Rusty Yates, the former husband of the infamous killer mom Andrea Yates, has shared that he has forgiven her for the tragic incident in which she drowned their five children in 2001. Despite the horrific act, Rusty, who is now 59 years old, maintains contact with his ex-wife, who is currently in a mental hospital, and they discuss their children who would be adults today.
The couple’s tragic story began in 2001 when Andrea Yates, then 37 years old, took the lives of her five young children in their home in Houston. Rusty was at work when the unthinkable tragedy occurred, and Andrea carried out the heinous act one child at a time. The children, Noah, 7, John, 5, Paul, 3, Luke, 2, and Mary, 6 months, lost their lives that day.
Despite the heartbreak and devastation, Rusty has chosen to forgive Andrea and even visited her in the mental facility where she is held. He believes that her actions were a result of an illness and not something she would have done under normal circumstances. Rusty, who also remarried and had another child after divorcing Andrea in 2002, continues to honor the memory of his children through a website dedicated to them.
In the years following the tragedy, Andrea Yates was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. However, due to her severe mental illness, her case was appealed, and she was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006. She has since been in the psychiatric hospital where she has refused to seek release.
Rusty’s perspective on Andrea’s mental state has evolved over the years. Initially skeptical of her postpartum depression and psychosis defense, he now sees mental illness as a legitimate condition that should be treated with understanding and compassion. He compares her actions to someone having a sudden physical ailment like a heart attack while driving, resulting in a tragic accident.
Through all the pain and heartache, Rusty Yates has found a way to forgive and understand the complexities of mental illness. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those who are struggling with mental health issues. Andrea Yates’ tragic case continues to be a stark example of the devastating effects of untreated mental illness.
