The attorney for the mother of 16 children found in a Vinton County home has asked for her to be evaluated to determine if she can legally stand trial.
Thomas Stolly, the attorney for Elizabeth Siders, 33, filed the motion Aug. 4 in Vinton County Common Pleas Court.
Siders is charged with 16 counts of felony child endangerment. Her husband, Gary Siders Jr., 36, and his parents, Gary Siders Sr., 73, and Christina Siders, 67, are also charged with 16 counts of felony child endangerment apiece.
According to Stolly's motion, Elizabeth Siders has shown signs that raise concerns that she "may be suffering from significant mental health issues" that would be a barrier to her ability to assist in her defense.
"Counsel believes that the Defendant's significant
mental health issues would not only affect whether she is competent to stand trial, but would also have affected her ability to understand the wrongfulness of her conduct ... such that the Defendant would not have fully understood the consequences of her actions at the time of the alleged offenses, should such actions have actually constituted criminal conduct," Stolly said.
Siders' motion is the latest request for an evaluation for members of the family. Attorneys for the other three Siderses also filed requests for mental health evaluations, which Vinton County Judge Laina Fetherolf Rogers granted.
Siders remains in custody in lieu of a $300,000 bond, as do Gary Siders Jr. and Christina Siders.
Gary Siders Sr. was released from custody on a recognizance bond after a fall and serious medical issue. On Aug. 3, he signed paperwork for that recognizance bond, indicating that he may no longer be hospitalized.
The attorney for Christina Siders filed a request for a recognizance bond, citing concerns over her mental health and ability to receive proper care. Rogers had not ruled on that request as of the morning of Aug. 4.
The Siderses were arrested and charged after Vinton County authorities and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation searched the family’s home June 30 on Ohmer Street in Hamden.
The children were found living in a small space in conditions described as horrific and deplorable.
As of Aug. 4, a grand jury has not issued indictments against the Siderses.
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Elizabeth Siders files request for mental health evaluation
