Competency Remains Uncertain for Babysitter Accused of Kidnapping

HAMILTON-WENHAM, MA - Nearly two months after a Hamilton toddler was kidnapped and left on the side of the road, it’s still unclear whether the former babysitter accused of the crime is competent to stand trial.

Abigail Hanna, of Topsfield, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a child and breaking and entering in the nighttime in connection to the Nov. 20, 2015, disappearance of a 2-year-old Hamilton girl.

The 21-year-old was ordered to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation after a court doctor testified at Hanna’s arraignment that she did not believe Hanna understood the charges against her and had suffered a litany of past mental health issues including suicidal thoughts and hallucinations.

Following that 20-day period, however, the Worcester Recovery Center, where Hanna was undergoing the evaluation, requested more time to complete the evaluation. A Newburyport District Court judge granted that request, and Hanna was due to return to court on Jan. 22 for the results of that evaluation.

The Jan. 22 hearing, however, has now been continued, and Hanna’s competency remains up in the air.

“There’s not a definitive answer on her competency at this point, so we are moving to hire our own expert to evaluate her,” Essex County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Carrie Kimball Monahan said.

Monahan said that Hanna will remain held without bail at Worcester Recovery Center until her competency can be established. She is next due in court on Feb. 11.

Photo courtesy of WHDH/7-News. Abigail Hanna stands in court during her arraignment on kidnapping and assault on a child charges.