Staff photo / Ed Runyan Laronda Mitchell, 38, of South Raccoon Road in Austintown, keeps her head down Wednesday as her attorney, Mike Yacovone, discusses the need for Mitchell to be evaluated for competency to stand trial. At right is Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Shantell George.

AUSTINTOWN — At the request of defense attorney Mike Yacovone, Mahoning County Area Court Judge Scott Hunter on Wednesday ordered a competency evaluation for Laronda Mitchell, 38, of South Raccoon Road in Austintown, before he will rule on whether she should be bound over to a Mahoning County grand jury.

Mitchell is charged with involuntary manslaughter, felony child endangering, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse relating to the death of her 16-year-old daughter, whose body was discovered in Mitchell’s home April 26 after Austintown police went there for a welfare check.

Mitchell told police her daughter had been deceased for about a month in a “sealed” bedroom. Mitchell said the room was sealed to avoid odors escaping from the room.

A police report also mentioned that Mitchell has a son, 12, who Mitchell said “had to do something to (the 17-year-old) but Mitchell did know what.”

It is not clear where the 12-year-old is, but officials at Mahoning County Juvenile Court say the boy is not charged with anything.

In court Wednesday, defense attorney Mike Yacovone told Hunter that Yacovone had the opportunity to talk to Mitchell and that during their discussions he concluded that she needed to be evaluated for competency.

“I do not think she understands the nature of the charges against her,” Yacovone said. He also thinks she cannot not assist in her defense. He said he chose against having her sign a waiver of preliminary hearing or have a preliminary hearing because of the issue.

Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Shantell George said prosecutors do not oppose having her evaluated for competency. George added that there are also some “additional forensic tests that need to come back before we can run a preliminary hearing.”

Mitchell appeared for the hearing in a county jail jumpsuit and was led into the courtroom by a sheriff’s deputy. While the hearing was taking place, she stood beside Yacovone facing the judge but kept her head down. She talked with Yacovone afterward and carried documents Yacovone had given her as she left the courtroom.

She is being held in jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond. If she were convicted of involuntary manslaughter, she could get about 11 years in prison.

An obituary published in mid-May for Donnamalay “Doll” Davis, 16, of Austintown, stated that Davis was the daughter of Laronda Mitchell and DeWayne Davis and sister to several siblings.

“She brought joy, laughter, and light to everyone who knew her,” the obituary states. “Donnamalay was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.”

She “had a passion for fashion, drawing, gaming and making money,” the obituary states. “She dreamed of one day owning her own clothing line. Her creative spirit radiated through everything she did. Known for her engaging personality, Donnamalay was funny, caring and always fun to be around.

“Her laughter and energy could brighten any room and the memories she created with family and friends will live on forever.”

It added that “Donnamalay’s journey, however painful in its conclusion, is embraced in the lasting love she inspired. Although her life was brief, it was replete with laughter, liberating days and the kind of hope that makes the world shine just a little bit brighter.”