Attorney: Murder suspect needs mental health treatment

The Brownsville teen accused of killing her uncle last month was in court today where her defense attorney is trying to prove she is incompetent to stand trial.

18-year-old Paola Michael Martinez is charged with the Jan. 24 stabbing death of her uncle 53-year-old Alejandro Perez Ramirez.

Her attorney Nat C. Perez Jr. told 138th state District Court Judge Arturo Cisneros Nelson he had his client evaluated by clinical psychologist Dr. John Pinkerman.

He said Pinkerman found his client unable to assist her attorney in her defense, so Perez moved to have those findings admitted into evidence, requesting his client be admitted to a state mental hospital to receive treatment.

Cameron County Assistant District Attorney Fred Edwards objected to the evaluation, saying Martinez had already been evaluated.

Judge Nelson said he would read the report before making a determination. His ruling is expected within two days.

Police say the uncle's body was found on the 5400 block of Padre Island Highway.

pcody@brownsvilleherald.com