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| Kathleen Folbig: Mother serving a prison sentence for child's death calls pardon a victory for science |
An Australian woman convicted of murdering her four newborn children has hailed the verdict as a 'triumph for science and truth' after being found guilty 20 years later.
Kathleen Folbig was released from prison on Monday. An inquiry into his trial revealed that new evidence raised enough doubt about his guilt that he could be acquitted.
They were initially accused of crushing their children, but evidence suggests the children died of a rare genetic disorder.
The 55-year-old woman expressed 'gratitude' and 'regret' at being released.
He said in a video statement that I have been in jail for the last 20 years. I have always thought about my children and will always think about them and I will always regret it.
Folbig thanked friends and supporters who have campaigned for a retrial over the past few years.
She said that 'I could never have survived this torture without them.'
Folbaugh was met at the prison gate by his old friend Tracy Chapman. He said Folbag spent the first day of his release enjoying the usual comforts.
These include a comfortable bed, pizza, garlic bread, Cahula, and Coke. Chapman told reporters that Folbug was surprised to see smartphones and advanced technology.
He said that there is no hatred in his heart for anyone. She just wants to live a life that she has not been able to live for 20 years. She wants to move forward.
Folbag's lawyer said that she will now file an appeal against her convictions in the criminal court.
"If Australia really wants to do something good about this tragic story, the government needs to change the post-conviction appeals system," said lawyer Rahani Rigo. It took a long time.
Folbig has always maintained his innocence and has made two unsuccessful appeals against his conviction. His conviction was upheld in an earlier inquiry.
However, on Monday, the New South Wales Attorney-General said Folbig had been granted an unconditional pardon as another inquiry into his case had come in his favor.
In this inquiry, it was revealed that all four children may have died of natural causes.
A team of immunologists discovered that Folbig's daughters, Sarah and Laura, had a genetic mutation that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
This heart condition, called calmodulinopathy, is so rare that only 134 cases have been diagnosed worldwide.
Evidence also emerged that his son had a genetic mutation that could cause sudden epileptic seizures. The court was told that her son Patrick had started having seizures before his death. It was also argued that Folbig's diary entries should not be seen as confessions on his part.
Her ex-husband, Craig Folbig, contacted the police after reading entries in her diary, which indicated Folbig had abused the children.
He still believes his wife was responsible for their children's deaths, and his lawyer said Folbig's release "adds to the agony his client has endured for two decades."
If Fulbug's convictions are over, she can seek hefty damages from the state.
If their appeal is successful, legal action could be taken against the New South Wales government.