2nd evaluation ordered for man accused of killing daughter

Author: Associated Press
Published:
MGN

LARGO, Fla. (AP) – A Pinellas County judge agreed to an additional mental health evaluation for John Jonchuck, the man accused of killing his 5-year-old daughter by throwing her off a bridge near the Sunshine Skyway.

Pinellas-Pasco Chief Circuit Judge Thomas McGrady authorized the second evaluation Thursday.

Although Jonchuck was arrested and accused of first-degree murder, he has not yet been formally charged.

Jonchuck’s mental state will likely be a key feature of the legal proceedings against him, following a horrifying crime that attracted media attention around the country.

Police say Phoebe died Jan. 8 when Jonchuck dropped her from a bridge. Her body was found hours later about a mile away.

A St. Petersburg police officer saw Jonchuck drop the girl into the water.

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