ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Supreme Court of Georgia has ruled that a woman who was suffering from a psychotic break stemming from mental illness when she caused a fatal car crash can use an insanity defense at trial.

In September 2018, Michelle Wierson was driving her Volkswagen Tiguan in DeKalb County when she hit a Toyota Corolla stopped at a traffic light. The Toyota was forced into the intersection, where it collided with another car.

Miles Jenness, a 5-year-old passenger in the Toyota, sustained a traumatic brain injury and a severed spine. He later died from his injuries.

Wierson pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges including vehicular homicide and reckless driving.

Wierson had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and while in custody after her arrest, she was described as being in a “manic state ... exhibiting multiple symptoms of bipolar manic episodes.” She was soon released on bond to a mental health facility for treatment and evaluation.

The doctor who saw her at that facility noted Wierson’s prescribed treatment for her condition included at least four medications, but evidence showed Wierson had stopped taking at least three of those medications several weeks before the accident.

After her release from the facility, Wierson was examined by two more psychiatrists, one hired by the defense and the other appointed by the court.

Both concluded that, on the day of the accident, Wierson was under a delusion that God had told her that her daughter’s life was in danger. She believed it was God’s will that she rush to rescue her daughter, and that God was driving her car.

The psychiatrists agreed Wierson was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crash.

Prosecutors argued Wierson should not be able to use the insanity defense. They said if it was allowed, they should be allowed to introduce evidence that she wasn’t taking all her medications.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court agreed with a previous Georgia Court of Appeals ruling that said Wierson can use an insanity defense in the case.

“The Georgia Supreme Court reaffirmed the basic principle that the focus of an insanity case is the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the act,” said Robert Rubin, Wierson’s attorney. “The state never disputed that our client was insane at the time of the accident. Its attempt to make this case about alleged medication compliance was misplaced and dragged this case out unnecessarily.”

“I am hopeful the Supreme Court’s decision affirming our position will lead to fruitful conversations between the parties about resolving the case without a trial,” Rubin said.

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