Andrea Yates ‘Grieves For Her Children' 15 Years After Shocking Crime | TODAY

When Rusty Yates returned from work fifteen years ago, he found his children drowned in the bathtub by his wife, Andrea. She was charged and convicted of capital murder, but found not guilty by reason of insanity. NBC’s Janet Shamlian sat down with Andrea Yates’ attorney, one of the few people still in contact with her as she lives out her days in a mental hospital.
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Andrea Yates ‘Grieves For Her Children' 15 Years After Shocking Crime | TODAY

[@sharsan9488]

her husband is guilty too

[@woodsonnworthondallastohou4683]

yep. he should've made her get help and never left her alone with the children

[@woodsonnworthondallastohou4683]

David Archer I know but he should take responsibility for the fact that he left his children alone with someone who was known to be crazy.

[@beatricenorris3081]

her family should have helped her kids if my daughter had a problem a would help her with the kids to give her a break.

[@hayhay2949]

David Archer if there’s mental health issues involved yes he could have

[@thewhisperingeye.]

David Archer there was a LOT he could’ve done, rusty needs to be In prison.

[@golden8972]

Rusty kept knocking her up even tho he knew (and admitted) she was losing her sanity after every child birth. I blame him just as much as she.

[@PrairieeGirl]

And he had the family involved in an extremist religious group. They were supposed to sell everything to honor God. So he had his wife and children living on a school bus and homeschooling, I believe. Totally isolated. While he went off to work everyday and allowed himself a fairly normal life. He exasperated her depression til she went over the edge.

[@cavitycreep]

Why?

[@jar7636]

Killing the kids is the same as pushing a woman to have kids. LOL

[@cozytartsii]

@@jar7636 yes if a DOCTOR told him several times to not have anymore children and then when they said to not leave her alone with the kids he ignored that as well. He neglected his kids and his wife

[@jar7636]

@@cozytartsii That's not anywhere nearly as bad as drowning your kids WTF

[@forgottenjewel9633]

She begged BEGGED her husband and others to not be allowed alone w her children,Telling them what she was thinking,hearing ect She was being forced fed,hospitalized and much more The responsibility shouldn't be squarely on her shoulders

[@lisafrazier2826]

Why didn't she call the police and have them come and get the children sounds to me the church was more like a Satan church and for the husband he knew and didn't care

[@Sailormoonfan88]

LISA,YEAH AND IF THE POLICE CAME THOSE 5 CHILDREN WOULD BE IN FOSTER CARE UNWANTED AND UNLOVED AND SPLIT UP. RUSSEL SHOULD OF CALLED IN SICK AND STAYED HOME OR WAITED TILL SOMEONE CAME TO HELP ANDREA.

[@sfletch3042]

@@Sailormoonfan88 he couldn't have called in sick from work everyday. Obviously he has to support the family. He should have called in a full-time caregiver to be there anytime that he wasn't able to be home. He was told by multiple doctors not to leave Andrea alone with the kids.

[@Sailormoonfan88]

Alien maybe they couldn't afford a full time caregiver. Maybe have a family member move in and help Andrea.

[@SaraS-jq1ln]

@@Sailormoonfan88 oh ya, cause foster care is SO much worse than death *insert sarcastic eyeroll here*

[@Mimi-cq4bg]

Always remember that when she asked for his help, her husband told her if she were a better Christian and a better mother she wouldnt feel this way.

[@isaymamamoo9469]

Poor her. I come from a strict Christian family and they don't really believe and know the importance of mental health. Eveything is chalked up to: "Just pray about it." Talks of self-affirmation are seen as being "proud". I can understand Andrea's frustration

[@user-qb9fv3bf2d]

My goodness female privilege has never been more present. She literally offd her own child 5 TIMES and you absolute dipshiitts make excuses for her and blame the dude. Figures. Thats why men dont respect you. You want to be treated like children by men.

[@user-qb9fv3bf2d]

And hes right, a good mother doesnt have those thoughts. DUH???

[@holmhelena]

@@user-qb9fv3bf2d No, but sick mother does.

[@user-qb9fv3bf2d]

@@holmhelena I love how quick y'all are to make excuses for women. Men literally never get the benifit of the doubt in any situation but you'll break your back bending over to rake her accountability away. She OFFD 5 OF HER OWN CHILDREN. There is no excuse for that. Sick then get help dont drown your children. DUH?

[@mfab1000]

The husband isn't upset at all. There's something wrong with him.

[@VIMSLAYTHEVIKING]

funk monk The interview with Oprah was YEARS after the event happened. That’s why he showed no signs of grieving, he had already grieved.

[@DDios-ih9de]

No child support payments

[@robertbrown7917]

Deborah Olin-----seriously...HE DIDN'T DO IT....she did....and btw....she is doing well....of course....who wouldn't....................free room & board, free medical care...........hot showers..............and look ma...no stress.................

[@LauRa-re9un]

vimslay: I know people that for the loss of their children cry all their life.

[@blaircrace1593]

Lau Ra I’ve lost two children. 6 years ago. I grieve every day it never ends. So, whoever said it ends has never lost anyone.

[@egagnon9994]

One day, she called her husband at work, crying, upset, desperate and overwhelmed... He came home and what did he do?... He took his very sick wife and the children to the beach!... Talking about having no clue!... But of course, HE wasn't the one going through the pregnancies and all the hormonal changes that comes with it, having babies and taking care of them 24h , 7 days a week with a very severe mental illness!... Easy to blame her and not her irresponsible husband!...

[@amorska11]

Whats wrong about taking her to the beach?

[@sdsures]

Taking her to the beach didn't do anything to try and fix the very real problems she was having. The responsible thing would have been to take her to the emergency room.

