Karen McCarron guilty

Jury finds woman who killed autistic daughter guilty on all charges

By Laura Michels
Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 2:13 p.m.

PEKIN -- Guilty on all charges.

A Tazewell County jury found Karen McCarron guilty Thursday of killing her three-year-old daughter who had autism.

The jury found McCarron guilty of first degree murder, obstruction of justice, and concealing a homicidal death.

The jury deliberated for about four hours Wednesday and four hours Thursday.

Although McCarron admitted to killing her daughter the defense argued she was having a psychotic episode when she did it.

But in the end the jury didn't buy it. “Early in this prosecution we told the McCarron family this would probably be a long journey to justice we told them although the wheels of justice turn slowly they always continue turning,” said Chief Prosecutor Kevin Johnson.

The defense said they were surprised at the decision.

“Extremely disappointed. We were surprised. We felt at the very least the evidence was overwhelming as far as Ms. McCarron's mental illness and impairment which she was suffering from,” said McCarron's attorney Mark Wolfe.

Jurors said they didn't think the fact that McCarron was depressed held much weight as a defense.

“Anybody can kill anybody. Somebody can be depressed, but be angry enough to kill somebody as well, so its hard to say mental illness could be a reason or not the reason of the murder,” said Todd Smith, a juror.

The defense says they may appeal the decision.

McCarron faces up to 100 years in prison.

In a statement Paul McCarron, Katie's father said: “I ask all parents especially those of children with disabilities to ALWAYS love your children and be proud of them. Cherish every moment you have with them. Love, patience and tender efforts are the best therapies.

http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=85936


C. J. Summers of Peoria, IL had a great comment. Under the subject "Be careful what you wish for" he/she wrote: "Looks like she'll get her wish: 'life without the illness'... and possibly without parole, either."