Psychologist found ‘guilty but mentally ill’ for causing 5-year-old’s death

Written by: KC Harrington

Published March 9, 2026 @ 9:15 AM ET

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An Acworth woman has been sentenced after being found guilty but mentally ill in a 2018 crash that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy in Decatur.

Michelle Wierson, 59, was convicted of homicide by vehicle and reckless driving. A judge ordered her to serve five years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. She will be placed in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, which will determine her treatment plan. Upon release, she will not be allowed to drive and must comply with medical and mental health requirements.

The crash happened around 5:13 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2018, at the intersection of Midway Road and South Candler Street. Authorities said Wierson was traveling 51 mph in a 25 mph zone when she struck a vehicle stopped at a red light. The impact forced the vehicles through the intersection and into a grassy area, and a third vehicle was also hit. Its occupants were not seriously injured.

The victim who was driving the struck vehicle suffered a head injury and briefly lost consciousness. His 5-year-old son was secured in a car seat but became trapped inside the vehicle after the collision. Bystanders assisted in removing the child before he was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. He died two days later from severe brain and spinal injuries.

Following the crash, Wierson exited her vehicle. When an off-duty DeKalb County officer arrived, authorities said she became combative and attempted to enter traffic. She was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for evaluation and later booked into the DeKalb County Jail.

At trial, the defense maintained that Wierson was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the collision. Jurors concluded she was mentally ill but still legally responsible.

Specific details about her treatment while incarcerated have not been released.