Frankfort mother pleads not guilty to son's murder

Corie Walsh, 40, entered a not guilty plea on Thursday during a preliminary hearing regarding the death of her 2-year-old son, Barrett Walsh. Walsh faces charges of first-degree murder following the incident on September 1, 2026, in Frankfort, Illinois, where the child was found unresponsive in the family home.

Defense attorney Andrea Lyon stated that Walsh is suffering from severe mental illness and is in need of hospitalization. The defense has subpoenaed Walsh’s jail treatment records to evaluate her mental state and is seeking pretrial release to a mental health facility, despite a previous judicial refusal.

Walsh’s husband, Michael Walsh, and her mother were present in court to offer support. The next court appearance is scheduled for October.