A Chicago woman accused of stabbing her three children—killing one—before setting fire to their Logan Square apartment appeared in court Friday morning, facing multiple felony charges in a case that has stunned the city.

Wendy Tolbert, 45, was formally charged with 14 felony counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated arson, and battery. According to prosecutors, the attack took place on July 4th inside the family’s apartment. Tolbert allegedly told authorities that she believed her children were possessed and needed to be saved from evil spirits.

The violence left her 4-year-old son dead, and her two older children—a 10-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl—hospitalized with serious injuries. The 10-year-old has since been released from medical care, while the teenage girl remains hospitalized.

Authorities say Tolbert stabbed each child before intentionally setting fire to their home. Firefighters responding to the scene found the three children inside, and the blaze was quickly extinguished. The crime scene, coupled with Tolbert’s statements to law enforcement, led to a swift arrest.

In court, her public defender noted that Tolbert has no previous criminal history and is currently undergoing cancer treatment. She is also reported to have longstanding mental health challenges, a factor her defense team is expected to emphasize as proceedings unfold.

The case raises renewed concerns about the intersection of mental illness, trauma, and child safety. Neighbors and community members have expressed horror and heartbreak, with some asking whether warning signs had gone unnoticed or unaddressed.

Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue an insanity defense or request psychiatric evaluation, but additional hearings are expected to clarify Tolbert’s legal path. Friday’s court appearance was procedural in nature, and her status hearing has been scheduled for later this month.

The surviving children are now in the care of relatives and are expected to receive ongoing counseling and trauma support. Child welfare authorities have opened a separate investigation to assess the family’s history and determine whether prior interventions or signs of distress were reported.

The incident marks one of the most disturbing cases of domestic violence in Chicago this year and has prompted calls for increased mental health resources, especially for caregivers managing serious illness and economic hardship.

As the investigation continues, prosecutors are working to piece together the events leading up to the Fourth of July tragedy, while the community mourns a young life lost and two others forever altered.

Wendy Tolbert remains in custody without bond.