NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)— A New Orleans woman appeared in court for the first time following the stabbing of her two young children over the weekend, resulting in the death of her three-year-old daughter. On Thursday, a judge ordered that 31-year-old Janee Pedescleaux undergo a mental evaluation prior to her bond hearing.
A doctor with the State of Louisiana will conduct an assessment of Pedesclaux on Friday to determine if she is fit to stand trial. A second examination will be conducted by another doctor at the request of Pedesclaux’s legal counsel.
On Wednesday, August 24, a competency hearing will be held and the doctors’ findings will be presented. Until then, Pedesclaux will be held without bond.
The stabbing happened on Sunday, August 7 when the New Orleans Police say 3-year-old Paris Roberts and her 2-year-old brother, Jay’Ceon, were stabbed at their home in the 9th Ward. Neighbors told WGNO that the children’s father rushed to the home in a desperate effort to save their lives, seen on surveillance video rushing his kids to his truck just before his daughter collapsed to the ground.
Stay updated with the latest news, weather, and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play store and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
The Pedesclaux family released a statement following the fatal stabbing, saying in part, “Mental health is a crisis that is affecting every family and ours is no different.”
Pedesclaux faces charges that include second-degree murder, attempted murder, and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.