[@lisathomasson3705]

well i was a stay at home mom for 4 years & remember times of crying, calling my husband at work, being frustrated & overwhelmed. dont mean they need to go to the hospital. thats practically normal if youre around kids 24/7. but depression, attempting suicide, telling others she's a bad mom...yeah she needed help!

[@angelwood5050]

E Gagnon he's a typical Christian guy. He's selfish and wants her to pop out babies.

[@theresag1969]

There's evem more he was a strict fundamentalist controlling everything in the home, ignoring doctor's advice about her, he did the shopping, she rarely left the housel. Remember they lived in a bus for some time. He was severely neglectful and chose to be blind to what was happening in his home. He said God will provide on a number of occasions. He was not empathetic to the emotional needs of his wife nor his family. He was the type of traditional guy who thought there was a clear line of division of labor. As long as he provide a roof over their heads and food in their stomach his job was done as king of his household.

[@precooked-bacon]

The doctor told her she should get out the house more, rusty should take care of the kids and they should have no more kids? and wtf did he do? lock her in the house AGAIN and say it was good for her then had another baby. She was already having lapses with reality before she had the last child

[@LaNoturna]

K Weaver His mother started helping Andrea watch the kids towards the very end before they decided to leave her alone with the kids for an hour for "quality time." So he had a way of giving Andrea a break and letting someone else be the caregiver for some time, but he never took it seriously enough.

[@niggawhat6499]

K Weaver baby sitter

[@melsmith2669]

Good for the doctors and big ups and props to the doctors for advising her to get out the house and not be couped. But was she afraid to go somewhere alone or not?

[@nicholedelaney8152]

Postpartum issues need to be addressed. She had postpartum psychosis. I had postpartum depression and it was terrible. I couldn’t imagine what was going on in her mind. Her husband knew she was suffering and he just kept knocking her up knowing that every pregnancy would make her worse.

[@eunicestone6532]

My baby sister had a touch of postnatal. Depression and she turned her anger upon her older sisters. In sure glad she didn't turn it. Against her babies. She still a blooming nut cake and works as a private nanny. Who Knew????

[@SinMore]

That husband is weirdly disconnected

[@GameChanger597]

That's what being in a cult will do to you; leave you disconnected and delusional. They literally brainwash themselves to believe a lie that everyone can see is false but them.

[@marygracehughes7455]

yes he seems very blank.

[@helixmoore7636]

Well he got married again and I think made more kids. Smh

[@michaellovely6601]

@@helixmoore7636 Rusty's second wife Laura Arnold had enough common sense to realize that Rusty was trying to do to her what he had already done to Andrea; so she filed for divorce and got out of the relationship before it was too late.

[@kenrowe7901]

That's because he is a firm believer in WS

[@lilaachziger981]

This lady was neglected by society and her family may her children rest in peace

[@LaraCroftEyes1]

Actually, Andrea's doctor and family were helping her and they told Rusty Andera's husband numerous time she can't handle having another baby and a year and few months before Andrea would do the unthinkable her sister and Rusty going to a heated argument Andrea's sister wanting Andera not to have any more babies.

[@algonquin7187]

@@LaraCroftEyes1 her husband is also to blame.....he got married again and then divorced...hes whack

[@keyla5034]

She’s sick she’s a monster she didn’t deserve to be a mother to those beautiful children

[@sliferxxxx]

@Ronaldo. What was he supposed to do? Stay with the nutjob that killed his kids? Chances are, she might have murdered him in his sleep as well....

[@hardcorehunter9438]

​​@@algonquin7187 how is he to blame?? And what does him getting married and divorced have to do with it??

[@nmawn800]

So many factors failed Andrea and her children. She asked for help so many times, she knew the children weren't safe with her but she still wanted to be that perfect mother home with her children. She seemed like she was very ashamed that she couldn't take care of her own children. And I know people like to blame Rusty, too. But I think his actions paint the bigger picture of the misunderstanding of mental illnesses by so many. How many people, even today, think you can just ward of depression by going outside and having a positive attitude? I don't think he did out of heartlessness, but he clearly didn't understand how serious her condition was. And the insurance thing upsets me. The hospital knew she wasn't better but the insurance company refused to cover more treatment. The lady was at the hospital asking for help. This whole case is sad. Those beautiful children deserved to grow up.

[@Vydio]

@@lindaeasley4336 Yep, still breathing oxygen at taxpayer expense.

[@brandymoore7191]

Piatequila Are you writing hyperbolically, or do you really not know the difference between a psychopath and postpartum psychosis?

[@Vydio]

@Piatequila You need to refresh your memory. There were never 5 kids and 2 adults in a bus .... they had moved into a house by that time. Rusty worked, how awful! If he'd been home you'd be complaining he was sitting on his behind.

[@svasianfilipiname6603]

@@Vydio Maybe they needed to hire a nanny or house maid, that would probably have helped her stress levels. My brother and I had a nanny growing up (in the Philippines) so that my parent's could work to care for the household. Everything turned out fine!

[@lucia4916]

@@Vydio if he hadn’t gone to work I bet his kids would never have died and we wouldn’t be in this situation

[@lizmowrey9866]

The husband was told of her issues several times but he kept insisting she have more. Post Partum Psychosis is a nightmare

[@shadow-wolfgaming1737]

And she has the Sense to say no he didn't forced her to do it

[@Vydio]

She was very eager to have more children.

[@svasianfilipiname6603]

@@Vydio 1. How do you know that? 2. It takes two to reproduce, I hope you knew that. If he thought it was to risky, why did they keep going??! 3. Having children and raising them are really two different things! He should have been more observant with things instead of just trying to look like Mr. Perfect with a perfect family!

