Tomball mom accused of daughter's murder found incompetent to stand trial for now, prosecutors say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A mother from Tomball accused of stabbing her 5-year-old to death is not currently competent to stand trial, according to prosecutors.

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.

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.