Woman charged in Algonquin double homicide to undergo psychological evaluation

A McHenry County judge on Friday ordered a psychological evaluation for a 39-year-old woman charged in the Nov. 8 stabbing deaths of an Algonquin couple.

Arin M. Fox was dressed in orange jail scrubs Friday as she appeared unshackled in court beside her public defender, Ryan Ahern. Fox was extradited last week from Douglas County in Colorado to McHenry County, almost three months after police said she killed 69-year-old Noreen S. Gilard and 73-year-old Leonard J. Gilard Jr.

Fox pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of first-degree murder, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated battery and domestic battery. It is common for defendants charged with serious crimes to plead not guilty immediately after their arraignment, when a judge formally reads aloud the allegations in open court.

Although Fox entered not guilty pleas to each charge listed in the 11-count indictment, Ahern requested a psychological evaluation to determine whether there might be concerns surrounding Fox’s ability to participate in her own defense.

Depending on the outcome of Fox’s evaluation, a hearing could be required to determine whether Fox is fit to stand trial. Being found unfit for trial is different from entering a not guilty by reason of insanity plea, which Fox has not done.

The woman’s arrest was the result of a death investigation in the 600 block of Red Coach Lane, Algonquin. Officers found the Gilards’ bodies during a well-being check, but by that time Fox already had fled in the Gilards’ Buick and arrived in Colorado, police have said.

She was receiving psychiatric treatment at least two months before her arrest, prosecutors said.

Convictions of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of both Noreen and Leonard Gilard could result in a natural-life prison sentence.

Fox remained at the McHenry County Jail on Friday morning on a $5 million bond.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 19.