Woman accused of killing her child’s grandmother found competent, pleads not guilty

A woman accused of killing her child’s grandmother was found competent to stand trial earlier this month and pleaded not guilty Tuesday after completing a psychological evaluation at Eastern State Hospital.

Ashley Horning was diagnosed with psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and agoraphobia, a type of anxiety disorder, in her forensic evaluation at Eastern State Hospital. But she was found competent to stand trial on July 12 and was arraigned Tuesday.

Her mental health is obviously a big part of that case, said Douglas Phelps, her attorney.

At her first court appearance on Jan. 25, Horning repeatedly referred to herself with the name Gypsy and said she did not commit the crime.

On the morning of Jan. 24, Horning allegedly went to the home of her daughter’s father, Gregory Powell, at 2104 E. Cataldo Ave.

Horning and Christina Powell, Gregory Powell’s mother, got into a confrontation, according to court documents.

Gregory Powell was reportedly at the scene that day. He told police that his mother stood in Horning’s way while he went to get a weapon.

He was reportedly in another room when he heard the shot that allegedly killed 48-year-old Christina Powell.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Horning fled from the incident but later turned herself in to police.

Horning told police she had been suicidal and said she had been replaced by another person and that Ashley was gone, according to court documents.

Horning said she had no memory of the time the crime occurred and did not think it was possible she had committed the crime, court documents say.

Horning’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 23, and her trial is scheduled to start Sept. 16.