[KNEWZ] A Yulee, Florida murder suspect who stripped naked and smeared feces on her jail cell walls a week ago has been cleared to stand trial. Kimberly Kessler, 52, has been declared competent to stand trial in the presumed murder of Joleen Cummings, her co-worker in Fernandina Beach, according to Circuit Judge James Daniel’s Monday order.
The Florida Times-Union reported that the order comes a week after an emaciated Kessler appeared in an anti-suicide smock staring at the camera at her October 5 competency hearing.
During the hearing, she screamed "f— you" at the judge before walking away.
The judge indicated concern for the health of the 52-year-old charged in the 2018 presumed murder of missing co-worker Joleen Cummings, 34, of Yulee.
During her custody, the Florida murder suspect has displayed erratic behavior, including stripping naked and smearing feces on the wall and embarking on a hunger strike that has put her health at risk.
According to NBC affiliate WTLV, the judge wrote that "as extreme as Defendant’s behavior has been, it does not automatically mean she is incompetent for the purpose of standing trial."
He also called attention to the risks presented by Kessler embarking on dangerous hunger strikes and binge eating sessions.
"Without question, Defendant’s behavior has escalated to a level that is life-threatening and Defendant’s attorneys are rightfully concerned," Daniel wrote, noting that Kessler "may be risking permanent damage to her vital organs."