Attempted murder charges dropped against woman who drove kids into ocean

Ebony Wilkerson to be not guilty by reason of insanity to child abuse charges

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Attempted murder charges against Ebony Wilkerson, the woman accused of trying to kill her three children by driving her van into the ocean off Daytona Beach, will be dropped, according to officials.

At a pretrial hearing on Tuesday, it was determined that Wilkerson, 33, will plead not guilty by reason of insanity to three counts of felony child abuse.

Wiklerson's attorney said doctors will determine more at a future court hearing.

"They will then present evidence to the court so the court can decide whether she needs hospitalization or (if) community release would be the appropriate method of watching over her to make sure that she'll not be a threat to herself or others," attorney Craig Dyer said.

Wilkerson was pregnant when she drove into the ocean on March 4 with her three children -- ages 3, 9 and 10 -- on board, officials said.

The three children remain in state custody. Wilkerson gave birth to a boy after her arrest. That child is in the custody of her husband, Lutful Ronjon.