Professor charged with killing baby daughter dies in custody

ST. PAUL, Aug. 31 — A Villanova University professor charged with killing her baby daughter with a kitchen knife apparently committed suicide in jail by putting a plastic garbage bag over her head, authorities said.

Mine Ener was found unconscious Saturday with the bag on her head while lying on a mattress in a common area outside a group of cells, Sheriff Bob Fletcher said.

She was being held on a charge of second-degree murder after allegedly cutting the throat of her 6-month-old daughter, Raya Donagi, during a visit to her mother's St. Paul home earlier this month.

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap08-31-072733.asp?t=apnew&vts=83120030744


Edited to add: This is interesting... "Ener had made no recent suicide threats, but because of her emotional state, the jail staff took precautions to keep her in sight, Fletcher said."

Then in a later paragraph: " Ener's lawyer, Joseph Friedberg, said that his client had tried to hang herself with sheets a week ago."

Wow

Perhaps a case of post-partum depression not properly treated?
I don't know, I just get so angry because I believe that these tragedies could be prevented.

If the system really functioned as 'innocent until proven guilty', she would have been given counseling for the loss of her child.
Instead, they just assume she murdered her child without remorse and throw her in the slammer.
An absolute nightmare for someone who is innocent.

But I knew this professor. She was a fellow graduate student who I admired, respected and sought to emulate. Her passion for her work was outpaced by her passion for living and working with others.

She was on the path to a wonderful career and was respected by many in the field.

I had only heard of the tragedy through a mutual acquaintance a week or so ago.

I am not defending her or trying to ignore the loss of her child.

I just want those who read this to know that she was a wonderful person. Her actions were 100% not like her. If ever there was a case of post-partum depression, and the need for counseling (PRIOR to the death of their child as well as following the death of their child) this was it.

I was heartsick when I heard of the baby's death. I am even more heartsick now, if possible. May everyone here please rest in peace.

two needless deaths

may they both rest in peace