Mom accused of driving kids into ocean will be released from mental hospital

Ebony Wilkerson granted conditional release

Ebony Wilkerson in court on June 29, 2017.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The woman who drove her SUV into the ocean with her children inside was granted conditional release from a mental hospital during a court appearance Thursday afternoon, WKMG reports.

Ebony Wilkerson will stay in transitional housing and will need to take injectable medications. She will not be permitted to have physical contact with her children until a therapist deems it safe.

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Wilkerson made national headlines in March 2014 when the then-pregnant mother drove her SUV into the water off Daytona Beach, along with her three children. 

Wilkerson was ordered to a treatment facility in 2016 after she admitted to not taking her medication to treat her mental health issues. 

After reviewing two medical opinions last month, Judge Leah Ransbottom-Case said she needed more time to make a decision. 

 

 


About the Author

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.

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