Heather O'Neill
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — A Merrill woman accused of trying to kill her autistic son by giving him multiple medications to force an overdose has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness.
Heather O’Neill made the plea in a Lincoln County courtroom late last week, facing felony counts for attempted homicide and recklessly endangering safety. The 55-year-old told officers that she “snapped” after a violent outburst from the boy, saying he beats her when he doesn’t get his way.
O’Neill reportedly told officers she “wanted this to be over for both of us.” Investigators also found a suicide note which read “He has been such a miserable burden to me… Never will this end. Never will I be able to live that happy, peaceful life that I have needed.”
The teen had a seizure and was hospitalized but survived. O’Neill was arrested on-site and is being held on a $25,000 bond. A telephone scheduling conference will be held on July 24th; no trial dates have been set.
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