The Des Moines Register reports that Heidi Anfinson, who drowned her 2-week-old child in 1998 while allegedly suffering from postpartum psychosis, is now headed back to jail.
Anfinson had been granted a new trial after being imprisoned for nine years of her original sentence of 50 years for second-degree murder. She had been out for jail for about a year.
"The [Iowa] Supreme Court threw out her conviction at a second trial, held in 2000, because her attorney at the time, Bill Kutmus, failed to raise compelling evidence of severe postpartum depression, or psychosis.
Anfinson, and some legal experts nationally, had hoped a new trial would put a spotlight on postpartum psychosis, which has become a more recognized legal defense since her son died."
Her new lawyer had planned to present evidence that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the infanticide. Anfinson waived her right to that new trial, however, reportedly out of fear that a jury would again find her guilty. She plead guilty to child endangerment in a plea deal with the prosecutors.
It is still unclear how long her new prison sentence will be. While the judge sentenced her again to 50 years, the Iowa Parole Board could allow her to be released for time served, according to the Register.
"Judge Rosenberg, who presided over Anfinson's post-conviction case, noted that he had no choice under the plea agreement but to sentence Anfinson to prison.
'Although this is a tragic incident beyond description ... the court believes (Anfinson) is no further threat to public safety,' he said. 'We often like to think of things in black and white. But often, it is the gray that is the truth.'
Many of Anfinson's supporters cried as she was ushered out in handcuffs.
Mike Anfinson said he has never stopped loving his wife, or admiring her strength, or thinking she was not to blame for the death of their only child."
The Des Moines Register reports that Heidi Anfinson, who drowned her 2-week-old child in 1998 while allegedly suffering from postpartum psychosis, is now headed back to jail.
Anfinson had been granted a new trial after being imprisoned for nine years of her original sentence of 50 years for second-degree murder. She had been out for jail for about a year.
Her new lawyer had planned to present evidence that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the infanticide. Anfinson waived her right to that new trial, however, reportedly out of fear that a jury would again find her guilty. She plead guilty to child endangerment in a plea deal with the prosecutors.
It is still unclear how long her new prison sentence will be. While the judge sentenced her again to 50 years, the Iowa Parole Board could allow her to be released for time served, according to the Register.