Gavel. Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash
LOGAN — The case against a 35-year-old Logan woman accused of starving her infant son to death remains on hold. Jodi Lee Anderson is in the Utah State Hospital after she was determined to be incompetent to stand trial in September 2023.
A review hearing on Anderson’s competency was held Monday, Feb. 12, in Logan’s 1st District Court. She was previously charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense; and, obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.
Judge Spencer Walsh noted that psychologists had reported that Anderson still remains unable to understand the charges against her. They determined, she had an intellectual deficiency that could limit her ability to defend herself in court. The doctor’s report continued to predict that competency could be restored through treatment.
On December 31, 2021, Logan City Police officers were called to a hotel room. Anderson and Zachary Michael Woirhaye, 38, had been residing at the hotel during the last several weeks. A 46-day-old infant boy was found lying on a bed, unresponsive, not breathing and with no heartbeat.
Paramedics revived the child, transported the baby to Logan Regional Hospital and later to Primary Children’s Hospital. Medical staff said the boy was unhealthy and showed signs of malnourishment and neglect. He died two weeks later.
Police later interviewed extended family members, who expressed concerns about both Woirhaye and Anderson’s mental capacity. They claimed the suspects had to be continually reminded about feeding the baby enough baby formula.
Woirhaye previously pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse homicide, a second-degree felony. He is currently out of jail on probation.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Walsh ordered Anderson to remain in the care of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. He scheduled a pretrial conference in 6 months
If the case eventually resumes, Anderson could face up to life in prison after prosecutors previously announced they will not seek the death penalty.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.