MERRILL, Wis. (WSAW) – A competency exam has been ordered for a 56-year-old Merrill woman charged with attempting to kill her teenage son.
Heather O’Neill is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree recklessly endangering safety and resisting an officer.
An investigation began on June 20, 2023, when O’Neill called 911 to report she had taken and given her son multiple medications in an attempt to cause a fatal overdose. Investigators located multiple prescription bottles, sleep aids and allergy medications at O’Neill’s home. Court documents state the child had been diagnosed with autism and had limited communication skills.
Court documents state O’Neill told first responders the medications included antidepressants, sleep aids and sedatives.
O’Neill is accused of telling investigators she could no longer handle the teen’s violent tantrums and said she was “tired of living like this.”
While at the hospital, the teen had a seizure and stopped breathing. He was also intubated as his condition was deteriorating. O’Neill is also accused of saying she wished she hadn’t called 911.
Investigators also reported finding a note written by O’Neill for a relative. It said in part, “friends and family do not or cannot understand.”
A competency hearing is set for March 4.
She remains in the Lincoln County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond.