Lisa Batstone psychiatric assessment finds mother fit to stand trial in daughter's murder
Daughter Teagan, 8, was found dead in the trunk of her mother's car in December
A psychological assessment of Lisa Batstone, 41, has found the mother fit to stand trial for second-degree murder in the death of her daughter.
Teagan Batstone, 8, was found dead in the trunk of her mother's car in Surrey, B.C. on Dec. 10, 2014.
The ruling was delivered Monday morning in Surrey Provincial Court.
Batstone cried from the prisoner's box and waved and blew kisses at family watching in the courtroom.
Her lawyer, Craig Sicotte, said his client is severely depressed. She will remain in a psychiatric hospital until her next court appearance January 26.
Mental health a concern before daughter's death
Batstone had suffered from mental health issues before her daughter's death, according to those who know her.
Her father, Barry Hamilton, told reporters Monday that his daughter has been depressed, but never officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition Hamilton says he has.
Her ex-husband, Gabe Batstone — Teagan's father — has said that Lisa Batstone had attempted suicide in the past.
The pastor at White Rock Baptist Church, where Batstone was an active member for six years, said her behaviour was often punctuated by swings from elation to depression.
She "loved her daughter to bits," said pastor Ellis Andre, who noted her behaviour had become more erratic and intense in recent months.
With files from Richard Zussman