Summary
Name:
Jane LaMarshYears Active:
2009Status:
ImprisonedClass:
MurdererVictims:
2Method:
DrowningNationality:
CanadaSummary: Murderer
Name:
Jane LaMarshStatus:
ImprisonedVictims:
2Method:
DrowningNationality:
CanadaYears Active:
2009Date Convicted:
September 14, 2011“I am devastated by my actions … I understand I need so much help and treatment.”
— Jane LaMarsh
Jane LaMarsh was born in 1961. She grew up in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada. Details about her early life are limited. Like many people, she faced challenges growing up.
As she entered adulthood, Jane struggled with her mental health. Reports indicate that she suffered from depression for many years. Despite her struggles, she became a mother and had children.
Eventually, she had a family that included a daughter and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Jane faced personal difficulties and sought help for her mental health issues. She had interactions with mental health professionals and was prescribed medication to manage her condition.
In the years leading up to the events that changed her life, Jane's mental health appeared to worsen. She made troubling statements about her thoughts and feelings. These statements raised concerns among her family and healthcare providers. Despite this, Jane did not receive the consistent support she needed.
On December 3, 2009, Jane LaMarsh was driving her car with her two grandchildren, Tyler Bernard, age 10, and Taiya Talbot, age 6, as well as her 12-year-old daughter, Jennifer. Jane had informed the children's mother that she was taking them shopping. Instead, during the drive on St. Clair Parkway, Jane made a U-turn and directed the car into the St. Clair River.
Witnesses later described how the car left the road and plunged into the icy water. Jane and her daughter managed to escape from the vehicle. However, Tyler and Taiya were not able to get out. Emergency responders arrived but could not revive the children after they were pulled from the submerged car.
Jane was arrested after police discovered that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle. She was charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. In a court appearance, she pled guilty to the second-degree murder charges.
On September 14, 2011, Jane was sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole for 10 years. The judge noted Jane's mental health issues and her history of depression. Despite understanding her mental state, the law still held her responsible for her actions.
