A Bronx judge has found Dimone Fleming, 26, not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect for the 2022 deaths of her two young sons, Daishawn Fleming, 3, and Octavius Canada, 11 months. The ruling came on Monday, with the judge determining Fleming was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings.
According to court records and psychiatric evaluations, Fleming was in a state of psychosis on November 26, 2022, the night of the deaths. Psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defense agreed that Fleming was out of touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations, and believed the world was ending. She also reportedly believed her actions were necessary to protect or "cleanse" her children.
Fleming had a history of mental health treatment, having been hospitalized for two months prior to the incident where she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and prescribed medication. However, she reportedly did not take her medication as prescribed and used marijuana daily, which may have exacerbated her symptoms.
The gruesome killings occurred at a Bronx family shelter where Fleming resided. A shelter employee called 911 reporting water and smoke from Fleming's apartment. Upon arrival, police found Fleming acting irrationally and took her for an evaluation. At the time, officers did not discover the children, who were found hidden in the bathtub under a pile of clothes, as a neighbor had told them the children were with their father. Shortly after, Fleming's then-boyfriend and father of Octavius, Columbus Canada, discovered the unresponsive boys and alerted the police.
Prosecutors and Fleming's lawyer agreed on her state of psychosis. Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Wichman stated that prosecuting mothers in such cases does not prevent future incidents and emphasized the importance of public discourse on the matter. Fleming, who remains in custody, will undergo further psychiatric re-evaluations. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, when the judge will determine next steps and assess any ongoing threat she might pose.
While Fleming will avoid prison, she is likely to remain hospitalized for an extended period. Columbus Canada, the father of one of the boys, expressed forgiveness, stating Fleming was a loving person and a good mother.
Fleming's case shares notable similarities with the ongoing trial of Lindsay Clancy in Massachusetts, who is also facing charges related to the deaths of her three children amid claims of postpartum psychosis. Clancy's jury is currently deliberating her fate.