Fmr. babysitter arraigned after toddler found naked, miles from home
NEWBURYPORT, Mass. --- The former babysitter charged with kidnapping a toddler who disappeared from her northeastern Massachusetts home and was found sitting by the side of a road miles away - alone, naked and with her head shaved - has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
An attorney for 21-year-old Abigail Hanna entered a not guilty plea at an arraignment Monday in Newburyport District Court and a judge held her without bail and sent her for a 21-day evaluation. A court psychologist testified Monday that Hanna is experiencing hallucinations and has expressed suicidal thoughts.
Authorities say Hanna broke into the toddler's Hamilton home on Friday and kidnapped the child, whom she used to babysit. The shivering girl was discovered by passing motorists about seven miles from her home in the town of Rowley, hours after she disappeared. The discovery came just as officials were preparing to issue an Amber Alert, CBS Boston reported.
The couple who discovered the girl told the station she was naked and sitting in a pile of leaves with a contusion on her head, which had been shaved. They reportedly bundled her up and kept her in their car until police arrived.
The girl went to the hospital but has since been released.
Hanna's lawyer says her client is "addressing serious and potentially life threatening issues."
In addition to the kidnapping charge, Hanna is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a child and breaking and entering in the nighttime, according to CBS Boston. She's accused of using a cigarette to assault the child, reports the station.
Hours before the arraignment, the toddler's family released a statement thanking the community, police and first responders, and the couple who found the girl.
"We have suffered a horrific ordeal," the family said in the statement. "We are grateful to have our daughter back."
Hanna's family also released a statement, according to CBS Boston:
"We are so thankful that (the girl) is improving and wish her and her family complete healing in every way. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We also will continue to care for Abi, whom we love very much. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of both families in this very difficult time."