(Jamaica Gleaner) – Resident Magistrate Althea Nembhard yesterday ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Shanika McKellar, the St Elizabeth mother alleged to have killed her 11-month-old daughter a month ago.
Nembhard made the order after learning that McKellar, 22, has made several attempts to kill herself while in police custody.
McKellar, is reported to have tried to drink bleach, attempted to strangle herself using pieces of her clothing, and to have tried to slit her wrist with a broken toothbrush.
McKellar is to be assessed before April 12 when the matter will next be called up in the Black River Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The 22-year-old was taken into custody on February 19 in connection with the death of her 11-month-old daughter, Sabrina Joseph, in Lewis Town, Black River, St Elizabeth.
