Alton woman accused of killing mother found unfit

GODFREY _ An Alton woman accused of strangling her 86-year-old mother, then hiding the carpet-wrapped body under a wood pile has been found unfit to stand trial.

Associate Judge James Hackett ruled Friday that Marsha Zahn is unfit. But he says there's a "substantial probability" the 60-year-old will be fit within one year if she's treated.

Zahn's public defender, Neil Hawkins, recently requested a mental fitness evaluation for his client. She is charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death in the death of her mother, Harriet E. Cobb.

Hawkins says nothing will happen until Zahn is considered fit. He says her mental health will be re-evaluated every 90 days.