Melissa Ann Towne was found incompetent to stand trial, and she will be committed to a mental health facility for competency restoration treatment.
In order to be found competent to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him or her, and be able to communicate with defense attorneys about the facts of the case.
[Ads /]
Last October, police say Towne pulled up to a hospital and admitted to killing her 5-year-old daughter Chanel Nichole in a park. Investigators said Towne told nurses that she believed her daughter was evil.
Documents show that at the time of the murder, investigators had an open case looking into possible medical and physical neglect.
Towne remains charged with capital murder. The case could proceed to trial at a future date, should doctors determine Towne meets competency requirements.
[Ads /]
SEE MORE ABOUT THIS CASE:
- Texas mom was reported 7 times to CPS before stabbing, killing her 5-year-old daughter, new docs say
- Child allegedly stabbed and killed by mother in Tomball, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says
- $15M bond set for mom charged with capital murder in 5-year-old daughter's stabbing
- Neighbors called police in past on mom Melissa Towne, who's accused of killing daughter in Tomball
- Mom seen living at squatters' camp before 5-year-old daughter's murder, neighbor says
- Mom charged with capital murder after stabbing her 5-year-old daughter to appear before judge