Woman With Schizophrenia Sentenced in Attempted Murder of Daughter

A Greensburg, PA, woman will spend 10 to 20 years in prison and another five years on probation after attempting to take her own life and the life of her child. Skye C. Naggy, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, states she tried to kill herself and her daughter because she believed a serial killer was targeting them, and this was the only way to avoid a worse fate.

The public defender assigned to Naggy’s case argued her mental health issues should significantly influence sentencing. However, the prosecution was ultimately able to convince the judge that a lengthy prison term was justified to protect Naggy’s daughter and the community.

Such cases highlight the importance of a proper defense when facing serious criminal charges. If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, kidnapping, or other such serious crimes in Pennsylvania, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is prepared to fight for your rights. Learn more about how we can help by submitting your information via our online contact form or by calling our offices today at 888-535-3686.

Facts of the Case

Speaking to a Westmoreland County judge, Naggy indicated she now understands her beliefs regarding a serial killer were a product of her mental illness. The following basic timeline and overview illustrate how Naggy’s case developed and how that process resulted in the prison sentence she now faces:

• On October 25, 2022, Naggy avoided being committed to a hospital involuntarily. She absconded with her daughter, then six, and drove her daughter and herself to a relatively secluded spot in the area of Loyalhanna Lake.
• While near Loyalhanna Lake, Naggy provided the child with doses of fentanyl and an opioid. She had an open Bible nearby when doing so, potentially indicating the nature of her delusions.
• Upon being found and speaking with authorities, Naggy explained she believed a peaceful death was the best option for her and her daughter in the face of an imagined serial killer she believed she’d had a romantic relationship with.
• According to the testimony of two separate psychiatrists, following her arrest, Naggy was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The results of a more recent evaluation this year indicate Naggy continues to struggle with symptoms of her mental illness.

Dr. Louis Martone testified that Naggy would likely require ongoing treatment in a secure environment where she could be kept in custody. Although Naggy now recognizes her delusions as a symptom of her illness, she likely still requires treatment to prevent her delusions from influencing her actions.

Again, the defense asked for lenient sentencing, requesting that Naggy receive inpatient care at a hospital before incarceration. The defense argued she should spend a maximum of five years in prison. However, the judge ended up siding with the prosecution in this case.

Contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team for Help With a PA Criminal Case

Cases such as these serve as reminders that many factors can affect the penalties someone may face when charged with a crime. If you’re facing serious charges in Pennsylvania, our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm offers services tailored to your unique needs. Find out more about how we can assist with a case like yours by calling us at 888-535-3686 or submitting your information online.