AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) — A Maine mother charged with the murder of her 14-year-old son says she is competent for trial despite a psychologist saying she is not fully competent.
Police charged 39-year-old Megan McDonald with murder for the death of her son, Quincy McDonald, at their home in the Kennebec County town of Sidney in December 2024.
According to an affidavit, police said McDonald told her son that “a god” chose her to carry out a murder-suicide and she had to sacrifice him.
Police said the teen tried to run from her, but she choked him with a scarf and then stabbed him in the chest.
Police said they found Quincy’s body in the backyard by a decorated Christmas tree on a blanket with his feet on a bible.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner said the teen died of asphyxiation, strangulation, and sharp force injury.
Police also said McDonald killed pets, including two tortoises, a gecko and a dog.
Investigators said McDonald told them she had not taken her medication since the previous April.
During a competency hearing in Augusta on Tuesday, McDonald’s defense team said McDonald believes she is competent.
But a psychologist for the state said McDonald does not understand the role mental illness played in the murder of her son and told the court that she meets the criteria for “delusional disorder.”
Psychologist Dr. April O’Grady said McDonald clearly does have the ability to understand court proceedings and understands her charges and the consequences. However, Dr. O’Grady said McDonald’s belief that she has an ability to communicate directly with God makes her not fully competent.
“She believes that she was acting in direct response and communication from God who is telling her that the world cannot continue the way that it is, and she believes that she wants to plead guilty to make a statement to the world that they have to repent,” Dr. O’Grady said.
Dr. O’Grady said McDonald is not on anti-psychotic medication.
The judge ruled for a two-week post hearing brief.
