Woman to stand trial for allegedly killing mother
A Fayette County judge has ruled that a Smock woman accused of killing her mother is mentally competent to stand trial and that statements she gave to state police after she allegedly killed her mother will be accepted in court. President Judge Gerald R. Solomon denied motions made by Angela Modispaw’s defense attorney claiming she was mentally incompetent to stand trial.
On April 11, 2008, Modispaw allegedly stabbed her mother, Theresa Maureen Modispaw, 56, to death.
Police said she used a butcher knife to try and cut her mother’s throat, and then stabbed her five times, including once in the heart.
Modispaw reportedly told police that she heard voices that told her to kill her mother.
Authorities also alleged she stabbed her brother, Michael Modispaw, when he saw what happened to his mother. When he called 911 for help, police said he told them that she cut his neck with a knife.
The two prayed after that, police said, and when Michael Modispaw’s back was turned, she allegedly stabbed him in the back with scissors.
She is charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault.
Solomon said that Modispaw was competent when police questioned and is able to understand proceedings and participate in her defense.