Competency evaluation for woman accused of not reporting husband’s death

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Lawyers for a Lafayette woman charged with not reporting her husband’s death believe she may not be competent to stand trial.

Friday, Ila Solomon’s lawyer filed a motion to have her evaluated to determine her competency.

According to court documents, the defense says there are reasonable grounds to believe that Solomon lacks the ability to understand the proceedings and assist in the preparation of her defense.

Solomon is accused of keeping Gerald “Scooter” Gavan’s body inside their home on Shawnee Avenue for nine months after his death. His body was discovered last year.

Solomon faces nine criminal charges, including failure to report a dead body, welfare fraud and theft.

Her trial is expected to begin later this month.