Another competency evaluation requested in Vinton County child endangerment case. This time for the grandmother
By: Thomas Billington
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – A third member of a Vinton County family accused of keeping 16 children in “horrific” living conditions is now seeking a competency evaluation.
The attorney for Christina Siders filed the motion Tuesday morning. If approved by the judge, the evaluation would determine whether Siders is competent to stand trial.
“Counsel has reason to believe that Defendant is unable to fully comprehend the proceedings in this Court and is unable to assist counsel in preparation and defense of this case,” Kandra Roberts, Siders’ public defender, wrote in the motion.
The request for a competency evaluation comes a few days after a similar request was made by her son, Gary Jr. Her husband, Gary Sr., also has requested a competency evaluation, and is currently undergoing mental health screenings.
The request for an evaluation was filed alongside a request for Chritina’s bond to be modified. Her public defender, Roberts, wrote that the $300,000 bond was more than Christina had the ability to pay.
Roberts notes the charge of child endangerment is a nonviolent felony, and cites a court decision that says “setting a high bail in order to keep someone accused of a crime incarcerated pretrial is both statutorily and constitutionally unlawful.”
Roberts added that if bail is reduced, Christina would refrain from communications with her co-defendants. Roberts also said Christina has “strong family support” and family members who will let her reside at their homes.
Roberts notes Christina is 66 years old, has no criminal record and does not have the financial means to be a flight risk.