Montgomery County, MD – A Maryland mother has once again been charged in connection with the 2014 disappearance and presumed deaths of her two young children, nearly a decade after they were last seen in her care.
Mother Re-Indicted After Release From Psychiatric Hospital
Catherine Hoggle, 38, was re-indicted Thursday on two counts of murder related to her missing children, 3-year-old Sarah Hoggle and 2-year-old Jacob Hoggle, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. The indictment came just days after she was released from a psychiatric facility where she had been held for three years following a series of mental health evaluations.
Children Missing Since 2014, Presumed Dead
Sarah and Jacob were last seen with their mother on September 7, 2014. Authorities believe that the children are deceased, though their bodies have never been recovered. Hoggle was initially charged with child neglect and obstruction, and later murder, but was repeatedly declared incompetent to stand trial—a ruling issued over 30 times between 2014 and 2022.
“This is not a double jeopardy situation,” prosecutors emphasized in a 2022 statement. “The State reserves the right to re-charge her with murder if her condition improves and she is released.”
Legal Hurdles and Mental Health Questions
In November 2022, a judge dismissed the charges due to a Maryland law stating that a defendant must be deemed competent within five years, or the case must be dropped. Hoggle was then committed to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital indefinitely.
However, with her recent release from the facility in late July, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office promptly reconvened a grand jury, leading to her re-indictment and arrest by Montgomery police last Friday.
Defense Attorney Pushes Back
Hoggle’s attorney, David Felsen, criticized the renewed charges, stating:
“Legally, nothing has changed since 2022. I do not believe her detention is proper or appropriate.”
He argued that the circumstances surrounding her mental health and competency status remain the same, and thus the indictment is not justified.
Father Speaks Out As Investigation Continues
Troy Turner, the father of Sarah and Jacob, released a statement with his family expressing continued heartbreak and determination:
“We are following the latest developments closely and continue to work with authorities to seek justice for Sarah and Jacob. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we continue to rebuild our lives while continuing to search for our babies.”
The investigation into the children’s disappearance is still active. Officials urge anyone with information to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website or call 1-866-411-8477.
Do you believe justice can still be served after all these years? Share your thoughts in the comments.
