Depending on how the case ultimately resolves—whether through a retrial, plea agreement, or final verdict—several scenarios could emerge:
- Not guilty by reason of insanity: This would be a landmark outcome, strongly affirming that postpartum psychosis can completely negate criminal responsibility in extreme cases. It could encourage more robust use of the insanity defense in similar cases.
- Guilty verdict despite mental illness evidence: This might signal that courts and juries remain skeptical of postpartum psychosis as a full defense to intentional killings, potentially limiting its use in future cases.
- Mistrial or plea deal: Even without a definitive verdict, the extensive public record created by the trial could still influence how future judges, lawyers, and experts approach postpartum psychosis in criminal proceedings.
