Everett mom accused of fatally stabbing son 16 times will stand trial

An Everett mother has been found mentally competent to stand trial after being accused of killing her four-year-old son by stabbing him 16 times. 

Janet Garcia’s trial had been delayed multiple times while the court awaited results from mental health evaluations, according to the Everett Herald. She was first arraigned on April 22, 2024.

Garcia initially pleaded not guilty after her son’s body was found on March 28, 2024, along I-5 in Pierce County. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her stopping near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, removing a bundle wrapped in a white blanket from her car, and walking into a wooded area. She returned to the vehicle empty-handed, prosecutors say.

Everett mom accused of stabbing son 16 times

Court records indicate the child suffered 16 stab wounds and had defensive injuries. Prosecutors also noted previous violent behavior by Garcia toward her other child. Concerned for the children’s safety, their grandmother filed for emergency guardianship in March 2024, citing Garcia’s substance abuse and alleged violence.

Garcia was arrested on March 27, 2024, after being seen in Ridgefield with what appeared to be bloodstains on her clothing. Authorities say she gave inconsistent statements about her son’s whereabouts during questioning.

Originally held on $5 million bail, Garcia’s bond was later reduced to $3 million at the request of her defense team. Her jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 22.