Nanny Charged with Killing Two Children Deemed Fit for Trial

Still could use insanity defense

The nanny charged with fatally stabbing two children she cared for on the Upper West Side last fall has been found fit to proceed to trial by two psychiatrists, a judge said on Friday.

The nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, appeared in State Supreme Court in Manhattan wearing a prison issue tan jumpsuit and wearing her hair in three cornrow braids. Ms. Ortega remained handcuffed and silent, with her head tilted downward, as a Spanish interpreter translated the brief proceeding to her.

The judge, Justice Gregory Carro, said two state psychiatrists had interviewed Ms. Ortega and reviewed her "rather voluminous" medical records and determined that she was able to participate in her defense in a meaningful way.