In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, a New Jersey mother, Naomi Elkins, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for the drowning deaths of her two young daughters. The tragic incident occurred in June 2024 at their home in Lakewood, where Elkins, 27, fatally submerged her daughters, aged one and three, in a bathtub.
During her trial, which concluded recently, a psychologist testified to Elkins’s deteriorating mental state leading up to the murders. Dr. Giani Pirelli stated that Elkins had been experiencing severe mental illness, characterized by postpartum psychosis, which is a more severe condition than postpartum depression. It was revealed that on the day of the incident, after spending time at a daycare where her children were also enrolled, Elkins began to have dark thoughts, believing that by harming her children, she could eliminate evil from the world.
After contacting a volunteer organization for help, Elkins informed them that her children were drowning. Emergency medical services responded to the call but tragically found both children unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive them, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation quickly turned into a complex examination of Elkins’s mental health. In her statements to police, she claimed she was driven by delusions of religious duty, asserting that she believed she and her husband were messianic figures. This claim played a critical role in her defense, focusing on her mental competency at the time of the acts.
The trial was notably brief, featuring only one witness, Dr. Pirelli, who provided insights from his extensive interviews with Elkins and her medical records. He concluded that although Elkins understood the legality of her actions, she did not comprehend the moral implications of killing her children. The prosecution did not contest this finding, leading to a consensus that Elkins was indeed not criminally responsible for her actions.
On April 1, 2024, Judge Guy P. Ryan ruled that while Elkins committed the acts that resulted in her daughters’ deaths, her severe mental illness absolved her from criminal responsibility. Consequently, he ordered her to be committed to a psychiatric hospital for two consecutive life terms, equating to 150 years under New Jersey law. During this time, she will undergo regular evaluations, with the possibility of release if deemed no longer a threat.
Elkins’s defense attorney, Mitchell Ancel, highlighted the critical importance of understanding mental illness in society, expressing hope that this case might encourage broader discussions about mental health. The Elkins family expressed their sorrow over the tragic events and gratitude toward the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their compassion throughout the proceedings.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health and the devastating consequences it can have on families. The Elkins family hopes that this verdict may begin a healing process for all involved and bring attention to the pressing need for mental health awareness and support.