By Rupert Howell

A 16-year-old high school student remains in the Panola County Jail charged with the murder of her newborn baby.

Panola County Sheriff Otis Griffin said Monday that Linda Nash will be tried as an adult. Bond has been set at $100,000.

Batesville Attorney Tom Womble has been hired to represent Nash.

He said Wednesday, “The family appreciates all of the support.  People who know this child know that she doesn’t have the capability to commit murder.”

“This couldn’t have happened, so why did it?” Womble added.

Womble followed his question by explaining that circumstances surrounding the incident need to be studied before conclusions are made.

Nash was taken into foster care as a child and has been adopted by her parents whom she currently lives with according to Womble.

The Batesville attorney has asked for a psychological evaluation and bond reduction hearing “hopefully” before the end of the week, he said.

He described his client as a “bright” student who makes straight A’s, has never had any type of disciplinary issues and does well socially. Nash is a member of the Mock Trial Team and Service Over Self organization at North Delta School, where she is a junior.

According to Griffin, investigators from the Panola County Sheriff’s office were notified January 30  that an already deceased newborn was brought to the emergency room at Tri-Lakes Medical Center from the family home on Pope-Water Valley Road.

A preliminary report from an autopsy indicated that the newborn died from a “stab wound to the abdomen,” according to Griffin.

Authorities have said the incident happened at the home of the mother and her parents. The  newborn was transported to Tri-Lakes by the family.

“I would say she was probably hiding the pregnancy from her parents,” Griffin said Monday at a news conference.

Womble also stated Wednesday that the family well understands that two children have been affected by the incident.

Eddie Robinson and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the newborn.

A spokesman for the funeral home said the family had planned a graveside service today at a Batesville cemetery.

North Delta School headmaster John Howell Jr. said Tuesday, “The North Delta School family is heartbroken over the tragedy and extends our sympathy to the Nash family. Our prayers are with them during this trying time. Our teachers and students are shocked and hurting, and we have developed the best plan that we can to help them and to meet these needs on our campus.”

According to Griffin there has been no confession.