Stepfather accused of killing 11-year-old girl has competency issues, lawyers say
The stepfather of an 11-year-old girl found dead in a New Hampshire river five years ago may not be competent to stand trial for her murder, lawyers said during his first court appearance Tuesday.
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Wendell Noyes, 52, was arrested Monday at a state hospital and charged with second-degree murder in the death of Celina Cass. Cass disappeared July 26, 2011 from the Stewartstown home she lived in with Noyes, her mother, sister and another man.
Six days later, she was found dead in the Connecticut River, about a half-mile from home. The complaint against Noyes says he killed Cass by “submerging” her in the river.
Noyes, who is facing life in prison if he is found guilty, did not enter a plea and was held without bail. He will likely be indicted before the case in the lower court goes forward against him.
Celina Cass
Both Associate Attorney General Jane E. Young and defense attorney Marcie Hornick expressed concerns about Noyes’ competency. In November, Judge Paul Desjardins found him incompetent to stand trial on several misdemeanor charges and ordered him to be reevaluated a year later. Noyes has been in the state hospital since December 29.
Hornick said she would file a motion for another competency evaluation.
Cass’ family, including her mother, Luisa Cass, were in the front row of the courtroom in Berlin Tuesday. They wore shirts with Cass’ face and the words “Justice for Celina.”
Luisa Cass, who is separated from Noyes, told reporters after the hearing that she was happy and relieved to see someone charged.
“We finally get justice,” she said, according to The Boston Globe. “It’s finally here after five years.”
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