Pregnant mom who 'drove kids into ocean' smiles as she's allowed to remain in hospital psychiatric unit until she's fit to return to jail

A pregnant South Carolina woman accused of driving her car into the ocean with her three children on board will be allowed to receive in-hospital psychiatric care until a doctor says she's fit to return to jail. Ebony Wilkerson, 32, was given the news during a 10-minute bond hearing Tuesday in Daytona Beach. It was a continuation of a hearing that began last week, however, Judge Leah Case wanted to hear more testimony before making a decision as to whether she required more mental health care. Wilkerson's defense attorneys also agreed to withdraw a request to reduce her $1.2 million bond on six felony charges — including attempted murder. They can refile it later. Wilkerson will also receive prenatal care and be allowed supervised exercise time. Last week, a Florida court heard that Wilkerson tried to harm her unborn child as well as her three children. The pregnant woman was seen ‘beating her stomach with her fists’ after her arrest, it was claimed in a bond hearing. The 32-year-old was taken to a psychiatric ward where she was kept for observation after being sectioned under the Baker Act. She has been charged with attempted murder after driving her minivan into the ocean at Daytona Beach. Her three children, aged three, nine and 10, were rescued by witnesses and lifeguards. Authorities said Wilkerson, who had driven from her home in South Carolina, deliberately drove into the ocean while her three kids were strapped inside. Details of her attempt to harm her unborn child came from State Attorney R.J. Larizza who said Wilkerson was taken to a psychiatric ward when she was seen 'beating her stomach with her fists' after her arrest. He told a court her unborn child was at risk saying she was 'helpless.' Chief Assistant Public Defender Craig S. Dyer suggested Wilkerson's actions resulted from inhumane conditions. He said at the time she was being held naked in an isolation cell. Dyer argued that Wilkerson should have her $1.2million bond suspended and she should be admitted to Halifax Health for care. 'I believe that Mrs. Wilkerson can be helped,' said Dr. James Moore, a psychiatrist. He described Wilkerson's detention as so restrictive that it will complicate mental health treatment. 'She's limited in her ability even for such things as getting fresh air.' The judge also heard from Dr. Pamela Carbiener, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, who said Wilkerson's pregnancy is complicated by several factors and she has risk factors for premature birth. 'I think she has significant high-risk issues,' Carbiener said. Judge Leah Case declined to release Wilkerson to the hospital at that point.. By Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter