AUGUSTA (AP) — A woman who starved her 5-year-old daughter to death in 1993 in Bangor, Maine, is being freed from state custody.
Tonia Kigas Porter, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was committed to a state psychiatric hospital in 1995. But in recent years she’s been living in an Augusta apartment and doing volunteer work.
The Kennebec Journal reported that a superior court judge allowed her to be freed from state supervision based on the recommendations of the state, her psychiatrist and the State Forensic Service.
Justice Donald Marden said statements by those testifying on Friday convinced him that Porter has worked hard to recover. Witnesses told the judge that she’s diligent about taking her medication and that she’s likely to succeed. She is expected to continue with community-based treatment.
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