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CENTRAL NY CHILD KILLER MOVED TO PSYCH FACILITY BECAUSE DOCTORS RULED SHE’S
DANGER TO HERSELF OR OTHERS


 * Updated: May. 29, 2024, 1:07 p.m.|
 * Published: May. 29, 2024, 12:03 p.m.

Shirley Winters stands in court as her defense attorney, Kenneth Moynihan
(right) addresses a judge in 2007 in Syracuse. (Syracuse.com | File photo)
 * 
 * 

By
 * Darian Stevenson | DStevenson@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. — Shirley Winters, a Central New York woman who killed two
children, one of them her own, is being housed in a psychiatric facility after
getting out of prison because doctors ruled she was a danger to herself or
others.



Winters, 66, served more than 17 years in prison for the death of a toddler and
an infant. Her daughter also believes she killed three of her children by
setting a house on fire. Winters was suspected of setting 18 homes on fire over
several decades.




Winters was released from the Albion Correctional Facility in Orleans County on
May 10 because she had served her time.

After her release, Winters was moved to a psychiatric facility under state
health law.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said two psychiatrists
determined Winters was a danger to herself or others.

A New York medical certification called “two PC” (two physicians certification)
allows a judge to order the involuntary psychiatric confinement of a person for
up to 60 days on the recommendation of two doctors, according to the state
Office of Mental Health.

A person can be involuntarily admitted if they have a mental illness that
requires immediate care and treatment, and if the person is likely to cause
serious harm to themselves or others. This includes a risk of physical harm to
the person, such as threats or attempts at suicide, or physical harm to others,
such as homicidal or other violent behavior.

A patient, friend or relative, or the Mental Hygiene Legal Service can request a
court hearing to contest the involuntary retention at any time during the 60-day
period.



A patient may be held involuntarily beyond 60 days if the facility applies for a
court order of retention and the court believes the patient continues to meet
the standards for involuntary confinement, according to the state mental health
office.

Once the 60 days are up, Winters’ case can be reviewed again, Fitzpatrick said.

Winters’ daughter, Joy Winters, had warned a prison parole board that her
mother, if released, would commit a crime again.

Fitzpatrick said he believes Winters will murder again, despite completing a
treatment program while in prison.

“It’s not a concern, but an absolute certainty, that if given the opportunity,
she would kill someone again,” the DA said.

In Onondaga County, Winters killed her 5-month-old son Ronald Winters by
smothering him in their Otisco home in November 1980. His death was first ruled
as sudden infant death syndrome but later it was ruled a homicide.

In November 2006, she drowned 2-year-old Ryan Rivers in a bathtub while visiting
a home in St. Lawrence County.



Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety.
Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at
dstevenson@syracuse.com



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