Shocking Crime: Lexington Mother Accused of Attempted Infanticide
In a shocking incident in Lexington, a mother has been accused of attempting to murder her seven-month-old infant face with serious charges. The accused, identified as Aaliyah Walters, stands charged with criminal abuse and attempted murder.
Details of the Incident
According to the arrest citation, Walters allegedly tried to suffocate her child using a pillow. When the baby started crying, it is reported that she attempted to snap the child’s neck and tugged vehemently at its arm. The citation reveals that Walters has admitted to attempting to commit the unfathomable act of killing her child.
Walters was arraigned recently, with a not guilty plea entered on her behalf. Her bail has been set at $100,000, and she is due to reappear in court on May 3.
Insights from a Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Dustin Wygant, the executive director of Integrated Behavioral Health at EKU, gave insights into the case. Wygant’s experience extends to numerous criminal cases involving parents who have harmed or killed their children.
“These are such complex matters,” commented Wygant, “they’re often really emotional and terrible cases…hard to speculate.” The courts often yield to mental health experts for more in-depth investigations, in search of the motivations behind such incomprehensible acts.
Wygant emphasized that these incidents stem from a culmination of several factors, specific to each case. Parental mental health symptoms, personality traits, substance abuse, and histories of trauma often play crucial roles, contributing to such grievous outcomes.
Preventive Measures and Support
If any parent ever feels inclined to harm their child, urgent assistance is available. Cigna Healthcare recommends placing the child in a safe location and removing oneself to another room. The next step involves reaching out to a trusted friend or family member or contacting support centers like the Childhelp hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD for instant aid.
Despite these deeply troubling instances, it is essential to remember that there are resources for help and prevention. A collective social responsibility exists to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
Overview
Reported instances of child abuse and attempts at infanticide, such as this one, serve as a troubling reminder of the pervasive issues of mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence in society.
Organizations, agencies, and healthcare providers continue to emphasize the importance of early interventions, support networks, and appropriate mental health resources for people in crisis or distressing situations.
For more resources, tips on prevention, and aid access, visit the dedicated pages here.
