Ep 2. The Andrea Yates Story

The Andrea Yates Story is the second episode of the 2003 season of American Justice. The show tells the tragic story of Andrea Yates, a Texas woman who drowned her five children in a bathtub in 2001. The case garnered national attention and sparked a debate about postpartum depression and the insanity defense.

The episode follows the timeline of events leading up to the murders and the trial that ensued. It provides insight into Andrea's life and mental state leading up to the tragic event. It also showcases interviews with key individuals involved in the case, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, family members, and psychiatric experts.

Viewers will learn about Andrea's previous struggles with mental illness, including experiencing postpartum depression after the birth of her fourth child. The episode highlights the difficulties she faced in seeking treatment due to her husband's disapproval and her belief that medication was against her faith.

The show delves into the day of the murders and the aftermath, including the court proceedings that followed. It explores the prosecution's argument that Andrea was a cold, calculating killer who knew right from wrong when she committed the murders. The defense, however, argued that Andrea was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis and was not in her right mind at the time of the murders.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with different perspectives on the case, including the debate about postpartum depression and whether it should be a legitimate defense for murder. The episode is a moving and emotional exploration of a tragic case that affected the lives of everyone involved.

Overall, The Andrea Yates Story is a thought-provoking episode that raises important questions about mental illness, the insanity defense, and the legal system. It offers a balanced and insightful look at a case that shocked the nation and continues to be studied in the field of mental health.