Okemos woman competent to stand trial in baby’s death

LANSING – An Okemos woman whose newborn boy is presumed dead and who is awaiting trial in the 2013 death of another newborn has been found competent to stand trial.

A psychologist at the state Center for Forensic Psychiatry, however, hasn’t given an opinion about 25-year-old Melissa Mitin’s mental state when prosecutors say she killed her newborn girl by putting her face down in a wastebasket.

The incident happened in December 2013 when Mitin and her family were staying at a friend’s home.

An opinion regarding criminal responsibility is expected to be made within three to four weeks. Mitin’s attorney, Frank Reynolds, said at a hearing Thursday in Ingham County Circuit Court that he will rely on his own experts, as well.

At a previous court hearing, Reynolds said he had “serious concerns” about Mitin’s psychological well-being. Mitin had told a judge she couldn’t recall what happened to a boy she apparently gave birth to in December outside of a hospital. That baby is still missing and is presumed dead.

Competency and criminal responsibility tests were ordered in mid-January. Judge Jim Jamo revoked Mitin’s bond, and she is being held at the Ingham County Jail.

Mitin was evaluated Feb. 5 at the state Center for Forensic Psychiatry.

A report based on that evaluation said that Mitin understands the court proceedings and has the ability to “cooperate with her attorney and assist in her defense.”

She is charged with murder in the Dec. 26, 2013 death of her newborn girl. According to testimony, she concealed the pregnancy, gave birth in a bathroom and put the infant face down in a wastebasket.

Three months later, she was pregnant again and concealed that pregnancy from law enforcement. Her parents and sister also said they didn’t know she was pregnant a second time.

The father of both children is believed to be a 25-year-old Saudi Arabian man. He received a degree in December from the Michigan State University College of Law, and according to the documents, has returned to Saudi Arabia. Mitin was pursuing a master’s degree at MSU, according to testimony.

Her parents were in the courtroom Thursday. Mitin smiled at them when she walked into the courtroom and when a deputy led her out through a door.