A Florida woman accused of killing her 9-year-old autistic son is trying to block prosecutors from using her confession in court, claiming police used religious pressure to force her into admitting the crime.
Woman Accused in Son’s Death
Patricia Ripley, 51, is charged with first-degree murder and other offences over the 2020 death of her son, Alejandro, in Miami-Dade County.
Prosecutors say Ripley pushed the nonverbal child into a canal before running away. Bystanders later found the boy floating in the water and pulled him out.
Police Say Mother Gave False Story
According to investigators, Ripley initially told police that her son had been kidnapped during an armed robbery after another vehicle crashed into her car.
Police later said surveillance footage contradicted her story and allegedly showed her pushing the child into the canal.
Authorities said Ripley later confessed during police questioning.
Defence Claims Confession Was Coerced
Ripley’s lawyers are now asking the court to suppress the confession, arguing detectives used intimidation and religion to pressure her.
The defence claims officers used a “Christian burial technique,” where investigators appeal to a suspect’s religious beliefs and talk about forgiveness to encourage a confession.
Court filings allege detectives questioned Ripley about her faith, told her God forgives sins, and encouraged her to repent.
Judge Yet to Rule
A judge said she will issue a written ruling on the request to suppress the confession by June 23.
Ripley’s trial is currently scheduled for January 2027.
