FOREST (AP) — Separate trials have been ordered for two women accused in the starvation death of a 4-year-old boy.

Scott County Circuit Judge Marcus Gordon issued the order Friday.

Gordon ruled Janice Mowdy was competent to stand trial and rescheduled her trial for Oct. 19.

Gordon says a separate hearing for Stephanie Bell will be held later.

The women’s trial was previously set for July 20.

The women were indicted in April for capital murder in the death of Austin Watkins. The women have each pleaded not guilty. They remain in the Scott County jail.

Watkins was found dead at his home near Ludlow on Nov. 9, 2008. He was the grandchild of Mowdy and nephew to Bell.

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Information from: Scott County Times, http://www.sctonline.com