Crime & Safety

Defendant in Roxborough Homicide Case Committed for 60-Day Evaluation

Geraldine Cherry will undergo treatments for 60 days to determine her ability to stand trial.

The Roxborough woman accused of killing a 70-year-old by allegedly stuffing rope and other items down her throat was committed to a state mental institution in order to determine her ability to stand trial.

On Wednesday, the District Attorney's Office confirmed that Geraldine Cherry, 50, will undergo mental evaluations at Norristown State Hospital for the next 60 days. Cherry faces homicide charges for the June death of Kathleen McEwan, who reportedly died of asphyxiation at a Parker Avenue apartment complex in Roxborough.

Court officials performed a psychiatric evaluation on Cherry Tuesday and determined that she was not competent to stand trial, according to court documents.

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Judge Teresa Carr Deni granted a continuance Wednesday and committed Cherry to the state mental hospital.

As , McEwan died June 10, but the death was not ruled a homicide until later that month. Police originally said McEwan died of natural causes, but her death was later attributed to asphyxiation. A  and other items lodged in her throat, and the medical examiner ruled it a homicide. 

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cherry, who like McEwan was a client with human services organization , was arrested June 20. 

Cherry's next hearing is Oct. 17 at mental health court where it will be determined whether or not she can stand trial.


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