Jury Considers Mother’s Fitness in Murder Case
A jury in Houston began deciding whether a mother accused in the bathtub drownings of her five children is mentally fit to face a capital murder trial.
The jury of 11 women and one man began deliberating after hearing three days of testimony about the mental competence of Andrea Yates, 37.
The panel must decide whether Yates understands the proceedings against her and is able to assist her lawyers in a trial that could lead to a death sentence if she is convicted.
A finding of competence would lead to Yates’ trial, while a finding of incompetence would lead to her commitment at a state mental hospital until she is deemed fit.
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