Jail Texts: Can Accused Killer Stand Trial?

Catherine Hoggle, facing charges for the murders of her three-year-old daughter Sarah and two-year-old son Jacob in 2014, is at the center of a legal battle over her competency to stand trial. Initially deemed incompetent in 2015 due to diagnosed paranoia and schizophrenia, prosecutors now contend that recent text messages and phone calls made from jail demonstrate her mental fitness.

These communications, including a text suggesting a protest to "show the judge the support I have" and a discussion about hiring a second attorney, are being highlighted by the prosecution. A psychiatrist hired by the state's attorney's office testified that Hoggle, in recent interactions, displays rational thought and an ability to strategize, showing no signs of psychosis since the previous year.

Conversely, a court-appointed forensic psychiatrist maintains that Hoggle's schizophrenia continues to impair her competency, noting ongoing psychosis, delusions, and disorganized thinking. This expert believes Hoggle is unable to effectively assist in her defense, despite her parents' earlier release in July and subsequent reindictment in August on two counts of first-degree murder.