A man has shared why he continues to visit his ex-wife, despite her tragic act of taking the lives of their five children.
In June 2001, Rusty Yates, a NASA engineer, left for work at the Johnson Space Centre, unaware of the devastating events that were about to unravel in his own home. His wife, Andrea Yates, who was battling severe postpartum psychosis and schizophrenia, waited for him to depart before committing a horrific act.
She tragically drowned their children, Noah, John, Paul, Luke, and Mary, before contacting emergency services and informing Rusty to return home. When authorities arrived, Yates confessed to the unimaginable crime.
This shocking case led to Yates facing five counts of capital murder, with prosecutors initially seeking the death penalty. However, given her severe mental health struggles following the birth of her youngest child, Mary, her defense successfully argued for mental health treatment over imprisonment.
Following a tumultuous legal journey, Yates was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006. Presently, she resides in a mental health facility in Kerrville, Texas, where she reportedly continues to express delusional beliefs.
Despite the tragedy and the divorce in 2005, Rusty, now 61, maintains a connection with his ex-wife. He describes their past as cherished and recalls their bond fondly, expressing disbelief at the tragic turn of events.
In a candid interview with People magazine, Rusty shared his ongoing communication with Andrea, emphasizing their ability to reminisce about their past together. He reflects on her caring nature and struggles to comprehend the tragic outcome given her kind demeanor.