The Constance Fisher Tragedy

<p> On March 8 1954 while battling post partum depression a 24 year old Maine housewife drowned her three children in a bathtub before attempting suicide. </p> <p> After spending only 5 years at the Augusta State Hospital Constance Fisher was released from the institution. Her release marked the beginnings of a new era in the treatment of the mentally ill in America as the nation moved to phase out the large state run mental hospitals. </p> <p> On June 30 1966 Constance Fisher again drowned her three children in a bathtub in what has been called the most bizarre murder story in the history of New England. </p> <p> The incident was foretelling of another American tragedy; the plight of the acutely mentally ill with no facility left to properly care for them. </p>