Texas Mom Who Killed 2 Daughters Had a 'History of Mental Illness,' Authorities Say

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12. Is that really clear from the evidence in the brief story?

Even under Texas law which is unusual in that it names mental disorders that are disqualifying under state law, it's not clear what is meant by a mental crisis. There is no mention at all that a diagnosis was made. It might have been, but it might not have been for conditions listed inside of Texas law. So it's unclear if a mental diagnosis could be found on background check.

Federally, 3 things specifically about mental illness could put a person on the prohibited purchase list to be found by a background check an adjudication by the court or appointed representatives of a court that a person was dangerous to self or others, an involuntary commitment because a person is dangerous to self or others, and acceptance by the court of a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity. If those things don't exist, a record in NICS wouldn't exist for a background check to detect.