ROCKVILLE, Md. — Catherine Hoggle, the last person to see two young children when they disappeared in September 2014, is still incompetent to stand trial for their disappearance, say doctors at the state’s maximum-security mental health hospital.
In a brief hearing Tuesday morning, Montgomery County District Court Judge Eugene Wolfe said a recent report from Hoggle’s doctors at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland, says they believe Hoggle is still unable to assist in her own defense.
Hoggle is charged with abduction, neglect and hindering the investigation into the disappearance of her children, Sarah and Jacob, who were 3 and 2 when last seen.
Police, prosecutors and the children’s father, Troy Turner, suspect Hoggle killed her children, but she has not been charged for that crime. Hoggle has only said her children are safe, with a friend.
Defense attorney David Felsen would not comment on the specifics of the most recent report about Hoggle, who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia.
He was asked outside of court whether he believes his client is getting better.
“I can’t say; I’m not a doctor,” said Felsen. “I think there are some things that have been consistent since her original detention in this case (and) there are some things that have changed.”
Felsen has said his client is being given medication in an attempt to restore her competency.
Prosecutors have previously stated they believe Hoggle is malingering.
Outside the courthouse, Hoggle’s mother, Lindsey, who has told the judge she believes her daughter understands the legal issues facing her, expressed disappointment.
“This is just unacceptable that we continue to not have Catherine competent,” Lindsey Hoggle said.
The judge ordered Hoggle return to court Sept. 27, or earlier if her doctors determine she is competent.
