Illinois Mom to Undergo Psychiatric Evaluations

A judge has ordered psychiatric evaluations for a Montgomery mother accused of trying to kill her three children.

Two clinical psychologists will conduct separate evaluations to determine whether Pamela Christensen is fit to stand trial. The Beacon-News reports the evaluations were ordered in Kendall County Court this week on behalf of both the state and the defense.

Christensen is charged with multiple counts of attempted murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint. Police say she admitted to trying to poison her daughters, ages 12, 16 and 19, and then stab them to death. Police say two of the girls had been stabbed in the chest when they arrived, but neither of them was seriously injured.

Defense lawyer Jack Donahue says his client seems to be "delusional," ''detached from reality" and unable to understand court proceedings.