Middle River Mother Charged with Daughter's Murder Deemed Incompetent
Baltimore County Mother Charged With Daughter’s Murder Deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial
Source: Jessica Gallagher / The Baltimore Banner
A woman accused of fatally strangling her 11-year-old daughter and killing the family pets in Middle River has been deemed incompetent to stand trial, according to a ruling by a Baltimore County judge on Monday.
The Baltimore Banner reports that Circuit Judge Nancy M. Purpura referenced an evaluation conducted by the Maryland Department of Health, which concluded that Keyona Dillon is unable to comprehend court proceedings or aid in her defense. Purpura then asked if anyone intended to challenge the report’s findings.
Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Fuller confirmed that the prosecution would not dispute the evaluation, and Dillon’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Coriolanus Ferrusi, agreed with this assessment.
As a result, Dillon was ordered to be committed to a state-run psychiatric hospital for treatment, with a status conference set for August 1.
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Despite the ruling, Dillon objected, claiming she was intelligent and did not need treatment. “I am not accepting treatment,” she declared. “I am not incompetent.”
Dillon, 34, from Middle River, faces charges including first-degree murder in connection with the death of her daughter, London Olsen.
On January 23, Baltimore County police responded to a home on Firethorn Road where they found London’s lifeless body in the basement, with blood around her mouth and bruises on her body. Authorities allege that Dillon strangled her daughter with a plastic drain cleaner.
Three other children were present in the home but were unharmed. Dillon reportedly acted erratically and refused to answer questions when questioned by law enforcement.
At the police station, Dillon allegedly continued to behave erratically, speaking about conspiracy theories involving child sex rings, transgender people, and the Proud Boys.
A vigil for London, attended by family members and neighbors, was held afterward, with balloons, teddy bears, and candles marking the tragic loss.
Before the hearing concluded, Dillon raised concerns about her rights, asking, “Why are you guys violating my rights as a sovereign that I keep explaining to you?”
The “sovereign citizen” movement, which Dillon referenced, is a belief that individuals are not subject to government authority. The FBI classifies such groups as anti-government extremists.
Judge Purpura wrapped up the session with a brief acknowledgment, saying, “All right. This concludes this matter,” before leaving the bench.
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