Algonquin Woman Accused Of Murder Is Mentally Unfit For Trial

ALGONQUIN-LAKE IN THE HILLS —An Algonquin woman accused of fatally stabbing an Algonquin couple in November 2020, has been found mentally unfit to stand trial at this time, Shaw Media reported Monday.

Arin M. Fox, 40, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and accused in the deaths of Noreen S. Gilard, 69, and Leonard J. Gilard Jr. 73, an elderly couple found dead inside their home in the 600 block of Red Coach Lane on Nov. 8, 2020.

Fox was arrested that month after fleeing to Douglas County, Colorado, where she was held for several months before being extradited back to McHenry County.

Fox has undergone a series of psychological evaluations while in custody.

According to an Oct. 20 court order obtained by Shaw Media, Fox has been experiencing mental health symptoms that have rendered her incapable of assisting with her own defense, records show.

As a result, Fox will receive inpatient treatment from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Charges can be reinstated if Fox's condition improves and it is determined she is fit to stand trial, according to reports. Authorities have made clear, these recent findings are not the same as a verdict of not guilty by reasons of insanity or guilty but mentally ill.

Last week, prosecutors and Fox's public defender Ryan Ahern agreed with the findings of forensic psychologist Betsy Lohr regarding Fox's long history of mental illness -including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - medication non-compliance and active psychosis, all of which Lohr would have testified to if called upon in court, Shaw Media reported.

According to the court order, Lohr would have testified that Fox may be "restored to fitness within 60 days with inpatient psychiatric medication and psychoeducational services."

Fox's treatment provider is expected to file a plan with the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office and Fox's attorneys that includes: diagnosis, description of Fox's treatment goals and an estimated time to reach those goals, according to court documents.

If the charges are restored, convictions of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of the Gilards could result in a sentence of life in prison for Fox.

Officers with the Algonquin Police Department found the Gilards dead inside their home after conducting a well-being check at the residence.

Fox and the Gilards' son had been involved in a relationship at one point, though it was unclear if that was the case at the time of the murder, according to Algonquin police. Authorities said the son was "not involved" in the stabbing.

In addition to the murder charges, Fox also faces aggravated battery and domestic battery charges for allegations she pushed Leonard Gilard two days before the stabbing occurred and charges of possession of a stolen vehicle because she allegedly fled to Colorado in the Gilard's Buick, according to authorities.