Woman Charged With Killing Her Child Granted Extended Mental Health Evaluation

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A judge allowed a women to receive an extended mental health evaluation during mental health court on Sept. 22 at Baltimore City Circuit Court. 

Judge Gale E. Raisin approved of the evaluation after Circuit Court Medical could not provide a proper evaluation.

Shakira Shaw, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under the age of 13. Both of these charges can result in a life sentence. 

Shaw allegedly killed her 22-month-old son, Kaleb, on Dec. 28, 2019, at her home on the 400 block of Aisquith Street. A medical examiner initially ruled the death as natural due to a heart arrhythmia. 

In late August 2020, Shaw called local police officers and confessed to killing her child. She told officers that she had been hearing voices telling her to kill the child. She also said she held her hand over his face until he stopped breathing and then took a shower before calling 911.

Shaw was deemed incompetent to stand trial during reception court on Sept. 20 by Judge Melissa Phinn.

Shaw is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 27.

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