Gary Siders Sr., the 73-year-old Ohio grandfather charged in connection with the discovery of 16 children living in severely neglected conditions, has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial.
A Vinton County judge accepted the findings of a court-ordered mental evaluation on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Prosecutor William Archer did not challenge the evaluation’s conclusions. Siders’ attorney said his client’s mental condition has deteriorated over several years and is considered not restorable, meaning he is unlikely to regain the capacity required to participate in a criminal trial.
Judge Accepts Mental Competency Evaluation
Siders appeared in court in a wheelchair for the competency proceeding. His attorney, Dorian Baum, said the decision was not unexpected because Siders has struggled with declining mental health and does not fully understand the legal proceedings against him.
Siders had previously requested a psychological evaluation to determine whether he was competent to stand trial and whether an insanity defense could apply. The court ordered the evaluation in July, and it was completed Sept. 9.
The ruling could significantly affect the future of the criminal case against Siders, who faces multiple child-endangerment charges stemming from the conditions in the Ohio home.
16 Children Rescued From Ohio Home
The case began on June 30, when authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Hamden, Vinton County, and discovered 16 children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years.
Officials described the living conditions as deplorable. Some of the children required medical attention, and two were reportedly transported by air to trauma centers because of the seriousness of their injuries. Authorities also said some of the children had extremely limited communication abilities.
Siders was one of four adults arrested following the investigation. The others included his son, Gary Siders II; Elizabeth Siders, the children’s mother; and Christina Siders, the children’s paternal grandmother.
All four initially pleaded not guilty. While Siders Sr. was later released for medical reasons, the other three remained in custody, according to authorities.
Children Remain in State Custody
Following their removal from the home, the children were placed under the custody of Vinton County. Officials said they would require substantial therapeutic support because of the trauma associated with their upbringing.
Ohio subsequently allocated $1 million in emergency funding to help the county provide care for the children, including therapeutic foster-care services expected to continue for an extended period.
The competency ruling involving Siders Sr. is the latest development in a broader criminal investigation that continues to involve the other adults connected to the case.
