26-year-old Zimbabawean woman, Nomatter Gava-Hudson stabbed her son three times in the abdomen in Mississippi on Monday, October 5, during an argument with her husband who screamed for help and got one from a passer-by who called 911.
According to Police spokesman Sgt. Damon McDaniel, investigators learned that an argument took place between Gava-Hudson and her husband, the child’s father, during which Gava-Hudson became “belligerent,” brandished a knife and intentionally stabbed the child.
The child was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to the University of South Alabama Medical Centre where he was listed in stable condition Wednesday afternoon.
The 26-year-old mother appeared in court earlier this week charged with attempted murder and is being held on a $1 million bond. She could be deported if she’s convicted of attempted murder.
The hearing before Judge Brandon Ladner on Monday lasted less than 10 minutes.
Gava-Hudson was informed of the charge against her, told she had the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney represent her.
She sobbed softly while being asked questions by the court clerk and sobbed the loudest when asked if she had any children, to which she replied she has a three-year-old son.
Judge Ladner said he would appoint a public defender to represent her, but also said she had the right to hire a private attorney.
She was dressed in a red and white striped jail jump suit and had leg shackles on. Gava-Hudson had been on suicide watch at the Harrison County Adult Detention Centre. The next step is a preliminary hearing, where the charge against her will be detailed with evidence and testimony. Judge Ladner said that preliminary hearing will be held in the next three to four weeks.
Meanwhile the Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on her. After her arrest, ICE asked the jail to hold her pending resolution of the criminal charge.
Source: The Mississippi Press
