Mom Who Drove Kids Into Ocean No Longer a Threat: Defense Doctors

Wilkerson drove her van into the surf off Daytona Beach in March. Bystanders and officers pulled her and her children from the van.

Attorneys for a South Carolina mother who drove her three children into the ocean off Daytona Beach are arguing that she shouldn't be forcibly confined for mental health treatment.

On Wednesday, a doctor who treated Ebony Wilkerson since the March incident testified that her mental illness is in remission and she's done fine getting outpatient treatment.

Judge Leah Case must determine whether Wilkerson should be hospitalized or released with court supervision. Last week she ruled that Wilkerson was not guilty by reason of insanity on charges of child abuse, and prosecutors dropped attempted murder charges.

A prosecution psychologist previously testified that Wilkerson needs to be confined for treatment.

One of her lawyers fainted Tuesday while questioning a psychiatrist. She was fine, but the judge decided to give the defense a rest and allowed prosecutors to go ahead.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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