The Buffalo mother accused of murdering her 8-year-old son has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of second degree murder.The lawyer for Jessica Murphy, 29, entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment Wednesday in State Supreme Court in Buffalo. Prosecutors say Murphy fatally strangled and/or stabbed Jacob Noe early on the morning of May 14 in their home on Lovering Avenue. She is being held without bail.
Murphy's lawyer requested a mental health evaluation before the case goes to trial. Justice Christopher Burns agreed to order the exam.
According to earlier court papers, Murphy told police "Everyone has to die. He had to die. I am saving him from going to hell.” Upon questioning, she allegedly said “How can you ask me this after I just murdered my baby?”
If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.