Andrea Yates Continues to Be Housed in a Mental Hospital
Andrea Yates, the Texas mother who tragically drowned her five young children in 2001 due to postpartum psychosis, remains a resident of a mental hospital and has declined a recent hearing that could have determined her release eligibility.
Yates, now 60, resides in Kerrville State Hospital, where she leads a quiet life engaging in activities like making greeting cards and crafts, which she sells at art shows and festivals. The proceeds support the Yates Children’s Memorial Fund for those suffering from postpartum depression.
Despite being eligible for yearly reviews, Yates has consistently declined assessments to determine her release from the hospital.
She spends her time on the internet, visiting a family website launched by her husband, where she can view photos of the children she tragically took the lives of.
The Tragic Events of 2001
On June 20, 2001, Yates, then 37, drowned her five children in the bathtub of their Houston home. She waited for her husband, Rusty, to leave for work before carrying out the horrific act on Noah, John, Paul, Luke, and Mary.
She called 911 after the incident and informed Rusty to come home from work, leading to her subsequent arrest and capital murder charges.
Yates’ defense argued that severe depression and psychosis resulting from recent childbirth led to the tragic events, ultimately resulting in a retrial where she was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006.
Current Life and Legal Status
Yates currently has the option to seek a hearing to determine her sanity and potential release, but she is not obligated to do so. Her lawyer has stated that she is content and thriving in Kerrville, her home for the past 17 years.
Despite her tragic past, Yates continues to maintain a connection with her ex-husband, Rusty, even after their divorce and his remarriage.
Her lawyer has emphasized that Kerrville is where Yates wants to be and where she feels she belongs, raising questions about her potential release and reintegration into society.
