Plea bargain talks broke down Friday for the Cayuga County woman accused of killing her three young children in a fiery crash in Jefferson County.
Lisa Parker fled a sheriff's deputy patrol in Chaumont on June 22, 2007, crashing into a utility pole in nearby Three Mile Bay moments later. Her three young children were killed instantly. Parker also lost the fetus she was carrying.
The 19 criminal counts she faces include manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
Parker's attorney, Peter Juliano, says the District Attorney's office refuses to consider that Parker may have psychological problems.
He said a psychological exam revealed that she is is bipolar and subject to panic attacks. Abusive relationships during and after childhood also contribute to her psychological problems, Juliano said.
Toxicology tests ruled out alcohol or drug involvement in the fatal incident. Ms. Parker suffers amnesia about the incident, so she can't explain what happened, Juliano said.
"It's our opinion there was some kind of panic attack," Juliano said.
He also said that the prosecution's theory that Ms. Parker fled because her car insurance had lapsed, is false. Parker had not yet been notified about the lapse, Juliano said.
He said that in Friday's conference, the D.A.'s office wanted Parker to plead guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, and go to prison.
Juliano said no prison is appropriate for Parker because of her physical and mental condition. Among her accident-related injuries is a severe leg condition that could worsen and require amputation if not properly tended, he said.
"Lisa is living in her own prison every day of her life" because of the loss of her children, Juliano told
NewsWatch50.A trial is tentatively scheduled for May. However, Juliano said that because he intends to present a psychological defense, that will trigger a round of examinations that will likely lead to a delay.
District Attorney Cindy Intschert said she couldn't comment on the Friday conference but said the case is scheduled for trial in May.
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