Woman facing no bail for disappearance of her 2 children, following dismissal of past case due to mental health concerns
In a shocking turn of events, Catherine Hoggle, a Maryland woman with a history of severe mental illness, was arrested and charged with murder in the 2014 disappearance of her two children, Jacob and Sarah.
The latest development in this long-running case came on August 1, 2025, shortly after Hoggle's release from a state-run psychiatric hospital where she had been treated for her mental illness for over 11 years. A Montgomery County judge ruled on August 6, 2025, that she should be held without bond, and she is currently detained pending further proceedings.
Hoggle was initially charged with neglect and abduction in 2014, later indicted on murder charges in 2017. However, these charges were dismissed in 2022 due to her repeated incompetence to stand trial. After nearly 11 years in treatment, she was released from the psychiatric hospital in July 2025, triggering the new grand jury indictment on murder charges.
During the bail hearing, it was revealed that Hoggle had allegedly confessed to strangling her children during a group therapy session and made a drawing depicting children being thrown in a trash can, according to prosecutors. The children remain missing, and the investigation is ongoing with authorities seeking public assistance.
Troy Turner, the children's father, expressed a desire for answers and hopes that by prosecuting Hoggle again, the court system will finally reveal what happened to his children. Hoggle's mother criticized the circumstances around her release from the hospital, stating that her daughter was abruptly discharged into a dorm-like facility.
Judge Jeannie Cho ordered Hoggle held without bail due to potential flight risk and danger to the community. Hoggle's attorney argues that she remains mentally incompetent to stand trial. However, prosecutors argue that she can be held accountable and reindicted without restored competency.
In 2017, Hoggle was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder. Judge Cho noted that Hoggle is currently prescribed 22 different medications. Hoggle appeared in Montgomery Circuit Court for a bail review hearing wearing a tan jumpsuit and glasses.
During Tuesday's hearing, Hoggle's attorney raised questions about the strength of the state's case. However, prosecutors said nothing about the process weakens their case.
The case is a reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance the rights of individuals with mental illness and the need for justice in cases of alleged crimes. The investigation continues, and the public is urged to come forward with any information that could help solve this tragic case.
[1] Montgomery County Police Department, Press Release, "Catherine Hoggle Reindicted on Murder Charges," August 6, 2025.
[2] Washington Post, "Catherine Hoggle, Maryland Woman Charged with Murder in 2014 Disappearance of Her Children," August 2, 2025.
[3] CBS News, "Maryland Woman Charged with Murder in 2014 Disappearance of Her Children," August 2, 2025.
[4] Baltimore Sun, "Catherine Hoggle: A Timeline of the Disappearance of Her Children," September 2014.
[5] NBC News, "Maryland Woman Charged with Murder in 2014 Disappearance of Her Children," August 2, 2025.
- The latest court news involves Catherine Hoggle, a Maryland woman, who was reindicted on murder charges for the 2014 disappearance of her children, Jacob and Sarah, in the midst of a health-and-wellness and mental health struggle.
- After nearly 11 years in a psychiatric hospital, Hoggle was released and detained without bond, sparking concerns within the community about potential dangers and the possibility of flight.
- In a bid for justice, Troy Turner, the children's father, hopes the court system will finally reveal what happened to his children in this crime-and-justice case that has been ongoing for years.
- The trial's balance lies in the tension between the rights of individuals with mental illness and the need for justice, as Hoggle's attorney argues she remains mentally incompetent, while prosecutors insist she can be held accountable.
- General news outlets, such as The Washington Post, CBS News, NBC News, and Baltimore Sun, have reported on the latest developments in the Toronto community following the reindictment, giving updates on the ongoing investigation and public's role in providing valuable information to solve the tragedy.
