DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The woman who drove her SUV into the ocean with her children inside was granted conditional release from a mental hospital during a court appearance Thursday afternoon.
Ebony Wilkerson will stay in transitional housing and will need to take injectable medications. She will not be permitted to have physical contact with her children until a therapist deems it safe.
"Ms. Wilkerson is at low risk for future violence, at low risk of serious harm and immediate violence if she remains compliant in a civil hospital setting," her attorney said.
Judge Leah Ransbottom-Case heard from two doctors by phone who tested Wilkerson for weeks and says she had one concern before making her final decision.
"Ebony Wilkerson has repeatedly, distortedly minimized her mental health illness. Had you taken that into account when you rendered your opinion?" Case asked.
The two doctors and staff from the transitional facility reassured the judge that as long as Wilkerson takes injectible medication and continues with therapy, she isn't likely to harm herself or others.
"Even though we don't have everything the way that we like, we are still going through a lot of hardship, but we'll overcome it," said Wilkerson's husband, Lutful Ronjon.
We caught up with Wilkerson's husband and father -- who were also in court today-- and both say they're just happy to be moving forward.
"We're just grateful that she's out and making progress and pray that y'all keep her in your prayers, Ronjon said.
Wilkerson made national headlines in March 2014 when the then-pregnant mother drove her SUV into the water off Daytona Beach, with her three children inside.
Wilkerson was ordered to a treatment facility in 2016 after she admitted to not taking her medication to treat her mental health issues.
After reviewing two medical opinions last month, Ransbottom-Case said she needed more time to make a decision.