[@vbe9574]

@@shadow-wolfgaming1737 Do you really think she was stable enough to say anything about it??? Also we’re acting like getting out of a toxic relationship first of all is easy in itself it was probably harder with all the issues she had

[@ethanweeter2732]

So is Quiverfull.

[@TheGreekPianist]

Her fanatic, obsessed religious husband provoked her to do this. He kept exposing her to religion and fear from it. All that energy he put in religion, he should've put it in helping his wife improve mentally...then I'd think they'd be a grown, loving family today. But it'll forever be in tatters because HE wanted a fifth child. Well, now that fifth child is gone. So was it worth it?

[@sdsures]

I'm glad his second wife filed for divorce. I've been afraid he might pull the same crap on her.

[@beecade3841]

So she couldn't get her tubes tied? Birth control? Nothing she could've did just him huh?

[@sfletch3042]

@@beecade3841 she had severe postpartum psychosis and was there for incapable of making rational decisions about her life much less responsible ones. Secondly he's the one that kept pushing you to have kids for religious reasons even though several doctors told him not to get her pregnant ever again because it would be unsafe for her and the kids. Other doctors told him never to leave her alone with the kids anymore which he chose to ignore. The reason that people are holding him partially responsible is bc he's the one that was mentally healthy. He should not have let his religious beliefs cloud his judgement. He never should have chosen to disobey very serious orders from several doctors.

[@lindalee6279]

@@beecade3841 yeah she should of had her tubes tied after 3rd one, I feel Rusty is a controller and just continued to get her pregnant. His fault to .

[@batgirl748]

Him being religious had nothing to do with it. Andrea is mentally ill. There are many people of faith who have healthy, happy families. I agree that if the husband knew that she was mentally ill, he should have sought help for her. Has nothing to do with whether or not they believed in God. You atheists need to stop blaming everything on God. Many of mankind's problems are due to man's own sin and disobedience to God. Also, there are other spiritual forces in the world. Just as there is a God and angels, there is also a devil (Satan) and demons.

[@mrsjoeyfamous]

I remember this like it was yesterday. I was a young mother struggling through a very intense postpartum depression and not really knowing what that was or how to cope or treat it. She had a psychotic break from reality where she thought killing them would save them somehow. I’m sure in Moments where she can see things clearly she must be horrified by her actions. It was an extremely sad story. May those children rest peacefully.

[@isaymamamoo9469]

Hope you are doing better now

[@Nick-zn1vj]

@@isaymamamoo9469 Hi Solar Cheeks I've seen you around the comments I too also hope all is well in your life Time and time again we struggle but we keep fighting Trust me I know

[@algonquin7187]

dont justify this monster she knew what she was doing

[@mrsjoeyfamous]

@@algonquin7187 its not justified ever, I am only offering empathy because postpartum depression is real and if she were indeed in a psychotic break then no she did not know what she was doing. Its extremely scary to have mental illness undiagnosed and then be thrust into a postpartum depression. I am the last person anyone thought would have depression but i did.

[@ethanweeter2732]

@@algonquin7187 Nobody is justifying But hen you look at her husband, he deserves some blame.what she did.

[@debbiepowers4743]

This poor woman. I always felt she was misunderstood. She needed help and no one helped her. A complete and total tragedy all the way around.

[@marcelacruz7661]

Murder is murder. She still killed her children.

[@ya_done]

@@marcelacruz7661 She is insane, she needs help. It's not her fault, anybody could be in her place.

[@emperorofwyoming8960]

Wrong. She’s a demon who should never see the light of Day again

[@purplefreax]

@@ya_done ofc your the same as her to have sympathy

[@melaninmonroeeee]

Exactlyy. These ppl on there high horses in the comment section but better hope they nvr get post partum psychosis after having kids . And then they will see how much control they have over their minds , thoughts and actions. PPP is not a joke . Its is a very serious and scary illness and not be taken lightly.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

This poor woman comes from a family whose members suffer from depression. She made several suicide attempts, was self harming, and begged not to be left alone with the children. Her husband must bear some responsibility. Knowing her condition he nevertheless impregnated her six times - one miscarriage and five children. Thank God for a compassionate defence attorney, who has maintained contact with her during the ensuing years, and who has made it his mission to raise awareness of mental health issues, in particular post partum depression. It is interesting to note that Rusty’s second wife divorced him.

[@laurakichler7107]

I actually feel really sad for her. She never would have killed her children if she was lucid.

[@M_D93]

I do not feel sorry for her. She deserves to rot. Those children could have been adults by now.

[@bullshitcaller1541]

So says every mass murderer

[@LJ-ht4zs]

I feel sad for her too - not a psychopath but deep state of post partum depression. Very very sad - feel for her and her children.

[@purplefreax]

Idgaf is sick how ppl actually feel sympathy for this btch but don't even say i feel bad for does children yall are sick as her. I don't feel sympathy for anyone but does children. You ppl are also sick

[@melaninmonroeeee]

@@LJ-ht4zs not post partum depression. Post partum psychosis. Very very different illnesses… ppd is common and ppp is very rare .

[@Luispbringstheheat]

It is actually just as much his fault for leaving the kids with her when he knew there was something wrong with her

[@JohnDoe-jt5lb]

No, it wasn't his fault. He needed to work to feed the children. It was her job to take care of the kids. He did his job, she didn't do hers. What is it with you beta males and relieving women from all accountability? She should have been sentenced to death.

[@Booboonancy]

Her husband seems to have been very controlling so in that sense, it was abuse. He didn’t care that she was struggling hard. He just didn’t care. He’s likely a sociopath.

