Corie Walsh, a 40-year-old Illinois mother accused in the d#ath of her 2-year-old son Barrett, pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on September 24, as her husband and mother attended the hearing in support of her.

Walsh faces three counts of first-degree murder in connection with Barrett’s d#ath. She remains detained, with her next court appearance scheduled for October 26.

Authorities were called to the family’s Frankfort home on September 1 after a teenager from the neighborhood sought help. Barrett was found unresponsive inside the residence and was later pronounced d#ead at a hospital. Court documents state that investigators determined he d#ied from asphyxia.

Walsh’s defense has argued that she was experiencing a psycH๏τic episode at the time of the incident. Her attorneys have also asked that she receive inpatient mental-health treatment while the case proceeds.

The prosecution has presented allegations about statements Walsh made to investigators following the incident. Because the case is still at the pretrial stage, those allegations remain part of the prosecution’s case and have not been established as facts at trial.

Her husband’s appearance in court has also drawn attention. According to ABC7 Chicago, Walsh’s husband and mother were present to support her during the September 24 hearing.

The case has received additional attention because prosecutors said Walsh had been closely following the high-profile Lindsay Clancy case in Mᴀssachusetts. Authorities have not established that the two cases were directly connected.

For now, the central legal question remains unresolved. Walsh has pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution must still prove its allegations in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

The next major development is expected at the October 26 hearing, while attorneys on both sides continue preparing for the proceedings.

Source: CBS News Chicago; ABC7 Chicago; ᴀssociated Press.