Mom Accused of Son's Murder Was Planning Disney World Trip, Lawyer Says

Corie Walsh, the mother accused of murdering her 2-year-old son, Barrett, was planning an elaborate family trip to Disney World in the months leading up to the alleged incident, according to her defense attorney. Robert Kerr detailed these plans during a court hearing earlier this month, asserting that Walsh was in the midst of a "psychotic episode" when the tragedy occurred.

Kerr told the Will County courtroom that Walsh and her mother had begun planning the vacation in January. The trip was intended for Walsh, her husband, their four children, and both grandmothers. According to Kerr, they had already reserved flights and rooms, made dinner reservations, and obtained park passes. He highlighted that hours before the incident on September 1, Walsh expressed excitement to her mother about seeing Barrett's reaction to meeting characters like Bluey and Mickey Mouse, as the toddler's first words were reportedly related to these characters.

Prosecutors allege that Walsh, 40, had become intensely focused on the high-profile murder trial of Lindsay Clancy before she allegedly hanged Barrett in the basement of their Frankfort, Illinois home. Authorities discovered the child suspended by a ligature around his neck, with his feet off the ground. A neighbor, alerted by Barrett's older siblings who had returned home from school, called 911 and attempted CPR, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy confirmed Barrett died of asphyxia due to ligature compression of the neck. Walsh was found in a bathtub filled with bloodied water, having apparently attempted suicide by slashing her wrists and thighs. She allegedly confessed to killing her son, at one point claiming he was the "anti-Christ."

Friends, family, and neighbors have expressed shock and disbelief, describing Walsh as a devoted and involved mother. Her defense attorneys are seeking her release from jail and transfer to a hospital for psychiatric treatment, a request that a judge previously denied. They maintain that Walsh was not violent and was experiencing a psychotic break. Her husband and other family members have publicly supported her.

Barrett Walsh, affectionately known as "Bear," is remembered in a heart-wrenching obituary as a joyful and rambunctious 2-year-old who loved games, singing, and dancing. A memorial with stuffed animals, flowers, and notes of remembrance has been placed outside the family's home, with blue ribbons tied around nearby trees in his honor.

Walsh has remained in jail since her arrest on September 4 and has entered a plea of not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder.