By Sharon Coolidge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A Miami Township mother was indicted Wednesday on charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 6-year-old son.

A Clermont County grand jury indicted Christina Miracle, 25, in the Feb. 6 death of Brandon Lehn. Authorities have said the boy died of homicidal violence.

"The issue will be what was her mental state at the time," Assistant Clermont County Prosecutor Daniel Breyer said. "I think she meant to commit the crime, but that doesn't answer the whole question - did Miracle know what she was doing was wrong?

"Insanity does not negate your intent."

Miracle, who remains hospitalized at Summit Behavioral Center, was first charged with child endangering. She pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to that charge March 4.

Based on a psychiatric evaluation, Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Robert Ringland has ruled her incompetent to stand trial. He will re-evaluate her competency in July.

Miracle's lawyer, Scott Croswell, was out of town Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.

The Hamilton County coroner who performed the autopsy on Brandon said the child had a pattern of bruises on his back consistent with him having been beaten. He also had a torn upper lip.

"He died from some sort of asphyxiation," Breyer said. "Either suffocation through strangulation or drowning."

Brandon's father, David Lehn of Taylor Mill, wasn't surprised by the grand jury's decision.

"I figured she had something to do with it," Lehn said. "But, it doesn't matter how it happened - just that it did.

"I miss Brandon so much. Nothing can make up for the fact that he's gone."

E-mail scoolidge@enquirer.com