Motive still unclear in mutilation of infant boy

Monday, May 14, 2007

(5/14/07 - HOUSTON) -- A woman accused of cutting off her 3 ½-month-old son's genitals appeared in court for the first time Monday, but she only spoke briefly and prosecutors said they still don't have a motive for the attack.

Katherine Nadal, who initially told authorities that a small dog had attacked Holden Gothia, was arrested Friday as she waited for a hearing on the custody status of the boy. She was charged with injury to a child and held under a $100,000 bond.

Nadal, who was in handcuffs and was crying during the brief hearing Monday, mouthed "I love you" to her mother as she was led from the courtroom. She spoke only to tell state District Judge Denise Collins she doesn't work and has no money to hire an attorney. Collins said the court would provide an attorney.

Afterward, prosecutor Lisa Andrews said she couldn't speculate on the motive behind the attack.

"She tested positive for cocaine the day after the offense so it's certainly possible," said Andrews, who reiterated a history of drug use during the hearing. Andrews also said she didn't know what was used to injure the infant.

Police say Nadal on March 13 used a "sharp instrument to cut and remove the genitals" of the infant, who was five weeks old at the time, in her suburban Houston apartment. The severed body parts were never found.

Nadal claimed the family dog, a small, 12-pound dachshund named "Shorty," attacked her son. But a doctor and a veterinarian told authorities Holden's injuries couldn't have been caused by a dog.

Holden remained in the custody of Harris County Child Protective Services until late last month when he was released into the care of his father's older sister. Holden will live with his aunt until permanent custody is decided.

Camden Gothia, the infant's father, told police that for several days before the attack, Holden had colic and had been crying a lot. Camden Gothia is seeking sole custody. He was not married to Nadal but they lived together.

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