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MAMARONECK, N.Y. Manuela Maria Morgado, the Mamaroneck mother accused of murdering her 4-year-old son, was ordered to stay away from the boy's father and his family Thursday after prosecutors told a judge that she had been sending the family threatening letters.
The order of protection is based on threatening letters that have been sent to the Reish family, Assistant District Attorney Christine Hatfield said during an appearance in Mamaroneck village court Thursday. They will also be witnesses.
Morgado, who has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her son, Jason "Jake" Reish, signed the orders of protection preventing her from contacting Dr. Tim Reish, of Briarcliff Manor.
Prosecutors also wanted to have Morgado, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide, take a mental health evaluation. Defense attorney Harry Loeb argued against an evaluation.
Village Justice Christie Derrico said she would not rule Thursday on whether Morgado would have to be evaluated.
I am not making a decision now, but I am not going to deny your client any medical needs, said Derrico. I will let you know about the decision of the mental health evaluation.
Police said they found Morgado semi-conscious Monday afternoon in her Mamaroneck home after a family member called 911 asking that someone check on her. The 4-year-old son was dead when police arrived.
Published reports say the boy may have been asphyxiated by helium and the mother attempted to overdose on pills. Morgado was holding the boy in her arms when authorities found them, reports said.
We will never be able to comprehend the heinous actions of Jake's mother, Reish said in a statement Wednesday. We leave this matter in the capable hands of the authorities to secure justice for Jake and our family.
Morgados original defense attorney, Max DiFabio, withdrew from the case citing a conflict of interest that he wouldnt elaborate.
Morgado is due back in court Oct. 11.
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