Illinois mother Corie Walsh appeared in court today where her attorney entered a plea of Not Guilty on her behalf.
Her next court date is scheduled for October 26.
Her husband, Michael Walsh, was present in the court room, along with other members of the family.
BACKSTORY:
Corie A. Walsh, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with her 2-year-son’s Sept. 1, 2026, dєatᩚh. The three counts relate to the same dєatᩚh but allege different legal theories concerning Walsh’s state of mind.
Frankfort police were called to the family’s home in the 22700 block of Brook Stone Court shortly after 4 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive child.
Authorities say Barrett was discovered hanging from a rafter in the basement. A neighbor was attempting CPR when first responders arrived, and officers continued lifesaving efforts before Barrett was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Court records state Barrett died from asphyxia caused by ligature compression of the neck. Prosecutors allege Corie caused her son’s dєatᩚh.
Corie was found in the master bathtub with her clothes on. She was attempting to harm herself with a knife, leaving injuries to her thigh and neck. She was hospitalized before being taken into custody.
Prosecutors have alleged Corie made disturbing statements surrounding Barrett’s dєatᩚh, including that she believed the 2-year-old was the “devil” or “anti-Christ.” Her defense attorneys, however, contend she was experiencing a severe psychotic episode at the time.
On Sept. 8, Corie appeared before Will County Judge Amy Bertani for a detention hearing. The judge ordered her to remain in custody, finding that the state had presented clear and convincing evidence supporting detention and that Corie posed a threat to her husband and surviving children.
But behind the criminal allegations and court proceedings is the little boy at the center of this case.
Barrett Mark Walsh was born March 26, 2024.
He was the cherished little brother of Grady and Anna and the caring big brother of baby Cormick, affectionately called “Baby Mickey.” He was also a beloved grandson, nephew and cousin surrounded by an extended family who adored him.
His obituary describes Bear as a “joyful, funny, entertaining, rambunctious 2-year-old.”
He loved singing and dancing along to Super Simple Songs and Ms. Rachel. He was learning his colors with Pinkfong and Hogi and loved kicking a soccer ball with his friends.
Bear could count out loud to Five Little Duckies and loved bedtime stories.
He enjoyed feeding Oscar perhaps a few too many treats and playing “Ready, Set, Go” with his older siblings, Grady and Anna.
And there was his “good-bye dance,” which his family says Bear performed with joyous perfection.
Those are the memories his loved ones are now left to hold onto.
Barrett was laid to rest following funeral services earlier this month. His family asked that memorial donations in his name be made to Make-A-Wish Illinois.
