PORTLAND — A mother accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter in a Cannon Beach hotel room will have a mental health evaluation as part of her ongoing court case.
The Daily Astorian reports a Clatsop County judge approved a request by the district attorney to have a mental health evaluation done on Jessica Smith. District Attorney Josh Marquis says the state needs more information about Smith’s mental health to prepare for trial.
Smith has pleaded not guilty to murder in the July 31, 2014 drowning death of her younger daughter, and attempted murder in the slashing of her 13-year-old daughter. The surviving girl now lives with her father in Washington. Smith lived in Vancouver for a time.
Smith’s lawyers said in court earlier this year that she suffered a mental breakdown.
A trial is scheduled next June.
