A Kansas City mother, Tasha Haefs, will now be facing trial for the bathtub murder she committed in 2022.
Haefs was charged with killing a dog and her 6-year-old son in 2022 but was deemed not mentally fit and competent to undergo the criminal trial. However, after receiving therapy, a judge recently overturned the decision, and trial for the crime shall commence.
Kansan City Mother Now Set for Trial
A judge ruled that a 37-year-old woman from Kansas City, previously deemed unfit for trial, is now mentally capable of standing trial for the alleged murder of her 6-year-old son, as per court documents.
The woman, Tasha Haefs, was arrested on February 15, 2022, facing charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, as outlined in Missouri court records.
The case revolves around accusations that Haefs decapitated her son, Karvel Stevens, in a bathtub, as reported by the Kansas City Star.
Haefs' legal proceedings were halted for over two years due to her initial incompetence to stand trial, according to Missouri court records.
During this time, Haefs underwent extensive treatment to address her mental state, leading to the submission of a confidential mental health report by the state's Department of Mental Health.
Following this evaluation, the state proceeded with the murder case without contestation from Haefs or her legal counsel, as stated in court documents.
In light of the mental health report's findings, the judge's order confirmed Haefs' readiness to proceed with legal proceedings.
However, she will remain under inpatient care at a Department of Mental Health facility until the criminal proceedings recommence, as per the judge's directive. Haefs is expected to be formally arraigned on April 29, according to court records.
Bathtub Murder of Her 6-Year-Old Son
On the day of the incident, law enforcement from Kansas City, Missouri, responded to Haefs' residence and observed bloodstains on the front steps, along with blood and hair on the front door, according to legal filings.
Despite the known presence of multiple children in the house, Haefs allegedly refused to permit entry when officers attempted to gain access.
Upon seeing what appeared to be a body part near the entrance, officers became concerned for the safety of any children within the premises, the legal documents noted. Subsequently, they forced entry and detained Haefs without resistance.
During the subsequent search of the residence, authorities discovered the body of a child near the front door, as outlined in the complaint affidavit.
Haefs reportedly had blood on her person, and several knives, visibly stained with what seemed to be blood, were found throughout the house.
After ensuring there were no other children present, the officers left the scene and informed homicide investigators, according to the legal records.
Following the execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located additional incriminating evidence, including a knife, knife handle, and a bloodied screwdriver on the dining table, the court filing detailed.
Another knife, also bearing traces of blood, was uncovered in the basement.
During questioning at the police station, Haefs allegedly confessed to the murder, identifying her biological son as the victim and specifying that the killing occurred in the bathtub, the affidavit stated.
Court documents further revealed Haefs' history of struggles with drug addiction, depression, trauma, and hallucinations, as noted by prosecutors. The upcoming hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024.
