Dentist shares personal story of mom accused of drowning her children
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Accused of drowning her two children, Sheborah Thomas remains in the medical ward at the Harris County jail undergoing a mental evaluation. There is new insight into a her unthinkable actions, with Thomas' dentist sharing his unique perspective with Eyewitness News.
Dr. Zeb Poindexter says Sheborah Thomas had her share of issues, but that in all of their interactions, he never saw anything but a mother who cared deeply for her children, their care and their well-being.
Her 7-year-old son Araylon and 5-year-old daughter Kayiana were regulars at his dental office. Their murders hit him deep.
"Why am I so emotional about it? Because my fingers were in these children's mouths. You can't get much more personal than sticking your fingers in somebody's mouth," Dr. Poindexter said.
VIDEO: Community shocked over death of two children
The last time he saw them, Thomas brought them by just to say hello while they were in the neighborhood.
"The little girl hugged my legs," he said.
He says the mother accused of drowning her babies is not the mother he got to know.
"She was concerned about her children," he said. "She showed no signs of violent behavior toward her children."
Before she can appear in court, she has to go through a mental health evaluation. Her attorney said Wednesday that she's in a catatonic, almost incoherent state.
"She has a previous diagnosis of schizophrenia as well as bipolar disorder. She also is currently severely depressed," explained her attorney Alvin Nunnery.
VIDEO: Mom accused of drowning her kids treated for mental health issues
Dr. Poindexter believes years of struggle may have been a factor.
"Situations where her children don't have enough to eat, she can't put food on the table, clothing, shelter, her depression along with her self-imposed mind-alteration, I would say those are formulas that are leading up to not just her but a lot of people out there," he said.
He wants to know what this grieving community can do to prevent a repeat.
"This is not the first time we've been exposed to multiple murders in a household of children," he said. "Somebody knew she was in trouble. What safeguards do we have in place so this doesn't happen again?"
Thomas faces two counts of capital murder. She's scheduled to be in court next Thursday, pending that mental evaluation.
