Photo: Philip Cheung for The New York Times
Bryan, Texas – Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes became a mother while navigating her high-profile criminal trial for fraud and conspiracy. Holmes, who shares two children with her partner, Billy Evans, gave birth to her first child, William, in July 2021, just days before her trial began. She later welcomed her daughter, Invicta, in early 2023.
Currently serving an 11-year sentence—reduced to nine years for good behavior—Holmes spoke to PEOPLE in February 2025, expressing how being separated from her children “shatters” her world.
Holmes’ First Pregnancy Delayed Her Trial
Holmes’ first pregnancy led to a delay in her criminal trial, which was originally scheduled for July 2021 after multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, court documents revealed that her legal team and prosecutors jointly requested a schedule change due to her expected July due date. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Leach called the timing “frustrating and disappointing.”
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Birth of Her Son, William Holmes Evans
Holmes gave birth to her first child, William Holmes Evans, on July 10, 2021, in Redwood, California. The news was later confirmed in birth records obtained by ABC News.
Holmes Became Pregnant Again After Her Conviction
Following her January 2022 fraud conviction, court filings confirmed that Holmes became pregnant with her second child. In a sentencing memo, Billy Evans pleaded for leniency, arguing that Holmes’ imprisonment would deprive their children of key developmental moments.
Holmes, who was visibly pregnant during her sentencing, expressed deep regret for her actions, stating, “I regret my failings with every cell of my body.”
Birth of Her Daughter, Invicta Holmes Evans
The birth of Holmes’ second child, Invicta, was disclosed in a February 2023 court motion filed by her defense team. The filing argued that she was not a flight risk and should be allowed to remain free while appealing her conviction.
Holmes reported to Federal Prison Camp Bryan on May 30, 2023, when Invicta was just a few months old. She was permitted to bring two breast pumps to collect milk for her infant daughter, an experience she later described as an act of love.
Prison Adjustments for Mothers
Following Holmes’ discussions with prison officials, lactation rooms were introduced in 2023 to provide privacy for incarcerated mothers.
Children’s Visits to Federal Prison
Holmes receives visits from her children twice a week. In her February 2025 interview, she shared the emotional toll of these moments: “The people I love the most have to walk away as I stand here, a prisoner, and my reality sinks in.”
