Decatur Woman Accused of Trying To Drown Baby In Bathtub Found Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity

A Decatur woman charged with trying to drown her seven-month-old son has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Valissa Thornell admitted to police that she attempted to kill her baby in a bathtub before planning to take her own life in late March. Following her arrest, Thornell faced counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery to a child. Two of these charges were dismissed by the court, and a judge has now ruled her not guilty by reason of insanity on the remaining charge. Thornell is expected to undergo further evaluation in a secure mental health facility.