Kentucky Mother Accused of Killing Two Sons to Use Insanity Defense at Upcoming Trial
Sep 23, 11:00 PM
A Kentucky mother charged with murdering her two young sons, ages 6 and 9, by shooting them in the head at their home in November 2023 will argue at trial that she was legally insane at the time. Tiffanie Ann Katherine Lucas has been in custody in Bullitt County since November 8, when she was arrested and charged with the murders of her sons, Maurice “Peanut” Baker Jr. and Jayden Howard, at their Shepherdsville residence.
On the day of the incident, Lucas is accused of firing four shots within 30 seconds before claiming that "it was an accident." She allegedly told authorities that she was "being manipulated through Facebook, through the internet or through Wi-Fi" into committing the act, raising ongoing questions about her mental state.
According to Kentucky law, if a defendant intends to pursue an insanity defense, they must file a written notice at least 90 days before the trial. Prosecutors are then granted reasonable time to arrange for a psychological examination. Lucas's defense team has formally notified the court of their intention to use this defense while not challenging her competency to stand trial.
The defense acknowledges that Lucas committed the shootings but contends that she is not criminally culpable because she was not legally sane at the time. Family members of the victims, however, dispute this claim. Michelle Rice, Baker's stepmother, told a local ABC affiliate that there is "no way the shooting was an accident" and that "it's not mental illness" to blame. She asserted that Lucas "knew what she did" and understood it was wrong.
The case is scheduled for trial in December, eight days before Christmas. It remains unclear how the insanity defense might affect the potential for a plea deal.
The Bullitt County Sheriff's Office reported that a neighboring couple found Lucas lying in their driveway on the morning of the incident. The man called 911 after discovering the tragic scene inside Lucas's home. Lucas had allegedly told the neighbors that her "kids were dying."
Days after the incident, a detective testified that during questioning, Lucas remarked, "I'm in such a bad spot," claimed the shooting was an accident, said "I'm so stupid," and stated she "would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me."
The killings have left the community and the victims' family seeking answers. Bullitt County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Col. Alex Payne noted that Maurice and Jayden had different fathers, and it was later reported that Jayden's father died in 2019.
Concerns about Lucas's ability to parent had been raised prior to the incident. JoDee Estes, a family friend, said, "I feel like our system failed them." She emphasized the importance of authorities listening when family members express concerns, adding, "The family is going to blame themselves for the rest of their lives for this, and they should not have to."
Estes referred to reports that family members, including the victims' older brother, Durrell Howard, had contacted Child Protective Services about Lucas in recent years. A heartbroken Howard said, "I should have done more. If it came to me snatching the boys out of the house, I should have, and I will hold that on my back for the rest of my life. For both them boys."
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On the day of the incident, Lucas is accused of firing four shots within 30 seconds before claiming that "it was an accident." She allegedly told authorities that she was "being manipulated through Facebook, through the internet or through Wi-Fi" into committing the act, raising ongoing questions about her mental state.
According to Kentucky law, if a defendant intends to pursue an insanity defense, they must file a written notice at least 90 days before the trial. Prosecutors are then granted reasonable time to arrange for a psychological examination. Lucas's defense team has formally notified the court of their intention to use this defense while not challenging her competency to stand trial.
The defense acknowledges that Lucas committed the shootings but contends that she is not criminally culpable because she was not legally sane at the time. Family members of the victims, however, dispute this claim. Michelle Rice, Baker's stepmother, told a local ABC affiliate that there is "no way the shooting was an accident" and that "it's not mental illness" to blame. She asserted that Lucas "knew what she did" and understood it was wrong.
The case is scheduled for trial in December, eight days before Christmas. It remains unclear how the insanity defense might affect the potential for a plea deal.
The Bullitt County Sheriff's Office reported that a neighboring couple found Lucas lying in their driveway on the morning of the incident. The man called 911 after discovering the tragic scene inside Lucas's home. Lucas had allegedly told the neighbors that her "kids were dying."
Days after the incident, a detective testified that during questioning, Lucas remarked, "I'm in such a bad spot," claimed the shooting was an accident, said "I'm so stupid," and stated she "would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me."
The killings have left the community and the victims' family seeking answers. Bullitt County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Col. Alex Payne noted that Maurice and Jayden had different fathers, and it was later reported that Jayden's father died in 2019.
Concerns about Lucas's ability to parent had been raised prior to the incident. JoDee Estes, a family friend, said, "I feel like our system failed them." She emphasized the importance of authorities listening when family members express concerns, adding, "The family is going to blame themselves for the rest of their lives for this, and they should not have to."
Estes referred to reports that family members, including the victims' older brother, Durrell Howard, had contacted Child Protective Services about Lucas in recent years. A heartbroken Howard said, "I should have done more. If it came to me snatching the boys out of the house, I should have, and I will hold that on my back for the rest of my life. For both them boys."
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com