…As the tragedy unfolds we will learn more about Ms. Sanchez’s mental health history and the stressors to which she was exposed. There will also undoubtedly be posturing by the district attorney about whether Ms. Sanchez knew the difference between right and wrong, because in Texas being profoundly mentally ill is apparently not much of a defense. A woman with postpartum psychosis may technically know the difference between right and wrong, but fueled by paranoia and delusions her reality is warped and she is incapable of rational behavior.
Otty Sanchez deserves our pity and appropriate medial care. Family members, health care providers, and the community must also take a long, hard look at their own culpability as undoubtedly there were missed warning signs. Ms Sanchez should be remanded to a psychiatric facility where she can receive appropriate care. Once she is treated appropriately and her psychosis resolves the reality of her actions will be a jail term far worse than one society could impose.
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