KANSAS CITY, MO – A Missouri court has found a Kansas City woman who stands accused of gruesomely murdering her son and pet dog competent to face trial following a period of mental health treatment.

Tasha Haefs, 37, was charged with the brutal decapitation of her six-year-old son, Karvel Stevens, and their dog in what initially appeared to be a crime influenced by her mental state. The distressing incident, which occurred in February 2022, led to Haefs’ arrest and subsequent charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Haefs’ mental fitness for the trial came into question last June, prompting the suspension of legal proceedings and her placement into a state mental health program designed for restoration to competency. After careful observation and a confidential progress report submitted by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the courts were urged to recommence the legal process.

On Friday, a Jackson County circuit court judge responded by authorizing the case to proceed. The decision opens the path for a judicial examination of the circumstances surrounding the tragic event that has unsettled the local community.

On the day of the murder, police responded to a distressing call from Haefs’ residence, where they encountered a chilling scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered signs of violence and were met with the sound of Haefs singing inside. Despite efforts to communicate with her, Haefs refused to open the door, prompting officers to force entry due to concerns for potential remaining children within the home.

Once inside, a grim discovery awaited: the decapitated body of a young child near the entrance and a deceased dog. Forensic evidence, including blood-stained items and incriminating statements from Haefs, led to a stark picture of the events that transpired.

In the wake of thorough investigations and court assessments, Haefs is scheduled to be arraigned on April 29. As the community grapples with the horror of these events, the impending trial is expected to bring some level of understanding and justice for the innocent lives lost.