Mother convicted of killing her toddlers says pardon is victory for science

Sydney, Australia, Jun 6 (EFE).- Australian Kathleen Folbigg, who spent two decades in prison for the murder of her four babies, said her recent pardon after the review of her case is a victory for science according to a testimonial video published Tuesday.

Folbigg was pardoned and released Monday after a review of her case – reopened following an investigation coordinated by a Spanish scientist who linked the deaths to genetic faults – found “reasonable doubt” about her criminal responsibility.

Folbigg, 55, said in the 30-second video released to the press Tuesday that she feels “extremely humble” and “grateful” for the pardon received and her release.

In the images, Folbigg is seen inside the farm, in the east of the country, of her friend and staunch defender Tracy Chapman, where she appears carrying a bouquet of flowers as she narrates her crossroads and thanks those who have supported her.

“Today is a victory for science and especially truth,” said Folbigg.

She added that the memory of her four babies has always stayed with her throughout the two decades that she was behind bars.

“For the last 20 years that I’ve been in prison I have forever and will always think of my children, grieve for my children and I’ll miss them and love them terribly,” she said.

Folbigg was sentenced in 2003 to 40 years in prison, reduced to 30 years in 2005, for the death of her children between 1989 and 1999, when they were between 19 days and 18 months old.

But her case was reopened last year, after the publication in the specialized magazine “Europace” of the scientific research led by the Spanish immunologist Carola Garcia de Vinuesa. It linked a genetic mutation (CALM2) of two of Folbigg’s daughters with sudden cardiac arrest, as well as confirming that the children carried rare variants of this gene.

After leaving prison, Folbigg enjoyed small pleasures on her first night of freedom, such as eating pizza and sleeping in a bed, while adapting to new technology such as smartphones, Tracy Chapman told the press Tuesday. EFE

wat/lds