The heart-wrenching case of Lauren Dickason, a South African mother accused of smothering her three young daughters after the family’s move to New Zealand, has left the world in shock. As the trial unfolds in a New Zealand court, the complex factors leading to this tragic event have come to light. Here are 20 crucial details to know about the case that sheds light on the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
- Accusation and Admission: Lauren Dickason stands accused of killing her daughters, Liane (6), and twins Maya and Karla (2), shortly after the family emigrated to New Zealand. She has admitted to smothering the children with blankets in their temporary home in Timaru in September 2021.
- Motive: Dickason reportedly revealed to a psychologist that she believed killing her children and herself would bring a “happy ending for everyone.” This shocking revelation has provided insight into her mental state at the time of the incident.
- Legal Defense: Dickason’s defense team is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity and infanticide. The trial is currently in its fourth week as the defense presents its case.
- Mental Health Struggles: Dickason had a history of mental health struggles, including being diagnosed with a depressive disorder at the age of 15. Her mental health history has played a significant role in shaping the defense’s argument.
- Impact of Covid and Lockdown: The defense team has highlighted how Dickason’s response to South Africa’s strict Covid regulations and lockdown had a negative impact on her mental health and thought patterns.
- Unrest and Uncertainty: The unrest and uncertainty in South Africa, which led to what has been described as “catastrophic” thinking, are cited as factors contributing to the tragic event.
- Regrettable Move: Dickason described the family’s move to New Zealand as a “huge mistake,” indicating that the transition to a new country had taken a toll on her emotional well-being.
- Discontinuation of Medication: Before moving to New Zealand, Dickason stopped taking her antidepressant medication, which she had been prescribed in South Africa due to concerns about harming her children.
- Struggles with Motherhood: Dickason reportedly resented the challenges of motherhood, feeling trapped and deprived of sleep and quality time with her husband.
- Tragic Day: On the day of the murders, Dickason’s husband left for a work dinner, during which she allegedly attempted to strangle the children with cable ties before smothering them with blankets.
- Attempted Suicide: Dickason also attempted to take her own life after killing her children. Her husband found her behaving strangely in the kitchen upon his return.
- Anger Towards Children: The prosecution claims that Dickason was angry with her children for being disobedient and felt trapped by motherhood, which led to her resentment and frustration.
- Choice of Victim: According to the prosecution, Dickason deliberately chose to kill Karla first, allegedly because she was angry at her for throwing a tantrum and biting her clothing.
- Past Thoughts of Harm: A forensic psychologist revealed that Dickason had previously had thoughts of harming her children, including attempts to search for lethal overdoses for children on the internet.
- Mental State: The psychologist stated that while Dickason’s actions were “purposeful and deliberate,” her severe depressive illness and distorted thinking at the time led her to believe that death would be a better outcome for her children.
- Seed of Negative Thoughts: Dickason admitted to feeling like a “seed was planted” before leaving South Africa, foreshadowing her disturbing thoughts of harming her children in the future.
- Internet Searches: The court learned that Dickason had performed internet searches for lethal overdoses for children in the days leading up to the tragic event.
- Defense of Insanity: The forensic psychologist firmly believes that Dickason has a defense of insanity. He states that she did not know her actions were morally wrong due to the severity of her depressive illness.
- Question of Right and Wrong: The psychologist’s assessment suggests that Dickason’s distorted thinking and severe depression clouded her judgment of right and wrong, influencing her actions.
- Guilty Verdict: At the age of 42, Dickason maintained her composure while standing in the dock, facing her conviction on three counts of murder. Following the verdict, she was escorted out of the courtroom, and Justice Cameron Mander subsequently dismissed the jury. As the jurors exited the court, several were visibly overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears.
