TOLEDO, Ohio — A Holland mother charged with stabbing her two children was on a waiting list for a psychiatric hospital when she was found dead in her jail cell last week, according to the Lucas County Sheriff's Office.
Jamesiha Taylor, 28, was found dead Friday at the Lucas County Corrections Center. On Monday, the sheriff's office reported that the Lucas County Coroner was not able to immediately determine a cause of death.
On March 10, a judge remanded Taylor to the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital after determining Taylor was not fit for trial.
But, there was reportedly a hold on female admissions, and according to the sheriff's office, there are "several" female inmates waiting to be transferred to NOPH.
Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre said Monday that Taylor needed mental health treatment that the Lucas County Jail is not equipped to deliver. He urged officials to expand the capacity at psychiatric hospitals so that other prisoners in similar circumstances can get the treatment they need.
Taylor was being held on attempted murder charges following an alleged attack that occurred Jan. 13 in the 500 block of Banquot Way in Springfield Township.
Taylor called 911 from outside the Franklin Park Mall and told dispatchers she had stabbed her children, according to Navarre. In an audio recording of the 911 call, Taylor could be heard pleading for help. When officers arrived at the home, they found a 7-year-old and an 8-year-old suffering from stab wounds.
Taylor had told the dispatcher she was dealing with thoughts of suicide and other mental health issues.
Anyone experiencing a crisis can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.