SKOWHEGAN (AP) — A judge has ruled that a competency hearing for an 11-yearold Maine girl charged with manslaughter in the death of an infant will be closed to the media and public.
The judge ruled Monday that the Fairfield girl’s privacy rights outweigh the public’s rights. The judge wrote that sensitive information that is sure to come out during the hearing will not be relevant to the criminal case.
Prosecutors tell the Morning Sentinel they are disappointed with the decision.
The girl was charged at age 10 with juvenile manslaughter in the death of a 3-monthold girl in her mother’s care.
The hearing scheduled for Thursday in Skowhegan District Court is to determine whether the girl understands the legal system and is capable of aiding her own defense.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less