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Hakyung Lee Admits Giving Children Antidepressant in Auckland Murder Trial

The defense is pursuing an insanity verdict based on her reported mental deterioration after her husband's death.

Overview

  • Prosecutors told jurors Lee accepted administering nortriptyline to both children, saying the drug led to their deaths.
  • A forensic pathologist testified that advanced decomposition prevents a firm conclusion that the antidepressant was the sole cause of death.
  • Her team argues not guilty by reason of insanity, citing severe depression after her husband's 2017 death and her account of a miscalculated dose.
  • The siblings' remains were found in 2022 inside separate peach-colored suitcases bought from an Auckland storage auction, wrapped in plastic.
  • Lee was extradited from South Korea in November 2022 and is representing herself at a jury trial expected to run about four weeks.