Christiansburg man accused of killing girlfriend's toddler son sees case continued

McKenzie Hellman allegedly made child porn

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.UPDATE

McKenzie Hellman, who is accused of killing his girlfriend's 2-year-old son, was set to have his mental evaluation reviewed in court Thursday.

However, Hellman's attorneys and the court do not have the mental evaluation report back from the doctor. They said the doctor received information 10 days ago but has not gotten a report together yet for the court.

The case will continue in court with a preliminary date of Oct. 24 at 3 p.m.

This date could change depending on how soon attorneys get the report back from the doctor.

ORIGINAL STORY

A Virginia man accused of killing his girlfriend's 2-year-old son is set to have his mental evaluation reviewed Thursday.

McKenzie Hellman is scheduled to appear in Montgomery General District Court for a review of the mental evaluation, which was ordered in June. 

The Roanoke Times reports Hellman's evaluation ordered is meant to determine his mental competency at the time of the boy's January death and if he's fit to stand trial. Hellman is charged with felony murder in the death of Steven Dale Meek II.

He and Kayla Nicole Thomas are charged with offenses including aggravated sexual battery of a child younger than 13. They're accused of sexually abusing Steven and making child pornography. The charge of felony murder says the victim died during the commission of another felony.

Medical reports show the toddler had minimal brain activity once he arrived at a hospital. He remained unresponsive and on life support and died from his injuries.

Police wouldn’t comment on some of the specifics related to evidence in the case, including how they believe Hellman killed the toddler, but Christiansburg Police Chief Mark Sisson said those details will come out in court proceedings.

“It’s going to shock the community,” he said back in January. “It’s a tragic event. When I say brutal, blunt force trauma, that’s exactly what I mean. What happened to this innocent child can only be described as horrific.”

Hellman's attorney, Fred Kellerman, says Hellman has been involuntarily committed to mental health facilities several times. The evaluation may be reviewed in September.


About the Authors:

Irisha joined the WSLS news team in January 2017 after spending four years as a reporter in Georgia.