Brother: Mom accused of murder was 'unhappy'

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's day two for the defense team in the trial of a mother accused of burying her newborn son alive.

Narjes Modarresi, 32, is facing capital murder charges. According to authorities, the mother drowned her two-month-old son by placing him head down in a puddle of water then covering him up with leaves and dirt.

Her defense attorney says the mother has a long history of mental illness which includes bipolar disorder and severe manic depression which influenced her state of mind the day of the death. In court Wednesday, defense attorneys questioned the defendant's brother.

Mr. Modarresi says his sister's mental illness began back when she was 17 year old. He also testified she was unhappy in Houston and wanted to move back to Iran.

Prosecutors say her disease is no excuse and believe the mother knew what she was doing.

Modarresi initially told police two black men kidnapped her baby while she was walking him in his stroller back in April 2010. The mother later confessed after being confronted by police.

Closing arguments in this case will start Thursday. If found guilty, Modaressi faces an automatic sentence of life without parole.