[@bellagrace9812]

I cannot think of anything crueler than having a mental illness that was responsible for you killing your children. The agony and grief Andrea has gone through coping with what she did is punishment enough. My heart always went out to her because she was a passive person who needed help and had none, instead she is left alone to deal with her depression and her small children. I hope she has forgiven herself and is living her life with a measure of happiness.

[@Vydio]

Just hope she stays where she is.

[@Nick-zn1vj]

@@Vydio Now why would you say that? I'm sorry but that is very ignorant my friend It's not like she'd go on a killing spree that she needs to be locked up Have some compassion

[@Vydio]

@@Nick-zn1vj She already went on a killing spree. I don't want her loose to do another one.

[@YourGuyAJ]

@@Nick-zn1vj she did tho

[@steelcity_fan2398]

@@Nick-zn1vj She already went on a killing spree bud. I hope she stays where she is too.

[@nancywharton9359]

I think he was responsible too not just Andrea

[@AngeliaGurnerpersonal]

I am so glad that there are so many here that are seeing that Rusty was just as much or even more to blame. When this happened, so many people wanted her put to death. Now, we are understanding postpartum depression more and know that it is not "Made up".

[@kellyewhiteside709]

I have blamed rusty for some of the outcome. Rusty was told by doctors not to leave the kids alone with her not to have any more kids. Rusty thought he know better than the docs leaving her alone with the kids for 2 hours against doctors orders

[@thelostandforgotten9965]

No. I’m angry so many people blame men over a woman who drowned 5 kids. That’s insane.

[@laurahaertel6364]

It's so sad all those beautiful children died, but I'm glad that Andrea got the help she needed a long time ago.

[@jackiehusein6267]

I just can't wrap my mind around all this. I remember this and similar horrific cases as if they all occurred yesterday. My heart breaks for each of those poor precious babies.

[@melaninmonroeeee]

Hopefully you or your love ones will nvr have to . PPP is very serious and very real and should not taken lightly like it was in this situation …

[@farmergal4253]

Such a sad, tragic story... Thankful her attorney Mr. Parnham cares for her enough to speak with her often. Heartbreaking for all involved.

[@lujane2253]

She had post-partum psychosis. Very rare. Worse than post-partum depression. She had a history of mental illness, but the daughter she gave birth to 6 month before killing all 5 children must have been the last straw on her mental state.

[@youtubecommentpolice2043]

she wasn't treated fair. she legit had issues. n needed help. it was I'm her history. she begged for help. sad

[@spagirl2010]

I think the husband is at fault. He could of got her help. Plus, he seems like the type that would not help at home with the boys.

[@judahtribe7]

Wow there's not one like on here I don't think for that husband

[@christinayates2496]

KatiesWonderland his punishment is having to live knowing he could’ve saved his own children by following simple instructions but chose not to.

She knew she needed help, she could have called CPS. STOP blaming men for the EVIL that women do!!

[@kennastout7621]

@@christinayates2496 Are you a relative?

[@cavitycreep]

She could have got help to, but she didn't

[@michellegodwin1482]

She was truly sick. My heart went out the kids but it also did to her. That husband of hers just went on with his life like nothing. Caused her to be sick and then when she snapped, he was gone. I feel sorry for her and think of her often.

[@shawnlacrosso4527]

Exactly. Rusty knew she was suffering. So did others., They did nothing to help her. They need to let her out to live her life.

[@GurtonBuster07]

@@shawnlacrosso4527 you guys giving humans the same moral compasses as hamsters lmaoooo

[@dajumpup5671]

She killed his kids.

[@ravenbaa7989]

😡she knew what she did

[@Vydio]

@@shawnlacrosso4527 No, she needs to stay where she is.

[@KountryStateOfMind]

Rusty is more to blame than she is

[@mimileach4014]

THE HUSBAND SHOULD'VE SPENT SOME TIME BEHIND BARS, HE KNEW SHE WAS HAVING A HARD TIME, BUT KEPT ON GETTING HER PREGNANT. WHY DIDN'T HE LISTEN TO THE DOCTORS??? SO MANY BABIES, SO CLOSE IN AGE & HAVING TO LOOK AFTER ALL OF THEM 24/7, PLUS THE HUSBAND'S NEEDS, HE SEEMS VERY NEEDY!! MAY GOD BLESS HER SOUL♡ & ALL OF HER ANGELS♡

[@jackee1054]

Mimi - I always felt that Rusty was complicit in what happened in family. How could he have ignored the obvious signs that she was unraveling????

[@kindspirit-mo9nm]

Rest in peace to her 5 children. My heart hurts for those children

[@steelcity_fan2398]

Mine as well

[@reallyjustme]

This is such a sad story. I've seen postnatal depression with someone close to me. It was horrible to see a mother not enjoying/not even loving her child. She had help and support from her husband and medicine. They wanted a big family, but stopped after two healthy children, because the depression after the second was worse. It was simply not responsible to have any more kids. What if she had a husband like Yates had? Impregnating her over and over again up until the point she breaks. He is just as guilty as Andrea, maybe even more. Those poor children...

[@ravenbaa7989]

She knew

[@mlady2995]

It's so horrible...it reminded me of " shutter Island " when Leonardo returns home 💔

[@myMelody4life]

I'm glad that people in the comments section are pointing out the husband's role in all of this

[@thelostandforgotten9965]

Which is innocent.

[@kellymccallister7373]

that so called husband should have been thrown in jail he was told NOT TO HAVE ANYMORE CHILDREN what does this fool do get her pregnant again so it is just as much his fault

[@robertbrown7917]

Kelly---it takes 2 to have a baby.......?.....and btw,.....she is doing very well here....of course she is.....who wouldn't............let me give the reasons.....1)free room 2) free food 3)free showers 4)free medical care............ and......LOOK MA....no stress............

