Roxborough Murder Defendant Committed Again, Judge Rules

Philadelphia Municipal Court ruled a Roxborough women remains mentally incompetent to stand trial for murder, according to court documents. 

As Patch previously reported, Geraldine Cherry faces homicide charges for the June 10 death of Kathleen McEwan at a Parker Avenue apartment complex. Medical examiners ruled that  McEwan died of asphyxiation from rope, candy wrappers and other items stuffed down her throat.

Following a 60-day mental health evaluation, Municipal Court President Judge Marsha Neifield ruled Cherry to be incompetent Wednesday. Cherry was previously committed to Norristown State Hospital, according to court records. She will continue her mental evaluation for another 90 days. 

Additionally, Neifield committed her to the detention center forensic unit.

Cherry, 50, is charged with the homicide of McEwan. In June, McEwan, 70, died from seemingly natural causes. However, in preparation for embalming, a Montgomery County funeral home operator found items jammed down her threat. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Officer then ruled it a homicide.

Both McEwan and Cherry were special needs clients with Resources for Human Development.

Police arrested Cherry and charged her with murder June 20. In August, a judge committed her to Norristown for 60 days following a failed psychiatric evaluation. On Wednesday, Neifield requested the additional treatment period to potentially allow Cherry to stand trial.

The next status hearing on her mental health is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2013.