Mom Who Killed Her Four Children Ruled Incompetent to Stand Trial
Today, May 16,2007, as reported by the Associated Press, Elkhart Circuit Judge, Terry Shewmaker has ordered that Alvarez be committed to the Division of Mental Health to see that if in the near future that she could stand trial. Judge Shewmaker has asked that the determination be within three months. Alvarez cannot be tried until she is ruled competent.
Judge Shewmaker also went to say, that his decision was based on the three court-appointed psychiatrists as well as his own observations of Angelica Alvarez in the courtroom. Attorney for Angelica Alvarez, Juan Garcia Jr. stated to reporters that he had been pleased with the outcome of the ruling. He also went to say, ``I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought the judge could have gone either way,''. Alvarez went on and explained that the test for competency is whether a defendant can assist in his/her defense, and whether or not he/she understands the proceedings,as reported by the Associated Press.
During the court proceedings, one psychiatrist said that Angelica Alvarez could do both, one determined that she could do neither and the other said that she understood the proceedings and what was going on but she could not assist in her defense.
"She has no emotion one way or the other," said Martha Williams, who lives directly behind Alvarez's former home. "I think she must have had a history of being ill to do something like that." as reported by WSBT.
Published by Jeanne Marie Kerns
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13 Comments
Post a CommentThis mother just got life without parole for each of her children's deaths (4 life sentences).
You know, there's just too much of this happening for people to turn a blind eye. And the neighbors didn't think anything was wrong with this woman?! Good story.
how can a mother even go there??????
And, she'll probably be out in a couple months.
Another sad story. . .
Ohh please. Had this been a man...he would have been found competent and guilty.
"Alvarez cannot be tried until she is ruled competent," or unless? Good coverage.
I hope she gets help and salvation
How terrible for those poor babies, I can not properly express my grief. And how terrible for that poor woman too. Surprisingly I feel pity for her because in order to do something like that she must have been out of her mind. I can't help put pity someone that crazy. Absolutely tragic, but your article was very well written.
I don't know how anyone could strangle their children if they weren't mentally ill. How sad that she didn't try to get help instead of making the choice she did. Someone else would have taken those children and cared for them. I live near Goshen, and I was shocked when this happened so close to home. Great reporting on a very sad situation.