The case underscores the complexities of mental health issues in legal contexts, particularly in cases involving infanticide.
The differing opinions among psychiatric experts regarding Van Der Kellen's mental state at the time of the crime highlight the challenges in assessing culpability in such tragic circumstances.
The emotional toll on the family, particularly on the father who testified about his grief, illustrates the far-reaching impacts of domestic violence and mental health crises.
Ingride Jesus Van Der Kellen, a 37-year-old former researcher, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Meurthe-et-Moselle Assize Court for the double infanticide of her two young children, aged two and a half years and nine months, committed in February 2022. The court's decision came after a trial that highlighted her psychological struggles and the tragic circumstances surrounding the case. The prosecution had initially requested a life sentence with a security period of 22 years, emphasizing the severity of infanticide cases. During the trial, Van Der Kellen expressed deep remorse, stating she loved her children and could not comprehend her actions. Her defense argued that she was in a state of distress and mental turmoil at the time of the incident, which included previous suicide attempts and a history of domestic violence against her partner, Jean. The case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic nature and the complexities of mental health in criminal cases.
