Unbelievable court ruling: Israeli mother acquitted of murder after killing her own son

The Tel Aviv District Court's ruling on Sunday determined that Itzkovich was not responsible for her actions at the time of the crime due to her mental state. Instead of being sentenced for murder, Itzkovich was ordered to be committed to a psychiatric institution for 25 years, following the recommendation of a panel of three expert psychiatrists.

The case has shocked many, with the judge acknowledging the incident as "shocking and nearly incomprehensible." In his ruling, the judge highlighted that there had been multiple warning signs in Itzkovich's behavior leading up to the murder. Itzkovich had shown signs of instability over several years, including disturbing actions such as allowing her son to play with bleach and performing an indecent act in his presence. These actions were flagged by the judge as potential red flags that could have led to earlier intervention.

The tragedy occurred after Itzkovich’s emotional distress reached a breaking point. In her statement after the verdict, she expressed regret for her actions, revealing a history of severe personal struggles, including the end of her marriage and self-harm. She claimed to have been under the influence of mental illness during the incident, even saying, "I was attacked by aliens." Itzkovich’s confession during the court hearing, which included admitting to stabbing her son and the family dog, left little room for doubt regarding the crime's occurrence.

The decision raised questions about the failure of authorities to intervene earlier, especially given Itzkovich's history of psychiatric issues. Judge Yaron Levy sharply criticized the State Attorney's Office for its oversight in not addressing previous incidents, including one where Itzkovich was found on a rooftop with her infant son, signaling potential warning signs of her deteriorating mental state. The prosecution’s failure to recognize these early signs was a key point of contention during the trial.

Ultimately, Itzkovich’s case highlights the complexities of mental health and criminal responsibility, as well as the tragic consequences of untreated psychiatric disorders. Despite the shocking nature of the crime, the court's decision underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues before they escalate into irreversible harm.