[@rachael4512]

@@robertbrown7917 She's doing well there because postpartum psychosis is treatable with medication. Given that she hasn't been pregnant in 18 years she's not likely to be suffering from *postpartum* psychosis any longer.

[@robertbrown7917]

Roo---if you want to believe that...you go right ahead........people get DEPRESSED or mentally ill...when they are not happy with their lives.....and the only way out is something drastic............the proof is right here in the story...you just don't want to see it......

[@rachael4512]

@@robertbrown7917 And millions of women just suddenly become unhappy with their lives after they give birth and cause themselves depression? Psychosis presents itself within 2 weeks of giving birth - that's awfully quick for a woman to become fed up of their own baby. I'm sure you're correct and doctor's are all wrong though.

[@robertbrown7917]

Roo---have a good day

[@mendoza19751]

I feel like her husband didn’t listen to what doctors had told him that she didn’t need to have anymore kids and he knew that she was not stable and he didn’t do anything help her.

[@TheTephikat]

I had post partum depression after my first baby, and I was a single mother at a time, I remember I was screaming for help all the time and thanks God I got the help when I need it. Reading this comments and see how many people understand what the consequences of untreated mental health are, give me hope we are not totally screw up as a society

[@handlingthehowards9543]

I had postpartum after my last child. I turned to my husband and said I don't want to do this I don't want him. Luckily my husband say the signs and got me help. So I feel for her. This kids dads let them down too. He should have believed her and got her help

[@nikoun6020]

What a dedicated attorney she has.

[@deborahseybert6366]

I was going to comment on Rusty too Blackrose6767. I blame Rusty. In his interview he said he liked to remember the 7 great years they had. LOL! They sure weren't good years for Andrea.

[@debrajohnson4077]

There are no words for this tragedy

[@shimasaladin3170]

omg how could he left her alone with her kids knowing her metal problems

[@nomopms1]

I'm glad to hear that Andrea Yates is now in a mental facility instead of prison. Given the circumstances, I think this is best. I remember when this happened. It was shocking.

[@patriciaalexander9751]

I cant figure out why the father left his children alone with a wife with deep psychiatric problems. Hes to blame too.

[@Vydio]

Well there is this thing called putting food on the table and a roof over your head ....

[@Klrslott]

@@Vydiothere’s also this thing called being a good father and he was none of those things

[@Vydio]

@@Klrslott Andrea was a horrible mother as well. Difference being being a crappy parent is not a criminal offense.

[@polly6336]

Gosh, I really do not like Rusty.

[@Vydio]

I dislike Andrea more.

[@Klrslott]

@@VydioI dislike rusty more 😊

[@Vydio]

@@Klrslott Wouldn't want either of them next door, but if I was forced to have one it would have to be Rusty.

[@yumiko0017]

Ok I spoke to someone else about this. They said, “She didn’t have to get pregnant if she didn’t want to”. I was like huh? She was probably raised to do what her husband says, having no voice etc. such an ignorant way of thinking.

[@isaymamamoo9469]

Good point

[@Vydio]

She could have used contraception. She could have had a tubal ligation. She chose not to. Calling her out on her refusal to take any responsibility is ignorant?

[@PhoenixRising87]

I feel so bad for her. I don't doubt that she really loved her children (and still does, to this day); she just didn't get the help she needed and her husband refused to help her at all.

[@kittykaos3725]

The medical system, her husband failed her in so many ways!! She was sick and didn't get the help she needed!! If she was put in to a mental hospital years ago the 5 precious children would still be a live!!

[@Vydio]

She was hospitalized. Then discharged.

SHE knew she needed help, she could have called CPS or voluntarily committed herself. STOP blaming her husband, her's not the murderer.

[@MichaelLovely-mr6oh]

We know that Rusty Yates isn't the one who murdered the kids; but he shares a slight (heavy emphasis on slight) amount of responsibility for what occurred because of his refusal to listen to Andrea's doctors, his idiotic religious beliefs, his insistence that Andrea was "just being mopey," and his refusal to get Andrea the necessary help she needed. Rusty worked as a civil engineer for NASA; so he clearly had the financial means of hiring a housekeeper and a nanny. A housekeeper would have been able to help Andrea with the cleaning and a nanny would have been able to give Andrea some time for herself by doing things such as taking the kids to the park, the zoo, the beach, and so on. It also would have been beneficial for Rusty to enroll the older kids (Noah, John and Paul) in a private Christian school as a means of allowing them to socialize with other kids their age and make friends while still maintaining their religious beliefs. It would have also helped them by selling the bus that had previously been their home. Another person who shares a degree of responsibility in this is case was her last psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Saeed as he took her off of all of her medications and berated her for not doing enough to improve her mental health in addition to telling her to "just think positive thoughts and everything would be okay." I'm sorry but just thinking positive thoughts is an exercise in futility with someone who has extremely severe mental health issues and has made multiple suicide attempts.

[@the_anxious_autistic]

So Rusty basically doesn't help his first wife at all. Doesnt get her any help and ignores her thoughts. She kills her children and goes to prison. He moves on and remarries and has another child and that woman DIVORCES him? Wonder why?

[@portcityminis]

This attorney is such a good one for keeping up with her.

[@nonyabusi1132]

This mother had serious mental illness and her husband was in a cult religion which made him made her stop taking an antipsychotic and an antidepressant which she had been on each for over three years. She had no help with her children and her husband did forbid any offer of help from neighbors. She was left alone on the house and sometimes he removed the phones! with his own children in the house. Of course this mom is in agony with grief as she is not a sadist and is not responsible do to insanity. Her husband should be in prison along with his clergy. She is as much a victim as her children. She isn't any danger now to anyone and should be released. I pray she is able to find peace as she defines peace. She needs a hug and forgiven by society and ongoing mental health treatment.

