An elderly Florida woman accused of killing her sister last year was found “unfit” to stand trial by two doctors who evaluated her and will get treatment to restore her competency.
Prosecutors said jealousy between 68-year-old Debra Patton and her sister ended in betrayal and murder. According to officials, Patton murdered her 67-year-old sister, Karen Pais, and then buried her in the backyard of their Hillsborough County home, prosecutor John Terry said in May 2021.
“Eventually we were able to locate the body in the backyard buried it was identified as her sister and we know she was shot in the chest,” said Terry.
Patton, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder at the time, is now headed to Florida State Hospital. Her Hillsborough public defender, Elizabeth Beardsley, announced to the court on Tuesday.
“At this time the defense is willing to stipulate to those admissions of those reports and findings,” explained Beardsley.
According to investigators, Karen invited Debra to live with her, but neighbors say right from the start there was tension between the two sisters.
Karen Pais even shared ominous warnings with her friends that if something bad ever happened to her, her sister should be held responsible.
Months later, Karen vanished, and her friends reported her missing. Prosecutors said all evidence points to one sister turning on the other with deadly consequences.
Patton’s trial will be put on hold until she is mentally fit again to face the charges against her.
