An Australian mother, Kathleen Folbigg dubbed, “Australia’s worst female serial killer” has been pardoned after 20 years by the Australian government.
She was convicted in 2003 of murdering three of her children, and the manslaughter of a fourth.
Prosecutors said she suffocated the children, who died between the ages of nine weeks and three years, but Folbigg has insisted each death was caused by natural reasons.
In 2021, hundreds of Australian and international scientists signed a petition demanding Folbigg’s release, claiming that fresh forensic data revealed the mysterious deaths were caused by uncommon genetic mutations or congenital defects.
New South Wales Attorney-General Michael Daley said a year-long investigation, which began in May 2022, had found “reasonable doubt” about the convictions — and that Folbigg had been pardoned.
“In the interests of justice, Kathleen Folbigg should be released from custody as soon as possible,” he said on Monday.
Prosecutors maintained that in the absence of solid forensic evidence, it was exceedingly implausible that four children would die suddenly and without explanation.
However, retired judge Tom Bathurst, who oversaw the inquest, stated that later investigations revealed medical issues that could have contributed to three of the fatalities.
Sarah and Laura Folbigg had an unusual genetic mutation, according to Bathurst, while Patrick Folbigg may have had a “underlying neurogenic condition.”
Given these circumstances, Bathurst concluded that Caleb Folbigg’s death was no longer suspicious.
He went on to say that he couldn’t believe “Folbigg was anything other than a caring mother for her children.”
The Australian Academy of Science, which helped initiate the investigation, said it was “relieved” to see Folbigg receive justice.