[@jennicase]

It's tragic and I know she suffers every day for her loss I feel bad for her I really do

[@egagnon9994]

SHE was sick!... She was suffering from postpartum psychosis! A rare and serious condition. And it got worse after each pregnancies... Go educate yourself and research this condition!... Their psychiatrist strongly advise them NOT to have any more children... With all the medication she was taking, do you thing she was in a sane mind to take the decision to have another baby?!... Did the SANE controling husband listen? NO!...

[@woodsonnworthondallastohou4683]

David Archer I understand. There is bias. I'm sure men with mental issues have murdered their children. They just are sent to prison rather than a mental institution which is where they should be.

[@harveykeitel3066]

woodsonNworthon Dallastohouston MEN DON'T KILL LITTLE KIDS, BOYS DO. I think some person or entity coerced this poor woman to kill her kids. I don't think she's responsible at all. Her mental state was destroyed by an outside influence and manipulated. Name me one legitimate, evidence based case of schizophrenia in history before the racket of psychology/psychiatry came to be. You can't find one single occurrence like this around the year 1444. Remember guys, the psychology of brainwashing has never been more robust, and murder by proxy is still murder ; )

[@shannonwooters3443]

men do NOT get postpartum..

[@beatricekelly8023]

Jenni Niccum I feel bad for the children.

[@yogabee2222]

Husband should gave gotten her help instead of keep getting her pregnant and leaving her alone, beyond sad

[@sumandhabolkar2819]

She drowned her kids, I've no sympathy for her.

[@myanaelexus]

Right that’s what do

[@svasianfilipiname6603]

@@sumandhabolkar2819 Wow that's tough. I didn't know your life was perfect. Why not wait to condemn others and learn of her situation before jumping to conclusions that she did it out of hate and evil?!

[@christined9210]

@@svasianfilipiname6603 Anyone supporting that woman is just as sick as she is. I hear no sympathy for those innocent children that never asked to be born. She is a murderer and there is no excuse for what she did. All those excusing her are pure evil

[@lucia4916]

@@christined9210 she’s quite literally not a murderer. No one is excusing her actions, but the fact is she had no control over them. If you’re too stupid to understand things such as psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations, better not to comment

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

This incident needs to be a huge lesson for us all. When you are mentally ill and can't handle children, don't have freaking children! This is something we all need to remember, so child abuse and child murder won't ever happen to another vulnerable child again. Forcing people to have children is a huge freaking issue that is glossed over all the time and it needs to stop.

[@joan-lisa-smith]

He made her, she knew she was sick but he used "God" and the bible to control her saying he didn't believe the doctors that she has postpartum psychosis and denied her meds and told her just to pray more. He was also told not to leave a mentally fragile person alone with the kids. Can you imagine losing your mind and being suicidal and your husband walking out daily and leaving you in that mental state with a few month old baby and 4 other small kids in a small trailer home? Mentally ill people often keep having kids because if they had the critical thinking skills not to they wouldn't be very mentally ill would they? He was sane tho, so what's his excuse (besides sexism)?

[@annetteelliott1494]

Those kids look so happy.....they are always smiling.....rip precious babies........

[@jsainz706]

My heart truly breaks at this story, though I am glad that Andrea is getting the help now that she needs. She's going to have to live with this for the rest of her life. It's heartbreaking to me that so many people in her life failed her and those poor babies. If people would have gotten her the help that she needed, those children would still be alive and Andrea would still be a loving mother. I've suffered through post partum depression. The things that come to your mind when you are in that state are things that no mother should ever think. It's absolutely terrifying. My heart and prayers go to Andrea and hope that she will someday find inner peace with herself. While I do blame the actions on her, because it was at her physical hand, there isn't a judge or jury in the world that will ever convince me that she was of sound mind when she did this heinous act. Society failed this woman and she has to live with the aftermath. It's not okay.

[@haruruben]

I had a bad dream about this incident the other day, that’s why I looked up this. Just hearing about it haunted me for years even in the back of the deep shadowy corridors of my memory banks

[@neppy09]

The fact that she watches her kids’ videos & never sought to be released shows the immense guilt she must feel.

[@Fluffimuff]

Why did she call the police? Because she knew what she had done was wrong and against the law that's why. I get that she was depressed, but she knew enough to know right from wrong. Not sure why they overturned her first conviction.

[@sup4744]

Mamasgotabrandnewbag 57 Ok so you clearly missed a bunch of stuff that psychologists already went over but ok

[@steppy3736]

Because sometimes mothers will do the "wrong" [illegal] thing to do the right thing for their child. It's wrong to steal, but if your child is cold and hungry mothers will beg, borrow, steal, commit prostitution, and/or deal drugs to provide for their kids. Unfortunately in her mind, she was protecting her children from the devil & eternal damnation. In order to "guarantee" her children's souls were safe she did what her mentally ill mind felt she had to, even though the act was against the law. We cant apply rational and logical thinking to people who are mentally ill.

[@diabolicalenglishman2138]

I agree. She knew right from wrong.

[@sandrabrott8580]

I feel so sad for this woman. She was suffering and no-one would help her

[@lauriesthought1231]

Rusty never cared for his wife, nor those babies. If he cared, she would of had her medical needs met. Being crazy and Christian doesnt always go together. Some secs have zero compassion for the mentally ill. He cared about his 'Christian' image.

[@NJG0516]

Totally agree!!!

[@susiearviso3032]

This is one case of matricide that the blame is shared by at least - her husband and the doctor who dropped her because her insurance ran out. The day before she killed the kids, she had asked her husband to help her. He responded by taking the family on a beach outing.

