Murder-For-Hire Plot: Plainfield Mom Deemed Not Fit For Trial

PLAINFIELD, NH — Pauline Chase, the 83-year-old Plainfield mother accused in a failed murder-for-hire plot involving her son's former wife, was found not mentally fit for trial by a New Hampshire judge on Thursday. Judge Brian Tucker threw out indictments — for now — against Chase and said she's a danger to herself and others.

She and her son, Maurice Temple, 63, have been jailed since July on $1 million bail each. They pleaded not guilty to criminal solicitation of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempt to commit murder. Temple will stand trial.

Tucker wrote that Chase should stay in state custody for now and be evaluated for further treatment. He agreed with a state expert that Chase's cognitive decline is severe enough that she can't live safely independently.

Photo credit: Plainfield Police Department via AP