Mother who admitted to stabbing 5-year-old daughter to death near Tomball found incompetent to stand trial
A mother, who admitted to authorities that she stabbed her daughter to death in Tomball, was found incompetent to stand trial on Sept. 22. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)
HARRIS COUNTY – A mother, who admitted to authorities that she stabbed
Melissa Towne was previously charged with capital murder in this case. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said that in October of 2022, Towne stated she stabbed her child in the neck at Spring Creek Park in the Tomball area.
She then went to a local hospital, and a nurse went to the woman’s car. Investigators said she found the 5-year-old wrapped in plastic and mesh bags.
The child did not respond, and she had a cut on her neck. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to court documents, Towne will have to be committed to a mental health facility for other examinations and treatment, so she can be competent for trial.
MORE COVERAGE:
CPS was called multiple times before mother slit her 5-year-old daughter’s throat in Tomball woods, report says
Bond set at $15M for mother who reportedly admitted to stabbing 5-year-old daughter to death at park near Tomball, court docs say
Mother who admitted to stabbing 5-year-old daughter to death has been institutionalized 9 times, lawyer says
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These stories offer a glimpse into trauma, loss experienced in Houston area in 2022
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About the Author Cynthia Miranda graduated from UT Austin and is a proud Houstonian. She is passionate about covering breaking news and community stories. Cynthia previously covered elections, the historic 2021 Texas winter storm, and other news in East Texas. In addition to writing, she also loves going to concerts, watching movies, and cooking with her family.
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