Woman accused of stabbing dad going to Mayview
A North Union Township woman accused of stabbing her father to death will spend 60 days in a state-run psychiatric facility under an amended order handed down Monday. Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen indicated that Kim Straughters, 30, will remain in Mayview State Hospital in Bridgeville for at least 60 days to be examined by a staff psychiatrist.
The doctor will determine if Straughters was competent when she allegedly stabbed her father, Robert Davis, in the neck as he sat on the porch of his home at 355 Cleveland Ave. Extension on May 7, 2004. Mayview personnel also will determine if Straughters is competent to stand trial.
If Straughters is deemed competent before the 60 days is up, Leskinen’s order indicates she must immediately be returned to Fayette County Prison.
The state evaluation was ordered at the request of prosecutors after a defense-hired psychologist testified that Straughters has auditory and visual hallucinations, psychosis and is mildly mentally retarded. Adam C. Sedlock Jr. testified last month that Straughters was unable to assist in her own defense should her case go to trial.