She was called “Australia’s worst serial killer” – now she’s free: Kathleen Folbigg, now 55, was found guilty in 2003 of murdering her four children. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison and was not expected to be released until 2028 at the earliest. Folbigg always protested her innocence and found supporters.
Folbigg’s children had all died suddenly over a ten-year period (1989 to 1999) between the ages of 19 days and 19 months. The case had caused quite a stir.
Children probably died of natural causes
However, new scientific findings have now shown that the two boys and two girls may have died of natural causes, as the convict had claimed, New South Wales state attorney general Michael Daley said Monday.
Rare genetic mutation
A new investigation was launched after it emerged that the woman had passed on a rare genetic mutation to her two daughters. This can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Nearly 100 scientists and doctors then petitioned to reopen the case, citing possible medical reasons for each of the four deaths.
Former Chief Justice Tom Bathurst, who led the inquiry, said: “I have come to believe that there is reasonable doubt about Ms Folbigg’s guilt for each of the offenses she was initially charged with”. One of the sons may have died of a neurogenetic disease such as epilepsy.
Pure indirect procedure
The original process was purely indirect, on which the experts interviewed disagreed. At the time, the Public Prosecution Service considered it unlikely that four children would die of natural causes. The entries in the mother’s diary, which were taken as an admission of guilt, were probably due to the woman’s grief and despair, it is now said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
