Overview

• The Landgericht Heidelberg convicted Jennifer M., 26, of injecting her three-year-old daughter with contaminated fluids, causing prolonged illness and invasive treatments.
• The court sentenced her to three years in prison and psychiatric commitment, citing diminished responsibility due to severe personality disorders, including borderline and narcissistic traits.
• The child suffered high fevers and underwent extensive medical procedures for over seven weeks in 2023, but recovered rapidly after separation from her mother.
• Expert testimony suggested the mother may have exhibited Münchhausen-by-proxy syndrome, a rare disorder where caregivers induce illness in dependents for attention or validation.
• The verdict is not yet final, allowing for appeals within one week; the defense has indicated plans to challenge the ruling.