Title: Woman with Mental Illness Given 11-Year Term for Python-Like Squeeze Attack on Mother
A 35-year-old woman with a history of mental illness has been sentenced to almost 11 years in prison for the tragic killing of her mother. Cassandra A. DuSold, from New Market Township, was found guilty of second-degree murder and held criminally liable for the attack on her 69-year-old mother, Dorothy I. DuSold, in their Scott County home.
The incident took place on January 19, 2022, at the family’s residence on Livery Lane. Cassandra DuSold squeezed her mother until she collapsed, describing her actions as being similar to a python. Although the victim received immediate medical attention, she unfortunately passed away three days later at a Burnsville hospital.
After a bifurcated trial, Judge Mark Vandelist concluded that Cassandra DuSold’s psychological difficulties, which include paranoia, anxiety, and schizophrenia, did not absolve her of criminal liability in her mother’s death. The evidence presented during the trial indicated that she was aware of the nature of her acts and understood their legal wrongfulness.
In addition, Judge Vandelist pointed out that Cassandra DuSold exhibited deceptive behavior by initially lying about what occurred and convincingly providing an alternative version of events. This further supported the conclusion that she understood the moral wrongfulness of her conduct.
Details included in the criminal complaint shed light on the incident. When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they found Dorothy DuSold in the master bedroom, requiring immediate aid. Medical professionals attending to her noted significant bruising around her eyes, injuries on her face, blood behind her head and coming out of her ears, scratches on her upper left chest, and slight bruising on one shoulder.
Initially, Cassandra DuSold told law enforcement officers that she had heard a noise and discovered her mother face-down on the floor. She claimed to have immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation and summoned help. However, she later changed her statement during discussions with detectives. According to her revised account, her mother attacked her with claws and scratched her arm, provoking her to put her in a chokehold. During this struggle, Cassandra DuSold admitted to squeezing her mother like a python until they both fell to the floor.
Taking into account the time served in jail since her arrest, Cassandra DuSold is expected to serve approximately 5 years in prison, followed by supervised release for the remainder of her 10-year term.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness. While Cassandra DuSold’s sentence has been determined, it also raises questions about the underlying issues surrounding mental health and the need for proper support and treatment for individuals with such conditions. As society grapples with the complexities of mental illness, it is essential to recognize the importance of early intervention, accessible mental healthcare, and comprehensive understanding within the criminal justice system.
