Defense: Babysitter accused of kidnapping 2-year-old has mental health issues
Abigail Hanna was ordered held without bail.
The former babysitter accused of abducting a two-year-old Hamilton girl on Friday has had suicidal thoughts and does not understand the charges against her, a psychiatrist said in Newburyport District Court on Monday, according to WHDH.
Abigail Hanna, 21, is accused of breaking into a home, abducting, and assaulting the toddler. She was charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a cigarette), assault and battery on a child, and breaking and entering in the nighttime, police said.
In court on Monday, Hanna pleaded not guilty. She was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing and will undergo further psychiatric evaluation.
The child went missing sometime after 3 a.m. on Friday, and police launched an extensive search of the area. She was found naked, bruised, and with a shaved head in Rowley, several miles away, by a couple driving to work around 9 a.m. She was released from the hospital to her family on Sunday, officials said.
Hanna’s defense attorney Susan H. McNeil said they entered a not guilty plea as they gather more facts about the case.
“At this time Abigail is addressing serious and potentially life threatening issues. These issues have clearly impacted her overall mental health,’’ McNeil said, according to WCVB.
The parents of the toddler released a statement thanking the police, emergency responders, and the couple.
Abigail Hanna.
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