In a sombre courtroom scene, Lauren Dickason, a South African residing in New Zealand, stood motionless as a jury handed down its verdict, finding her guilty of the murder of her three young daughters.
Lauren Dickason found guilty of killing three daughters
The tragic incident took place on the night of 16 September 2021, in Timaru, New Zealand.
Lauren Dickason, 42, killed her twin daughters Maya and Karla, aged two, along with their older sister Liané, aged six. The family had recently immigrated from Pretoria, South Africa, as Dickason’s husband, Graham, an orthopaedic surgeon, began his tenure at Timaru Hospital.
During the trial held at the High Court in Christchurch, the prosecution argued that Dickason’s actions were driven by a mix of depression and anger, stemming from the challenges she faced in adjusting to her new life.
On the other hand, the defence contended that Dickason’s mental state was severely compromised by depression and stress, leading her to believe that ending her life and those of her children was the only solution.
After 19 days of evidence presentation and deliberations, the jury returned a majority 11-1 verdict of guilty on all three counts of murder, per Stuff.
While Dickason’s lawyers broke down in tears upon hearing the verdict, Dickason herself appeared stoic. The sentencing will result in her detention at a hospital.
Was Dickason a victim of debilitating effects of postpartum depression?
Dickason’s parents, Wendy and Malcolm Fawkes, released a statement expressing their sorrow and emphasising the debilitating effects of postpartum depression.
They noted that their daughter was a victim of a devastating mental illness that altered her behaviour beyond recognition.
The family encouraged heightened awareness of the symptoms of postpartum depression and the importance of seeking early intervention and support.
In New Zealand, a woman can be convicted of infanticide instead of murder if it can be established that her mental balance was disturbed due to childbirth, lactation, or any disorder caused by these factors.
This nuanced legal framework brings issues of mental health and motherhood to the forefront.
Justice Cameron Mander thanked the jury for their service and resilience throughout the challenging trial. The jurors had to confront distressing evidence and make a weighty decision, acknowledging the emotional toll the process likely took on each of them.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.