MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The mother accused of killing four of her children wasn’t in court Monday, but her family huddled outside Division 15 got an update from her lawyer on what’s next.
Shanynthia Gardner was accused of stabbing 6-month-old Yahzi Gardner, 2-year-old Sahvi Gardner, 3-year-old Sya Gardner and 4-year-old Tallen Gardner to death more than a week ago.
Her attorney said she remains in the custody of the Memphis Mental Health Institute undergoing evaluation.
“How long will she be in MMHI custody?”
“Don’t know. Til they determine she can come back to understand the proceedings or evaluation in to her competency is completed.”
After her last court appearance, where she refused to answer the judge, she was ordered to undergo mental tests.
“We will let the professionals evaluate her and determine what her state of mind was at the time of the alleged offenses.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department said Gardner confessed to killing the kids to her husband.
Her 7-year-old escaped and got help.
An outpouring of love at the kids’ funeral Saturday.
People lined up to say their goodbyes.
As for whether Gardner was allowed to see the bodies of the kids she’s accused of killing, her attorney and the Sheriff’s Department said not to their knowledge, but she is now solely in the custody of MMHI.
“She has not been out of custody or had contact with anyone on the outside, other than her father to my knowledge.”
“I know the family is grieving. She is grieving. It is just a horrible, horrible event.”
Gardner’s attorney said Filicide, which is the killing of one’s child, is a known psychotic issues, hinting at what could be defense in this case.
Gardner is expected to be back in court July 26.
