MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman who stabbed her two young children to death almost two years ago will not go to prison.
A judge ruled Friday that Jamina Briggs was insane at the time of the crime, and therefore not guilty by reason of insanity.
On July 31, 2013, Briggs called 911 and told dispatchers she stabbed her two boys, six-year-old Nicholas and 22-month-old Jeremiah.
Court records showed Briggs’ mother had custody of Nicholas and his older sister Amber (who was not in the house at the time of the murder) at the time.
She reported planning to seek custody of Jeremiah.
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Hearing the information all over again was a lot for the boys’ father Darius Goliday and paternal grandmother Wanda McClure.
“I don’t talk about it, but I think about. I block it out of my mind. All I think about is the hugs, the love,” said Goliday Friday afternoon.
Prior to Briggs’ mother getting custody of Nicholas, McClure had temporary custody.
She told WREG she always had a special bond with Nicholas since she helped to raise him.
“It really kind of just tore me up today when I really kind of just looked at her,”McClure said.
McClure and Goliday were among the people asked to leave the courtroom temporarily after Briggs had an outburst directed at them.
Similar behavior has been outlined in court records and was even what led a judge to question Briggs’ mental stability related to the initial custody debate over her daughter in 2007.
“From the things that we’ve seen and heard, and what we know, she never really got the help, well, she never really got what she really needed,” said McClure.
In addition to Briggs’ mental health history, WREG previously reported on how even she as a child had contact with the Department of Children’s Services.
Testimony revealed Briggs had 39 psychiatric admissions since the age of roughly 18, including spending 24 days at Lakeside a month before the murders.
Friday’s order stated she was released “as not being a danger to self or others.”
Briggs skipped a scheduled follow up appointment.
The defendant also had multiple violent episodes toward family and even mental health workers, including threats of death.
She attempted suicide multiple times.
“I hope she get the help she needs,” said McClure.
Goliday said focusing on family was all he can do.
“All the three that I have left, that’s what I’m living for. ,” he said.
There’s a hearing set for May 27th. At that time, the judge will determine if Briggs is still mentally ill and if she should be committed.
Briggs will undergo further mental evaluation between now and then.
