Kathleen Folbigg was dubbed “Australia’s worst female
serial killer” after she was convicted in 2003 of murdering three of her
children, and the manslaughter of a fourth.
Prosecutors argued she suffocated the children, who died
between the ages of nine weeks and three years old, but Folbigg has steadfastly
maintained each death was due to natural causes.
In 2021, dozens of scientists from Australia and abroad
signed a petition calling for Folbigg’s release, saying new forensic evidence
suggested the unexplained deaths were actually linked to rare genetic mutations
or congenital abnormalities.
New South Wales Attorney-General Michael Daley said a
year-long inquiry, launched in May 2022, had now established “reasonable
doubt” surrounding the convictions — and that Folbigg had been pardoned.
“In the interests of justice, Kathleen Folbigg should
be released from custody as soon as possible,” he said on Monday.
In the absence of firm forensic evidence, prosecutors had
argued that it was extremely unlikely four children would suddenly die without
explanation.
But retired judge Tom Bathurst, who led the inquiry, said
subsequent investigations found medical conditions that could account for three
of the deaths.
Bathurst said Sarah and Laura Folbigg possessed a rare
genetic mutation, while Patrick Folbigg may have had an “underlying
neurogenic condition”.
Given these factors, Bathurst found the death of Caleb
Folbigg was also no longer suspicious.
He added that he was unable to accept that “Folbigg was
anything but a caring mother for her children”.
The Australian Academy of Science, which helped to spark the
inquiry, said it was “relieved” to see justice for Folbigg.