Evaluation ordered for suspect in Algonquin killings

A woman charged in an Algonquin couple's double homicide will undergo an evaluation to determine her state of mind at the time of killings.

Arin M. Fox, 39, appeared in court Friday.

One of Fox's attorneys, Kim Messer, asked McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt to continue the case so Fox could receive a psychological evaluation. Wilbrandt agreed and continued Fox's case to May 14.

Fox previously received a separate psychological evaluation that determined she was capable of assisting in her own defense.

The new evaluation will examine Fox's mental state at the time of Noreen and Leonard Gilards' Nov. 8 deaths.

Algonquin police discovered the Gilards' bodies during a well-being check at the couple's home at 635 Red Coach Lane, officials have said. Fox was in Colorado by then after fleeing the home in the Gilards' Buick, police have said.

She was extradited to Illinois in February and remains at the McHenry County Jail on a $5 million bond. Fox faces charges that include first-degree murder, domestic battery, possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated battery.

If Fox were convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of both Noreen and Leonard Gilard, she could receive a natural-life prison sentence.

Fox has a history of mental health issues and was receiving psychiatric treatment at least two months before her arrest, prosecutors have said.

Shortly after the Gilards' bodies were identified, police confirmed that the couple appeared to have suffered stab wounds. The McHenry County coroner's office, however, has not released official causes of death and could not be reached for comment Friday.