Court to decide mum murder suspect’s fitness

THE Mental Health Court will decide if a woman accused of murdering her elderly mother will have to face her charges.

Alva Dodd, 36, had her case transferred to the Mental Health Court yesterday after the matter was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court.

Dodd’s appearance was excused and her solicitor Tristan Carlos confirmed the matter would be stood down for three months.

The body of 71- year- old Ruth Dodd ( left) was found at her Heatley home on October 21 last year. Police will allege Dodd stabbed her mother to death before stealing her car, which was later found dumped.

The Mental Health Court has the power to decide if an alleged offender is unfit to stand trial, if they were of a sound mind at the time of the offence and, if they are charged with murder, whether they had diminished responsibility.

Dodd is currently in custody and it is understood the decision about her mental capacity will be made following psychiatric assessment.

Dodd first appeared in court on January 4 after homicide detectives charged her with murder. During that appearance she held herself and whimpered while two men approached the dock and whispered words of support.

Her mother, Ruth Dodd, volunteered for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Reef HQ. The matter will next be mentioned on October 21.