The associate dean of the WVU College of Law says she was not surprised with the Tuesday (March 12) verdict in the Andrea Yatesmurder trial in Texas.

Yates was convicted of killing her five children by drowning them. The Houston-area jury rejected the defense claims that Yates was insane and didnt know right from wrong at the time of the crime.

“Insanity laws are difficult in all states, but they are particularly restrictive in Texas,”said Joyce McConnell, an expert in womens legal issues.

“The defense would have had to prove there was absolutely no intent whatsoever to commit those murders,”she said.”Even though psychotic at the time, Yates admitted that she had planned to kill her children and the jury found her accountable based on her testimony.”

McConnell said she understands societys need to find someone responsible for the deaths of five children, but hopes that changes will occur in laws governing insanity pleas.

“Yates experienced classical signs of psychosis in which she loathed herself and the children she produced, and that she hoped their early deaths would free them from hell,”she said.”Its clear she wasnt in her right mind. I hope this case leads to future changes in laws and restrictions around insanity pleas being loosened.”

In the sentencing phase of the trial set to begin Thursday (March 14), the jury will hear testimony to decide whether to sentence Yates to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.