Mental evaluation requested for Estates woman accused of killing father, living with body

Rocquel Eloise Priser

Defense attorneys this week requested that an expert evaluate a woman accused of killing her father in their Golden Gate Estates home to determine whether she is competent to stand trial.

Rocquel Priser, 38, faces felony charges of murder and committing a felony with a firearm. According to Collier County Sheriff's Office reports, the woman shot her father in the back of the head in July and lived with his body in their home for several days.

Related:CCSO: Estates woman fatally shot father, stayed in home with his body

Rocquel Priser is being represented by the public defender's office. Her attorney on Thursday filed a motion to appoint an expert to determine competency. 

The document states some discovery materials indicate Rocquel Priser suffers from "some sort of mental issue" that might affect her ability to stand trial.

The filing also states she has refused to meet with the judge and her lawyer. 

According to Sheriff's Office reports, Rocquel Priser's mother told investigators she saw her daughter shoot Rocky Priser in the back of the head July 1. She hadn't reported the shooting to authorities because her daughter told her not to, records state.

Susan Priser escaped July 3, she told deputies, and ran into a wooded area behind the home because she was in fear for her life. Rocquel Priser called an ambulance for her mother, who had fallen in the woods.

Susan Priser was at a hospital when she asked deputies to conduct a welfare check on her daughter and husband at their home July 5. Investigators found Rocky Priser's body and arrested Rocquel Priser that day.

More:Report: Estates woman accused of killing dad also might have abused mom