Mother accused of slashing children's throats wants evidence tossed

SALEM, Mass. (AP) - Lawyers for a Salem woman charged with slashing the throats of her children before setting fire to their apartment told a judge they plan to argue to a jury that she was mentally ill and not criminally responsible.

Tanicia Goodwin's lawyers appeared in court Tuesday seeking to have most of the evidence in the case dismissed, including statements she made to police and her lighter fluid-soaked clothing; and blood taken from her body.

reports that the defense argues that Goodwin was not mentally competent in March 2011 when she slashed her then-8-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter in their apartment before setting it on fire. Both children survived.

Her lawyers say she was not immediately read her Miranda rights.

The prosecutor sought access to defense experts.

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Information from: The Salem (Mass.) News,

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