North Carolina

NC woman accused of tossing infant daughter down ravine set for evaluation

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina woman accused of faking her infant daughter's kidnapping and trying to kill her is scheduled to undergo a mental health evaluation.

[Sheriff: 'By grace of God' baby found alive down 70-foot ravine; mom charged]

The attorney representing 35-year-old Krista Noelle Madden said she could stay at the UNC Center for Women's Mood Disorders, which treats women with moderate to severe postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders.

A judge has to sign a consent order before Madden is transferred.

Henderson County District Attorney Greg Newman said he anticipated that Madden's legal team would request an evaluation, adding that he agreed to the transfer because Madden will remain in custody under a secured bond.

Madden said the infant was kidnapped, but Henderson County authorities said that claim quickly unraveled and she was charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin said authorities believe the baby was tossed down a 50-75 foot ravine.

The man who found the baby, Scott Fowler, told ABC affiliate WLOS his wife heard a faint cry coming from a rock ravine near his driveway. He went to investigate and that was when he discovered Shaylie near a car seat, at the bottom of the ravine.

Police said they believe Madden tossed the baby down the ravine while in her car seat but that the child somehow came out of the seat.

"It's by the grace of God" that Shaylie was found alive, the Henderson County sheriff said.