Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Defendants Judged 'Guilty But Mentally Ill' Still Face Harsh Legal Penalties
NPR's Shots continues its report on the use of the "not guilty by reason of insanity" plea.
On the morning of May 14, 2013, while it was still dark, Suzanna Simpson strapped on a headlamp and shot her husband. She then shot and killed her two children, ages 5 and 7. Afterward, Simpson, 35, drove her car off the road near her home in Dacusville, S.C., and into a tree, in what she would later say was a suicide attempt. A neighbor called the police. The same day, Simpson admitted to the shootings. (Her husband was severely injured, but not dead.) Simpson also shared her motives: The world was evil, so by killing her family, Simpson had sent them to a better place. (Jacewicz, 8/2)
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