BANGOR, Maine — A Superior Court judge on Monday rejected the insanity defense of a woman who admitted killing her toddler last year and found Leanna Norris guilty of murder.
Norris, 25, of Auburn, formerly of Stetson, repeatedly admitted to investigators that on the evening of June 23, 2013, she gave her 2½-year-old daughter, Loh Melody Grenda, three times the normal dose of an antihistamine, put duct tape over her mouth and nose, then smothered her with a blanket over her face so she would not have to watch her die, according to trial testimony.
The mother then took the rest of the antihistamine and swallowed 200 Advil pills in a botched suicide attempt.
Justice Ann Murray, who presided over Norris’ jury-waived trial in October and November at the Penobscot Judicial Center in Bangor, concluded that “Ms. Norris knew right from wrong and had the ability to apply her knowledge of right from wrong to the action she took when killing Loh.”
The judge, whose written decision is dated Monday, also concluded that “while Ms. Norris’ judgment was impaired, all of the facts set forth above reflect the behavior and actions of someone who has a perception and understanding of reality that is not grossly or demonstrably impaired.”
Efforts to reach Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea, who prosecuted the case, and defense attorney Martha Harris of Bangor were unsuccessful Tuesday.
Murray did not read her decision in open court as other judges have done. Information about why the judge did not do so was not available Tuesday.
Norris is one of 17 parents or caretakers since 2005 who have been charged in Maine with murder or manslaughter in connection with the death of a child, according to statistics compiled by the Maine State Police. Three of them, including Norris, were mothers.
One mother, Karen Devin, 41, died with her son, Michael Devin, 12, in a murder/suicide on Aug. 19, 2009. The other, Pamela Henderson, now 50, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Zachary Henderson, 3½ months, on March 5, 2008, in Harrison. She admitted giving him a lethal dose of anti-anxiety medicine. The mother was sentenced to 22 years in prison with all but six years suspended and six years of probation.
Norris, who has been held without bail at the Penobscot County Jail since her arrest in July 2013, faces between 25 years and life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
To reach a suicide prevention hot line, call 888-568-1112 or 800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.