox News]
- According to Faust's attorney, a defense expert concluded she could not tell right from wrong at the time of the offenses.[Fox News]
- Faust was evaluated as incapable of proceeding to trial in March, but Central Regional Hospital determined she was capable as of May 21.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The outcome of a planned further evaluation to assess Faust's mental state at the time of the alleged offenses remains undetermined.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.