[@sumandhabolkar2819]

What was he supposed to do? Be her doctor?

[@lucia4916]

@@sumandhabolkar2819 take her to an ER ? Tf ? It’s not rocket science

[@jewels3596]

Her husband and his parents were 100% complicit in the childrens' deaths. They all knew she was mentally unstable for years and that she got worse after each birth. They left her alone with the kids even tho she was obviously dillusional and suffering mental illness torture every day. They need to accept their part in this horrific crime.

[@chloegardner6336]

Her story is so sad she needed help so badly and begged for it not justifying what she did it's sad all the way around

[@samanthajones569]

Such a sad story. I deal with depression but glad it’s never been to that extent

[@nicolejennings8389]

This was Rusty. He stayed in the house for a few years afterward and it was a one bathroom house so he showered in the same tub his children died in and went to the grocery store in Houston like it was nothing and kept living his life. He didn't love her or his children. He is just as guilty of murder by getting her pregnant against her consent and the doctors warning.

[@BitsnPiecesDeMi]

As a mentally ill person ( schizoaffective disorder ) I can only speak for myself...for the most part I’m aware.... of what is right from wrong... when I’m feeling more irritable...sad, weird, worried, obsessive, hearing voices, and this is the hardest part... when I’m feeling or believing that something...usually bad is happening...this takes me a lot longer to realize.... because I’m convinced of this... my mind has come up with a massive overwhelming reason as to why I believe something.... it’s not until much later and that’s if I realize it all, that this was not so...( Sorry if this confusing) I can only imagine if someone did not have this ability... to be self-aware.... its scary to think... I truly believe this is an example of deep mental illness. I do believe that one should be held responsible, in what way I can not say. What happened here is truly horrific.

[@maryannhope8276]

Thank you for your comment. Blessings to you & yours. Take care, we need more ppl like yourself to share your story. Love from R.I. Peace

[@wendybitch06]

I get it because I have schizoaffective disorder as well

[@melaniacoppola702]

Your comment makes truly sense

[@littlereddress82]

She had post partum depression psychosis. You dont know reality. I had post partum depression psychosis with my son. He Is 4 now. The only reason I didn't end up like her is because I got help. My husband is a nurse. Plus my grandma is a retired mental health nurse. I had a strong support system. Only had to be on an anti psychotic for 18 months thank God. Temporary if you get treatment fast enough.

[@jkstubbington]

Maryann said it perfectly and exactly what I was thinking about your comment. Thank you so very much for sharing. We appreciate you. I hope you are doing very very well. Wishing you the absolute best ❤️

[@gracecheri997]

The Doctor warned the husband not to get her pregnant after her nervousness after second child .Hubby was religious. The kids were home schooled. It was too much for that mother. Despite her being emotionally fragile, three more children were born. The husband was obtuse to the situation . The mother brutally killed the children . The husband should have served some of the sentence with his wife. All concerned suffered. Those beautiful children

SHE is the KILLER, not him.

[@danielw.7705]

Andrea and Deasia Watkins are the perfect example of what happens when a woman suffers from postpartum psychosis and their families don't take the illness seriously.

[@CherryBlossomskt]

Yes, the Deasia case was also heartbreaking 💔

[@shelzblack488]

Lynsey Clancy now too

[@MichaelLovely-mr6oh]

As well as Dena Schlosser.

[@frankie1012]

Her husband is living free....while poor Andrea will suffer forever.

[@theeliblog4559]

I agree her husband wasn’t the best person either, but Andrea shouldn’t be pitied either.

[@Vydio]

Moral of the story .... don't drown your children in a bathtub.

[@morganmore6]

Her husband was selfish he knew she was in trouble but he kept getting her pregnant without much help

[@mershalscalph2908]

the husband probably made her crazy because women with mental illness and verbal physical abuse thinks it's their fault made to think they are worthless maybe the day to day stress made her snap but those poor babies and the dad married again and was divorced I would be looking into him maybe some phycological abuse was happening to her

[@SinMore]

yup, that's what I think.

[@francinelaurin520]

When ill mental health is ignored it is tragic for all their loved ones...when a mother is..suffer the children 😥 ...moi, canada

[@MaryJaneHancock]

The husband should have been charged for child endangerment. He knew she needed mental help. He's culpable too. 😢

[@judymccormick9253]

Her husband should be in prison-he knew she was unstable and kept having baby after baby. She was like a brood mare- he should have cherished her instead of using her body. She certainly was insane and this is so sad.

[@melsmith2669]

What caused Andria to be mentally ill?

[@lucia4916]

@@melsmith2669 postpartum psychosis. It is literally in the name

[@lucia4916]

@@melsmith2669 not to mention the cult her husband was in that she was surrounded by constantly

[@sandralane1642]

I've always had compassion for Andrea, and I wish her the very best on her journey to wellness. Unless one has experienced Post Partum Depression, and can understand the crazy, illogical thoughtstreams present in the disease, he/she is best to just send her love. I truly believe her children frequently visit Andrea, showering her with love and forgiveness. Andrea, I know God loves and forgives you, and has bestowed you with peace that passes all understanding. Sending love to you, Sandy

[@michaellovely6601]

Andrea is no longer psychotic and has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her possible reason for not seeking to be released from the mental hospital is that she probably knows that she will never be accepted back into society.

[@lucia4916]

@@suziepeaches321 jail is for people who knowingly commit crimes. She did not

[@dewdropsg6812]

It doesn't matter whether she is in or out, as a mother she has to carry this heavy pain through out her life. What a price to pay.... Even though her husband plays a big part of this tragedy he is not charged and he is not there for her either. Be cautious women ....if anything goes wrong we are our own.

