South Hill Murder Suspect Will Be Re-Charged: Prosecutor

PUYALLUP, WA - Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist said Thursday he will re-charge Meshawn West for the 2012 murder of her mother, Joyce West. Meshawn West was declared unfit for trial and committed to Western State Hospital in 2014.

Meshawn West was ordered released from Western State this year, but her release has been halted by the re-filing of a murder charge.

“If Ms. West is well enough to be released, this suggests she’s well enough to stand trial,” Lindquist said in a press release. "Our goal is to protect the community, either through accountability or through continued security and treatment at Western State."

Police responded to the West home in South Hill in October 2012 and found Joyce West dead of at least a dozen stab wounds. Meshawn West was also in the home and covered in blood, according to police.

West will have a competency hearing on Jan. 4, according to Lindquist's office.

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