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Competency Hearing for Mom Accused of Killing Kids in Miramar

A mother accused of killing her two children in Miramar appeared in court Tuesday as attorneys argue whether she is competent to go to trial for murder.

Police say 40-year-old Sophia Hines smothered her two children with a bedsheet on June 8 inside a Miramar home. She faces two murder charges.

A psychologist told a judge Tuesday that Hines suffers from severe post-partum depression.

"It's a severe condition where she doesn't care about things people normally care about, she has very sad emotions, a loss of pleasure in things she used to enjoy," Dr. Michael G. Simonds said.

Hines was visiting Miramar from Philadelphia when her 3-year-old daughter Ariel and 8-month-old son St. Leo were found dead. Defense attorneys argued Hines is catatonic and has been on suicide watch since her arrest.

The state is countering these claims, saying Hines has been able to respond to interviews and questions whether she is faking her condition.

More witnesses will take the stand Wednesday. A decision in the competency hearing is expected later this week.

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