[@thelostandforgotten9965]

As a mother she’s a piece of ****

[@maureenmacdonald5259]

I remember this when it happened. So sad, I don't blame her, everyone failed her.

[@G3.9-6]

I agree Thank you for your understanding

[@marieince3239]

he should have bin charged with neglect

[@natalieps2387]

Absolutely and reckless endangerment for andrea and all 5 kids. He gets no sympathy from me esp when a dr told him " stop getting her pregnant"

[@svasianfilipiname6603]

"Been" and yes I totally agree!

[@isaymamamoo9469]

I can kind of understand her actions (even tho I'm not a mother). I recently read about a case similar to hers in my country where a woman just gave birth to another child (she had two children). She was diagnosed with post-natal depression and she told her husband that she didn't know if she could take care of them well. She was also on leave from work after childbirth. Her husband reassured her that he would help and they would hire a nanny and asked her to focus on resting. However, I think the pressure was too much for her and she committed suicide with her boys by jumping off a building. I often think about these mothers and their actions. I wonder what caused their actions and how much stress they must have been under. So much is going on for them, societal expectations and pressure, including the pressure to feel happy to have a new child. However, having a new child is a life long responsibility. You can't take leave or quit from it. You are responsible for its well-being for your WHOLE LIFE. Can you imagine the enormity of this responsibility? That's probably why these mothers decided to take their own lives and their children with them. Because they feel like they have to take care of them even until death. In many ways, these children are burdens to their mothers, coupled with the guilt that mothers are supposed to be happy when they have children and they're not supposed to feel this way. I can only imagine the overwhelming stress and conflicted emotions they must feel. Poor things. I always wonder whether there will be a system where someone can take care of the kids before the mother feels okay to do so again. Society also needs to not judge the mother and label her names like "irresponsible".

[@Vydio]

Andrea had ways to reduce her stress load. The 2 oldest should have attended public school, for example. She could have used birth control.

[@carlycane5566]

@@Vydio You seem to be the only sane person on here. She had choices….regardless of what everyone says, she had choices. All these people acting like she absolutely, 100% had to murder her children.

[@Stichgirl13456]

I always said....her husband was just as responsible.he kept her being a breeder knowing she had problems....and he cant say he did...

[@jessicah4631]

Her husband had been told by a license doctor to not leave her alone under any circumstance. He knew she was severely mentally ill and unstable. He needs to be held accountable as well as her doctor.

[@EchoFerreira]

I'm genuinly convinced that Rusty was abusive and neglectful.

[@Nick-zn1vj]

He was in a cult That says it all

[@senniewhite6301]

*The tragedy is the fact that no one saw through the illness of Yates in time to save the children.*

[@ChaelMi1]

yeah and he gets to go out and remarry

[@amandanegrete1306]

ChaelMi1 she divorced him! Great news

[@Jarod-sm5rf]

Don’t people who hurt children especially their own children get targeted in prison?

[@melissamissileonard5047]

The FATHER & MOTHER are BOTH to BLAME!!! They BOTH need to pay for what happened to those PRECIOUS, SWEET, and LOVING ANGELS!!! 👼🙏👼🙏👼🙏👼🙏👼🙏

[@Dbarr311]

Why both?

[@polly6336]

Poor, poor woman. This is heartbreaking.

[@Justchanneling889]

Awwwwwwww. They're so beautiful. Lord bless their soul.

[@MARYWTHER]

I feel like we gotta keep talking about how they got no less than 5 children in the spam of 7 years. While she was under heavy medication. Struggling with illness... Her fanatic husband kept pushing to have more and more kids, even when the doctors told them to stop. Andrea Yates herself in prison told to her psychiatrist about how she would tell Russell she didn't want kids anymore because she was afraid *she'd hurt them* but he kept pushing. This woman had barely six months of rest/recovery after each pregnancy, while also doing all the choirs, homeschooling her children, living in a minibus with them for many years. She lost her career - that she loved - to motherhood, was left alone by her husband with the kids even when the doctors told him to NEVER do that (the rest of the time, Russell's mother would be here... cuz an old lady, yeah that would help a lot). She was constantly guilt-tripped by the guru her husband was following around like a zealot. And we're all here wondering why she just lost her mind?

[@lgravelle4182]

I actually feel horribly that she's even still locked up, be it, institutionalized or not. Anyone have any insight into her current/ over all state of mental health? This story always sickened me. Her husband should've been locked up as well for negligence and abuse imo

[@MichaelLovely-mr6oh]

Andrea Yates is no longer psychotic and has since been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. As stated in the video; she spends her days watching home movies of herself and the kids from "happy times" and designs crafts that she sells anonymously for the Yates Children Memorial Fund.

[@buttercupj6208]

This story is heartbreaking beyond words 😢💔

[@KokomoGreenberg]

Andrea was completely psychotic and needed help not to have more children so in a big way her husband is to blame

[@Vydio]

Complete psychotics probably have trouble organizing a shopping trip, much less a spree killing.

[@kathleenmiller516]

There is a level of craziness. This is evil.

[@carolyndubois7742]

Such an avoidable tragedy if anyone had recognized the signs

[@kopec82]

This was preventable!

[@burlsink31]

My heart still cries out for this poor mother! Mental health then ...is all the same now , not wanting to be truly understood but judged! Sad!

[@steelcity_fan2398]

My heart cries out for the five innocent kids that she drowned

[@thelostandforgotten9965]

@@steelcity_fan2398exactly

[@jalishaeking]

“The children were hurt by a/the person who should have loved them more.” Now that’s a great topic☺️

[@idontcheckmynotifications7138]

I've been through psychosis, have aspd and still can't wrap my head around this.