|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Tragedy in Lakewood, NJ – Mother Charged in Murder of Two Young Daughters
Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Lakewood, New Jersey, 27-year-old Naomi Elkins has been charged with the murder of her two young daughters. According to a report on Friday in The New York Daily News, the chilling details of the crime, which Elkins claims were committed “for religious purposes,” have left many grappling with questions about mental health and the intersection of religion and personal turmoil.
On Tuesday night, authorities were called to Elkins’ Ocean County home, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of her daughters, ages 1 and 3, in a bathtub, as was reported by The Daily News. The gruesome scene was compounded by the discovery that the younger child had also been stabbed. Naomi Elkins was promptly arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of weapons offenses.
According to a press release from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, investigators concluded that both girls had been drowned. Indicated in The Daily News report was that the shocking revelation about the stabbing of the 1-year-old added another layer of horror to the case. The investigation swiftly pivoted to understanding the motivations and state of mind of Elkins.
In an interview with police, Elkins revealed a disturbing narrative. The Daily News reported that she claimed that her troubling thoughts began shortly after her husband left for a business trip on May 24. These thoughts escalated, leading to the tragic events that unfolded.
Elkins detailed her actions with chilling precision. She explained to the police that she spent time praying before committing the acts, indicating that she believed her actions were driven by religious necessity. She first stabbed her younger daughter, then held her underwater for nearly three minutes. The Daily News report indicated that when her older daughter entered the room screaming, Elkins placed her in another bathtub and forced her underwater, counting to 50 multiple times to ensure she held them underwater long enough.
Elkins’ confession included a belief that she needed to kill her children for religious reasons. This assertion points to a possible severe mental health crisis, possibly exacerbated by religious delusions. However, in the immediate aftermath of the drownings, she realized the gravity of her actions, recognizing she had made a tragic mistake.
In a desperate bid to save her children, Elkins called Hatzolah Medical Services. The report in The Daily News said that by the time officers arrived, medical responders were already at the home, attempting to resuscitate the girls, albeit unsuccessfully.
The legal proceedings against Naomi Elkins will likely be complex, involving not only the charges of murder and weapons offenses but also considerations of her mental state at the time of the crime, as was pointed out in The Daily News report. Her defense may hinge on establishing her mental health issues and how they influenced her actions.
In a statement to the Asbury Park Press, Elkins’ defense attorney, Mitchell Ansell, highlighted her long history of severe mental illness, according to The Daily News report. “Naomi Elkins has a well-documented history of severe mental illness, which has absolutely played a major role in these devastating events,” Ansell said. He emphasized the importance of considering the complexities presented by mental health challenges, even as they acknowledge the gravity of the charges she faces.
Elkins, who worked at Giggles Daycare in Lakewood, is currently being held without bail at Ocean County Jail. The Daily News reported that she faces two counts of murder and two counts of weapons offenses. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, where a detention hearing will take place.
The community of Lakewood is grappling with the shock and horror of the incident. Such tragic events often leave lasting scars on the fabric of a community, sparking conversations about mental health awareness, the responsibilities of caregivers, and the support systems available for those in crisis.
This case underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, particularly postpartum and other psychological conditions that can profoundly affect parents. It also highlights the critical need for accessible mental health services and the role of community support in preventing such tragedies.
