Mom Who Killed Son Will Serve No Prison Time
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
OXFORD, ENGLAND--Wendolyn Markcrow will serve no prison time for admittedly suffocating to death her son, Patrick, who had Down syndrome and autism.
Mr. Justice Gross sentenced 67-year-old Markcrow on Wednesday to two years in prison but suspended the sentence, calling that the "merciful course and right course".
Markcrow pleaded guilty in September to manslaughter rather than murder, on the ground of diminished responsibility.
The court heard how Patrick, 36, spent the day after Easter repeatedly playing one Elton John CD and repeatedly shouting the name "Elton".
Markcrow told police she "went crazy". She gave Patrick 14 tranquilizer pills, and then while he slept she held a plastic bag over his face until he died.
Markcrow's attorney told the court that her client begged for support from local services to help her with her son, but received little.
Mike Colston, of Buckinghamshire county council's adult social care section, said services were offered, but that Markcrow would not accept them.
Related:
"Mother who killed son avoids jail" (BBC News)
"Mother who killed son with Down's syndrome gets suspended sentence" (The Guardian)
November 07, 2005 - News Department | Email this story
Comments (newest comments at bottom)
This is another example of how parents and providers of disabled persons receive lighter sentences for injuring or killing their dependants than those parents of "normal" individuals. It seems to me that these people should be held even more accountable. The people that are in their care are more dependant on them and need their protection. To take advantage of a disabled individual who has been placed into your care is one of the most disgusting acts imaginable.
Posted by: Sara on November 7, 2005 09:57 AM
One wonders what would have happened to Patrick (who completed some college incidentally) if he killed his mother instead of the other way around. I suspect the judge wouldn't be as "merciful" in that case. Maybe not jail, but definately being locked up.
Posted by: Joel on November 9, 2005 10:40 AM