A Kentucky woman who allegedly killed, dismembered, and cooked her mother last year was found fit to stand trial on Tuesday.
As reported by WLWT, a state-appointed physician confirmed that Torilena Fields, 32, is capable of standing trial for murder. She is accused of gruesomely killing her mother, Trudy Fields, by shooting and stabbing her, then placing parts of her dismembered body into a hot oven at their family farm.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Torilena Fields decapitated her mother and placed her head, feet, and forearms in a pot to cook until they turned black. Officers found an erratic suspect at the scene, who allegedly claimed to be a witch performing enchantments.
A man stumbled upon Trudy Fields’ disfigured body while working on the farm, as covered by CrimeOnline. Witnesses reported seeing both mother and daughter on the property the previous evening, describing Torilena Fields as “combative” and “casting spells” on those present, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Family members said Torilena Fields suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle accident, leading her to move back to Robertson County to live with her mother. Relatives noted that Torilena Fields was also found unfit to stand trial in a separate case in California, according to WLWT.
On Monday, defense attorney Laura Fitzer told the court that they are waiting to receive evidence, including DNA tests, phone data, surveillance footage, and fingerprint testing. However, a lack of resources have led to a backlog, she said.
“It’s not the prosecutor dragging their feet. It’s just there’s not enough funding or people,” the lawyer said, per the Lexington Herald-Leader.
The defense has not yet introduced findings from their own evaluation. Torilena Fields is due back in court on August 11.
[Feature Photo: Bourbon County Jail]
