JOHN FLESHER
Associated Press
BEULAH, Mich. (AP) — A judge is preparing to sentence a Michigan woman who admits trying to kill herself and her autistic daughter after years of frustration and physical abuse that a psychiatrist and her ex-husband say drove her insane.
Kelli Stapleton pleaded guilty last month to first-degree child abuse. She admitted driving daughter Isabelle to an isolated Benzie County spot in 2013, giving her sleep-inducing medication and placing two lit charcoal grills inside their van. Both survived although 15-year-old Isabelle still has brain damage.
Two relatives described the 46-year-old mother as selfish and devious during a court hearing this week. But other witnesses say she was a devoted mother driven to despair.
Psychiatrist Carole Lieberman said Stapleton met the legal definition of insanity.
Judge James Batzer plans to impose a sentence Wednesday.
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