Courts / Wexford / Report
Woman cleared of murdering father on 94th birthday due to insanity
Summary
A 51‑year‑old woman, Julie Flood, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing her 94‑year‑old father, Patrick Flood, on his birthday. The Central Criminal Court jury deliberated 48 minutes before delivering a unanimous verdict. Flood, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, claimed she heard God instructing her to stab her father, whom she believed was an imposter. Two psychiatrists testified that she did not understand the nature or wrongness of her actions at the time of the stabbing. Witness Alan Somers described seeing Flood in a hysterical state before the incident. Patrick Flood died two days later from a combination of a stab wound and underlying heart disease. The judge thanked the jury and adjourned the case for arrangements concerning Flood's care.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman cleared of murdering father on 94th birthday due to insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- April 14, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 12 Adjournment
- April 14 Other
- 2023-04-20 Publication
Why: Photo: Collins) A 51-year-old woman with paranoid schizophrenia who stabbed her elderly father to death on his 94th birthday because she believed the voice of God told he was an imposter trying to hurt her has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; He adjourned the matter to tomorrow to finalise the arrangements for Ms Flood's care.
Places mentioned
Topics
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