A Bronx grandmother charged with stabbing her 7-year-old granddaughter in February has now been deemed fit to stand trial. According to New York Post, the 65-year-old grandmother, Maritza Yauger, is facing “attempted murder and assault charges.”
The Grandmother Underwent Psychiatric Examination After The “Shocking” Stabbing
According to the outlet, Yauger was instructed to undergo a psychiatric examination after being arrested for stabbing her 7-year-old granddaughter.
On Monday, prosecutors determined that the 65-year-old was “fit to stand trial.” However, Yauger’s lawyers reportedly plan to pursue a “psychiatric defense.”
Yauger’s arrest reportedly left friends and neighbors “shocked,” as the grandmother usually doted over her granddaughter.
Maria Castillo, a hairdresser at a local salon, shared her surprise at the incident.
“She worshipped her granddaughter. When she brings the granddaughter, I said, ‘Why you give her everything?’ She said, ‘I have two sons. I have no daughter. I love my granddaughter. I give her everything.'”
More Details About The Stabbing & The 7-Year-Old’s Condition
According to New York Post, Yauger reportedly stabbed her 7-year-old granddaughter on February 21, around 8 a.m. The child was struck in her neck, stomach, and back with an unknown object.
Additionally, police reported that Yauger left her granddaughter “in a pool of blood.”
The 7-year-old was transported to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition. According to PIX11, she also suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain. Furthermore, the child was placed in a medically induced coma.
District Attorney Darcel Clark shared more details about the stabbing.
“This brave young girl is fighting for her life after her own grandmother allegedly attacked her as she slept, and with her 4-year-old sister present. We are hoping for a speedy recovery and will do everything we can to make sure these girls get the support they will need to deal with the trauma.”
According to PIX11, the 7-year-old was visiting her grandmother from New Jersey during school vacation. The child’s uncle reportedly woke up to her screams and found the girl “covered in blood.” Then called the police.
Yauger’s charges include “attempted murder, attempted assault, assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child.”
It remains unclear when the grandmother’s trial will begin, as well as the condition of the 7-year-old girl.
