Kathleen Folbigg, pardoned earlier this year of the alleged murder and manslaughter of her four young children, has decided to share her harrowing ordeal in an upcoming interview with 7News Spotlight program.
This will mark one of her first public appearances since her release after serving two decades in prison.
Folbigg was found guilty in 2003, accused of the deaths of her children: Patrick, Sarah, Laura, and Caleb, all of whom tragically died before the age of two between 1989 and 1999.
Throughout her time in prison, Folbigg remained resolute in her assertions of innocence, emphatically denying causing any harm to her children.
The 7News Spotlight interview, anchored by Sunrise host Natalie Barr, promises to shed light on Folbigg’s experience in prison, the challenges she faced, and the emotional toll exacted by the accusations.
It is understood the Seven Network paid over $400,000 to secure the interview with Folbigg.
“There is nothing more horrendous than being accused of killing your own child,”
commented Lindy Chamberlain in a preview for the program. Chamberlain herself was previously convicted, and later pardoned, for the alleged murder of her daughter.
A pivotal factor in Folbigg’s release was a scientific revelation. Fresh evidence presented at an inquiry proposed that her children’s deaths might have resulted from genetic or medical factors, rather than foul play. Laura, who passed away at 18 months, and Sarah, who died aged 10 months, were found to have potentially succumbed to a rare genetic variant.
This particular mutation, known as CALM2G114R, is linked to the long QT syndrome, an erratic heart condition. Notably, this genetic mutation was identified in Folbigg herself, providing a potential hereditary link.
This groundbreaking discovery was only acknowledged by the medical fraternity years post the tragic deaths, hence it wasn’t considered during the original investigations.
For Patrick, a medical episode in 1990 left lasting impressions. Upon being rushed to a hospital, turning blue, he had been struggling for breath. Monique Ryan, a leading neurologist and federal MP, weighed in during the inquiry.
“He had an uncontrolled epileptic seizure which more likely than not caused his death,” she shared, emphasizing that infant seizures can be subtle but still lethal.
The inquiry, however, was unable to pinpoint an exact cause of death for Caleb, the eldest of Folbigg’s children, who died only 19 days post-birth in 1989. Natural causes remain the most plausible explanation.
With her unconditional pardon sanctioned by NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley, Folbigg has been endeavouring to rebuild her life outside prison confines. Her upcoming interview is keenly anticipated, with many expecting an insightful, heart-wrenching account of her tumultuous journey.
SOURCE: News.com.au
