Not Guilty: Mother Acquitted in Toddlers’ Deaths by Reason of Insanity

A New Jersey mother, Naomi Elkins, was acquitted of the deaths of her daughters due to postpartum psychosis and sentenced to psychiatric care.

Quick Takes

Elkins was found not guilty by reason of insanity for drowning her two toddler daughters.
The incident occurred in Lakewood, New Jersey, and involved drowning in separate bathtubs.
Elkins received a 150-year sentence in a secure psychiatric facility.
Her actions were driven by delusional beliefs of eliminating “all the evil in the world.”

Unfathomable Tragedy in Lakewood

Naomi Elkins, 27, shocked the nation when she drowned her two young daughters, aged 1 and 3, in separate bathtubs in Lakewood, New Jersey. This tragic event unfolded as a result of her severe mental breakdown linked to postpartum psychosis, as described in court documents. From the onset, Elkins’ actions seemed incomprehensible, drawing attention to the significant mental health challenges faced by some new mothers.

Naomi Elkins, 27, who drowned her 1- and 3-yr-old daughters to "cleanse evil," found not guilty by insanity. Faces 2 life terms in psych hospital. #NaomiElkins #InsanityVerdict #MentalHealth pic.twitter.com/5ZwsxkfWoC

— X Headlines (@XHeadlinec) April 7, 2025

Described as having delusions of grandeur mixed with deep religious convictions, Elkins believed her actions would rid the world of evil, revealing a disturbed psyche. Her confession stated that the drowning of the children was for “religious reasons,” a desperate act intended to cleanse the world of perceived evils. As Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer noted, the insanity ruling was made on solid grounds considering the comprehensive psychiatric evaluations conducted.

Delusional Justifications

Elkins admitted to the heinous act in a letter, expressing her inner conflict and confusion with divine concepts. Psychologist Gianni Pirelli, who testified in court, confirmed that Elkins was “undoubtedly psychotic,” with delusions which included the belief that either she or her husband was the Messiah, suggesting a departure from reality that drove her actions.

Before committing the drownings, Elkins stabbed the younger child, hinting at an even deeper state of mental collapse. Her belief in being a descendant of historically evil figures further paints a picture of her warped mental state. Despite her crime, the courts ruled her incapable of standing trial on the grounds of insanity, acknowledging her profound mental struggles since 2018.

Legal Resolutions and Public Safety

Judge Guy P. Ryan, considering the evidence and expert testimony, sentenced Elkins to 150 years of psychiatric care, a term emphasizing the severity of her condition and ongoing public safety. Her mental health will undergo regular assessments to evaluate any potential threat to society or herself. The case underscores the complex intersection of mental health issues and legal responsibilities, echoing broader societal debates on handling such sensitive issues within the justice system.

This tragic story calls for public awareness and understanding of mental health issues, specifically regarding the severe impacts of postpartum conditions. The court’s decision to focus on psychiatric treatment over imprisonment reflects a shift toward addressing the root causes of certain crimes, establishing a preventative framework aimed at safeguarding both the afflicted individuals and the community.