by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — A Sumner County District Court Judge has assigned Mike Brown as Lindsey Blansett’s court-appointed attorney today. Blansett, 33, of Wellington is being charged with first degree murder of her 10-year-old son, Caleb Blansett.

Lindsey Blansett

Blansett’s first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. under the court docket of Sumner County Judge William Mott. This has been a change of schedule said County Attorney Kerwin Spencer. Blansett’s first hearing was originally set for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. under judge Scott McQuin.

Spencer said McQuin will eventually be the presiding judge but Mott will need to assign the case to him first.

Mike Brown

Whether Blansett will make an appearance in court Thursday morning will depend on Brown, Spencer said.

Blansett is accused of murdering her son at their house late Sunday evening at 902 W. 7th in Wellington. In the District Court complaint, Blansett decided that Caleb’s life would be full of suffering and it would be better for him to go to heaven. She allegedly took a rock and knife into the bedroom striking him with a rock and stabbing him with a knife multiple times until he was dead.

Wellington Police Chief Tracy Heath said there were at least three people at the residence during the incident including a 9-year-old sibling of Caleb. The girl was taken into protective custody but was eventually turned over to the family, Heath said.

Blansett’s charge is an off-grid felony which carries a life sentence without parole if convicted. She is currently in Sumner County jail and has a $500,000 bond set for release.

Spencer said he does not anticipate she will be able to make bond.

Her arrest came after the WPD received a 911 call at 11:45 p.m. Sunday evening. No details of who made the 911 call has been released. At a press conference, Heath told reporters he did not know if there was a specific incident that precipitated Caleb’s death, who had been sleeping at the time.

Caleb was a Lincoln Elementary student. Counselors have been called to the school to be available for students.

Heath said no drugs were involved during the incident.

The incident has received international attention. The news has been featured on the London Daily Mail (see article here) as well as the New York Daily and others.

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A Caleb Blansett Memorial Fund has been set up at the Impact Bank in Wellington at 206 East Harvey Avenue for those wishing to donate.

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