Illinois – In a deeply disturbing case from Illinois, a 23-year-old mother, identified as A. White, is facing multiple felony charges after stabbing her three young children in a tragic act of violence she reportedly blamed on feeling alone and unsupported. Authorities say the woman admitted to the attack, telling hospital staff and police that she had no help and was overwhelmed caring for her children, ages 1, 3, and 5.
White has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated battery to a child. These charges follow a harrowing scene discovered Wednesday outside an apartment complex. A 50-year-old tow truck driver, identified as D. Stringfellow, came upon White and her children, all of whom were bleeding and visibly injured. The youngest, a 1-year-old, was wearing only a blood-soaked diaper. Stringfellow told reporters that White appeared frantic, crying for help and claiming she had called the police but they hadn’t arrived. Despite initial hesitation, he loaded the injured children and their mother into his truck and drove them to the hospital. “She kept screaming, like, ‘I need help! Help me! My baby! I called the police! They didn’t come!’” he recounted, still shaken by the experience.
When first responders arrived at the family’s home, they reportedly found a trail of blood leading from the apartment to the sidewalk. All three children had cuts to their wrists and were immediately taken to the hospital in serious condition. While they survived, the emotional and physical trauma they endured has left a community heartbroken. Court documents reveal that White admitted to stabbing her children and acknowledged knowing it was wrong. Her explanation, authorities said, centered on her emotional state and the pressures of raising three children without support. Hospital staff reported that she told them she acted because she had no help. A nurse and a security guard said White made similar statements at the hospital.
Perhaps the most haunting detail came from her 5-year-old son, who reportedly told hospital staff that “she was going to make them go to heaven.” Despite his own injuries, the boy also tried to comfort his mother, saying “it’s gonna be alright,” and asked her not to cry. White also allegedly expressed that she wanted to take her own life after harming her children. Her statements, combined with the brutal nature of the injuries and the ages of the victims, paint a picture of a mother in psychological distress, consumed by a crushing sense of helplessness.
Community members, including Stringfellow, who rushed the family to safety, have called the situation devastating. The tow truck driver emphasized how quickly he shifted from shock to action once he realized the children were in danger. Following her arrest, White was denied bond during her initial court appearance and is currently being held at the county jail. Her next hearing is scheduled for June 6. The children, while seriously injured, are being treated and monitored closely by hospital staff.
Investigators continue to look into White’s background and mental health history. Meanwhile, child protection agencies are expected to be involved to ensure the safety and long-term care of the surviving children. This tragic case has sparked renewed attention on the struggles many single parents face, particularly those dealing with mental health issues in isolation. Authorities are urging anyone in crisis to seek help and reminding the public of available mental health resources. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to pray for the recovery of the three children and to grapple with the horror of a tragedy that might have been prevented with earlier intervention.
