Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — A judge in Dayton says a woman charged with fatally shooting two of her children is presently competent to stand trial.
The Dayton Daily News reports that the judge ruled last month after reviewing a psychiatric report.
Dayton police say 30-year-old Claudena Helton confessed to shooting 8-year-old daughter Khmorra and 6-year-old son Kaiden in the head in May to "save them from the evils of the world." A third child helped drag their bodies outside the home. Police say Helton was naked and in a trance-like state when she was arrested.
Other reports concerning Helton's plea of not guilty by reason of insanity to aggravated murder charges haven't been completed.
Helton's attorney asked for a continuance on Friday.
The psychiatric report can also be used in cases not involving insanity pleas.
___
Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.