FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS — Corie Walsh, 40, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder following the death of her son in Frankfort, Illinois. Prosecutors stated that Walsh told investigators she killed her son because she believed he was the "devil" and the "anti-Christ."

A neighbor discovered Barrett's body and began CPR while calling 911. Barrett was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Prosecutors are asking for Walsh to remain detained pending trial, claiming that she also made statements about harming her other three children, and that she intended to harm her husband when he returned home. Prosecutors stated Walsh had previously expressed intent to harm her other three children and her husband, according to a court petition.

Walsh is represented by attorney Andrea Lyon. Lyon said in a statement that the death was the result of a psychotic episode and cited Walsh's mental health history.

"This is a tragedy for the Walsh family all of whom are mourning the loss of this child," Lyon said. "It is also a tragedy in that Corie herself was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time this happened."

Lyon added that the defense hopes for a thorough investigation. "It is our hope that through a thorough presentation and investigation of the facts, that all of us will come to see this heartbreak for what it is," Lyon said.

Why It Matters

The case involves allegations of severe mental health crisis and prior threats against family members. Prosecutors cite specific statements regarding harm to multiple children and a spouse as basis for detention.

Authorities in Illinois have not alleged that the Clancy trial played a role in the killing of Walsh's son. The proceedings focus on the immediate events and stated motivations provided by Walsh to investigators.

Timeline

Lindsay Clancy was accused of killing her three young children in January 2023. On September 1, 2025, Walsh's son, Barrett, was found dead in the basement of the family's home in Frankfort, Illinois.

On September 1, 2025, prosecutors stated that Walsh had been discussing the Lindsay Clancy trial with friends until approximately 12:30pm on the day her son was found. A neighbor discovered Barrett's body and began CPR while calling 911 on September 1, 2025.

Barrett was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead on September 1, 2025. Police found Walsh in a bathtub containing bloody water with cuts to her wrists and thighs on September 1, 2025.

Walsh was taken to a hospital with injuries described by authorities as not life-threatening on September 1, 2025. On September 1, 2026, a court document stated that Walsh was actively discussing the Clancy case via group text message with her friends up until 12:30 PM on September 1, 2026, three and a half hours before the scene was discovered.

What's New

Additional reporting confirms that Corie Walsh is the mother of four children, including the deceased 2-year-old Barrett Walsh. The Will County Coroner’s Office classified Barrett Walsh’s death as an 'apparent homicide' with preliminary autopsy findings citing 'asphyxia due to ligature compression of the neck.'

Walsh's attorney, Andrea Lyon, described her as experiencing a 'psychotic episode' at the time of the incident, citing her mental health history.

Lyon said, "This is a tragedy for the Walsh family all of whom are mourning the loss of this child." She added, "It is also a tragedy in that Corie herself was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time this happened." Lyon further stated, "It is our hope that through a thorough presentation and investigation of the facts, that all of us will come to see this heartbreak for what it is."