An already tragic situation involving the death of a child took another somber turn in Durham County court.
On Monday, Andrea Faust was absent for her scheduled court appearance due to what was described as a medical emergency. On Tuesday, Durham County Assistant District Attorney Mary Jude Darrow said Faust was hospitalized because of a suicide attempt at Durham County Jail.
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Andrea Faust's husband, Eric Faust, begged his wife not to harm herself for the sake of her family while speaking in court. Andrea Faust was in court on Tuesday and though she didn't say much, she was complicit in answering the judge's questions.
Darrow requested that Andrea Faust be placed under suicide watch and that she be supervised in light of facing charges for murder and attempted murder. A motion was filed to transfer Faust to the safekeeping unit at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh.
"Andrea, I’m begging you please, no more attempts to harm yourself," Eric Faust said. "Take a moment to assess where you are and where your family is. Mental health is a very important thing. Just please make sure everyone is OK."
Andrea Faust is facing charges for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder after her two children were found unresponsive on Thursday night. She was arrested on Friday morning after police found the two small children at a home on Chartwell Court.
One of them died at the hospital, and the other is still there as of Tuesday. Although Durham police did not provide an update on the surviving child's condition, the father said that he should make a complete recovery.
"We still have Kenny Faust, who I am happy to announce is going to make a complete and full recovery," Eric Faust said. "You are still his mother, and I promise you, if you do everything you can to address your mental health, I will keep you updated on his progress in life and hopefully, there will be a time when you can see him again."
Eric Faust poured his heart out in the hope of getting through to Andrea. He did mention she was a loving mother. There is no known motive for her decision.
"I want to let the court know this was a complete mental health crisis," Eric Faust said. "Anyone will tell you what a tremendous, tremendous mother Andrea was."
A neighbor of Andrea Faust's said she was "the sweetest woman," but had become more stressed since having a second child.
"She was no longer working," Charlene Montford said. "She was staying home with both of the boys. There were health challenges with the boys. I think that took a toll on her."
Eric Faust also thanked Duke Hospital for providing care for his son.
A public defender is representing Andrea Faust. Her next court date is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 8:45 a.m.
