Lillian Alvarado was found competent to stand trial for the death of her newborn son, according a May 29 report from the the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health.
During Friday’s mental observation hearing, defense attorneys asked Judge John Ramsey Johnson for time to evaluate whether they want to challenge the department’s findings and asked for Alvarado to remain in St. Elizabeths Hospital until the next scheduled hearing at 10:00 a.m. on July 24.
Alvarado, 21, is suspected of first-degree murder and one count of cruelty to children in connection with the death of her newborn son, who was found on November 28, 2013, in the bathroom of her apartment in Northwest D.C.
Prosecutors have said Alvarado delivered the nearly full-term baby alive before drowning him, dismembering him, and trying to discard him in the toilet.
Alvarado was first admitted to St. Elizabeths on December 12, 2013, as a civil patient and was found incompetent to stand trial in March, according to the latest mental health report.
Alvarado is currently diagnosed with several mental disorders that are being treated with medication, but an evaluator at St. Elizabeths Hospital said Alvarado does not need to remain hospitalized to remain competent.
Judge John Ramsey Johnson ordered Alvarado to remain at the hospital and ordered a follow up mental observation report before the next scheduled hearing.
A copy of the latest mental observation report is attached below.
