Kenmare Mom Charged with Murder, to Get Evaluation

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A Kenmare woman charged with murder in the death of her 13-year-old son will undergo a mental health evaluation before her trial date is set.

Jessica Jensen earlier pleaded not guilty to murder, child neglect and failure to report the death of a child in the January death of her son, who weighed just 21 pounds.

An autopsy concluded the boy died from chronic starvation due to untreated juvenile appetite disorder. Jensen's attorney has said she did not deliberately starve the boy.

KXMC-TV reports Jensen will be evaluated next month at the State Hospital in Jamestown. Her defense also could ask for its own psychiatric evaluation.

Judge Gary Lee has scheduled a status conference for Nov. 24.

Jensen could face life in prison if convicted on the murder charge.