Defense Believes Francis Lyles Should Be Screened for Postpartum Depression

Francis Lyles is competent to stand trial following a 24-hour forensic examination, but Judge Jennifer Anderson ordered Lyles to undergo additional treatment at a D.C. jail.

I can’t send you to St. Elizabeths Hospital because the jail found you competent, but you should seek follow up treatment,” Judge Anderson said in court Friday.

Defense attorney, Elliott Queen said the exam mentioned that Lyles suffered from depression, but was vague in its level and recommended that she be screened for postpartum depression.

Lyles, 25, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with three counts of cruelty to children and obstruction of justice for the death of her three year-old son Xavier Lyles on June 24.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Wright reminded the court that “Lyles led law enforcement to believe that her boyfriend murdered the child and lied to a grand jury.”

Lyles is scheduled for a status hearing January 9, 2015 in courtroom 318.

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