30-year term for Elmhurst woman who stabbed grandson

A former Elmhurst woman who tried to kill her infant grandson because she believed he was the Antichrist will remain in a mental health facility until 2036 unless her condition improves, a judge ruled Thursday.

Sandra Clanton, 41, was found not guilty by reason of insanity last year in the September 2010 knife attack on the 9-month-old victim. On Thursday, DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin ruled Clanton can remain committed for up to 30 years, which is the maximum prison sentence she could have received if convicted of attempted murder.

Clanton has been in a mental health facility northeast of St. Louis, in Alton, Ill., since September 2010. With credit for time served and the potential for early release, her 30-year commitment would be complete in March 2036. She will report to court every 60 days for updates on her condition, which could effect the length of her commitment or the conditions of her stay. Any contested changes would go before Guerin for a ruling.

“I’m hopeful she’ll be back before your honor sooner than that (2036),” defense attorney Mike Walsh told the judge in court. “I’m confident she will. She has been making progress.”

Prosecutors have said Clanton beat her daughter’s infant baby and stabbed him in the face with a butcher knife because she believed he was the Antichrist. The child was rushed to a hospital and treated for what authorities described at the time as minor injuries.

Clanton’s case will be back in court July 18.