Naomi Elkins, a 27-year-old New Jersey mom, has been on trial for the murder of her two daughters, ages 1 and 3. On June 25, the Lakewood native was accused of drowning her two toddlers in a bathtub. On Wednesday, April 2, the courts heard the argument about Elkins’ mental state at the time of the murders. While she admitted to killing her children, she claimed it was for religious reasons.
Investigation of New Jersey Mom
Naomi Elkins, a resident of Lakewood, New Jersey, murdered her two toddler children on June 25. She stated that she was making food for Messiah’s coming that morning, before driving her children to preschool. However, later on the ride home, the New Jersey mom began to believe that her children were evil. She felt as though destroying her children was the way to remove all evil from the world.
In her statement to police following her arrest, the New Jersey mom admitted to killing her children by drowning each separately in different bathtubs. She also expressed that she originally attempted to stab her child in the stomach, but after doing so, felt that drowning was more likely to kill the child. She held the younger child underwater for between 2 to 3 minutes.
When the older child saw what was happening, she attempted to run. However, Elkins chased her, grabbed the child, and marched her to the bathtub. She then climbed in and held her underwater while the tub filled. The New Jersey mom waited until she felt her daughter stop fighting against her before she stopped and left the room.
After the murders, Elkins called the Hatzolah ambulance, claiming that she “did something” to her children, expressing that the children were “drowning”. During the incident, she was described as presenting “emotionless”. She was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of murder. She has been awaiting trial since that time.
Judge Hears Defense and Makes Ruling
The defense claimed that the New Jersey mom was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the murders. The only witness called in the trial was Gianni Perelli, a psychologist. Perilli conducted multiple interviews with Elkins and determined that she was mentally ill. Her defense also presented evidence that Elkins had a long, documented history of mental disorders.
Perilli testified in court that the New Jersey mother truly believed she was working in the interest of the Messiah. After her arrest, she wrote a letter to her God, claiming she loved him more than she loved her children, and that is why she had to commit the act she did. She appeared to have some remorse in the letter, claiming she put herself before her children and that “no Jewish mother” could do that.
After hearing the testimony, Judge Guy P. Ryan of the Superior Court determined that, while the New Jersey mom was responsible for the deaths of her children, he agreed that she was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of their deaths. Therefore, he made the ruling that she was not guilty because of insanity.
The judge ordered Elkins to be held in a psychiatric hospital for two life terms. She will be periodically evaluated by the courts and, if deemed no longer a danger to the public, may be released from the hospital at that time.
