The Dawson County teenager accused of stabbing her 11-year-old brother to death in 2020 has been found mentally competent to stand trial, according to discussions during an April 12 virtual status hearing.

Northeastern Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Kathlene Gosselin stated “the bottom line” was that a March 22 mental evaluation found Hope Lindsey competent. 

Assistant Public Defender Sarah Willis agreed and requested for Lindsey to also undergo a criminal responsibility evaluation. This assessment would determine whether or not the defendant could be held legally responsible for her crimes. 

One year ago, Lindsey was indicted on the formal charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The teen has been accused of fatally stabbing her brother, Payton Lindsey, at a west Dawson County residence on Dec. 5, 2020. Payton received multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson at the time. 

After sheriff’s deputies learned that a juvenile female had committed the attack, Hope Lindsey was charged for the alleged crimes. She is being held in the regional youth detention center after being denied bond. 

In January 2022, Lindsey’s case was transferred from Judge Andrew Fuller to Gosselin on the court circuit’s R docket. 

Gosselin explained she would keep Lindsey’s case on this docket until the completion of a criminal responsibility evaluation, which could take longer than the competency one. 

The judge added that once the second evaluation is done, the case could then go back to a trial judge with whatever Lindsey’s defense is at that time. 

DCN will provide case updates once more information becomes available.