Psychologist: Woman accused of trying to run down ex legally insane

A Schaumburg woman who authorities say tried to run down her former husband two years ago was legally insane at the time, a clinical psychologist testified Thursday during the woman's bench trial before Cook County Judge Joel Greenblatt.

Anna Derose, 46, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she drove to her ex-husband's home on McWalter Drive in Roselle on April 21, 2016. In 911 calls to Roselle police, neighbors described her driving erratically, through yards and between houses.

"She's trying to run over her ex-husband," claimed one 911 caller.

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Erick Neu, Derose told him she had a panic attack after seeing her ex-husband leave the house. Neu said Derose told him her vision went blurry and she drove on the grass but she denied intentionally trying to strike him.

Defense attorneys called as witnesses Neu and clinical psychologist Dr. Linda Gruenberg, both of whom testified Derose has schizoaffective disorder bi-polar type, which has symptoms including paranoia and delusions. Gruenberg further testified Derose could not appreciate the criminality of her actions.

According to Gruenberg, Derose was treated for postpartum depression after the births of her children. In 2014 she was hospitalized at Amita Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates after she called Schaumburg police to report her ex-husband was trying to kill her.

Neu, a psychologist with Clinical Forensic Services, interviewed Derose twice last year and reviewed medical records, police reports and psychiatric evaluations from other medical professionals.

"At the time of the offense, medical records describe her as acutely psychotic," Neu said.

Derose's records documented "a decadeslong history of mental illness that has gotten more severe as she got older," Neu said.

Derose's trial continues Friday in Rolling Meadows.