Jury Selection Begins in Child-Drowning Trial
Jury selection began in the capital murder trial of Andrea Yates in Houston, accused of drowning her five children in the bathtub of her home in June.
Yates, 37, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of capital murder. She could get the death penalty if convicted.
Yates’ husband, Russell, contends his wife was suffering from severe postpartum depression when she drowned the children. A jury in September ruled her mentally competent to stand trial.
Jurors will hear Yates’ recorded confession and testimony about her depression and two suicide attempts.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
