A new HBO documentary revisits the tragic 2001 case where Andrea Yates drowned her five young children.
A National Tragedy
On June 20, 2001, Andrea Yates called 911 in Houston, Texas. She confessed to drowning her five children in a bathtub. The victims were Noah, John, Paul, Luke, and baby Mary. Initially, a court convicted her of capital murder in 2002. Later, a new trial found her not guilty by reason of insanity.
Life After Trials
Yates suffered from postpartum depression and psychosis before the killings. Doctors had also taken her off a strong antipsychotic drug. Now, she lives at a mental health facility in Kerrville, Texas. Her ex-husband, Rusty Yates, divorced her in 2005. However, Rusty still visits her 25 years after the tragedy.
Why Rusty Visits
Rusty spoke to PEOPLE about his annual visits and texts. He says they were once very happy together. “Andrea and I always got along. That’s a time of our life that we both cherish and she’s the only person I can talk to about it.”
Remembering the Children
Rusty, now 61, describes Andrea as a loving and devoted person. They use their time together to reminisce about their family. “She and I are the only two who can get together and reminisce about what it was like to enjoy those years together.”
Dealing With Grief
Rusty says Andrea cannot forgive herself for the deaths. She spends her days looking at old family photos. “She’s kind of stuck because she has this extremely hard time forgiving herself.”