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UWS Nanny Accused Of Murdering Young Siblings Found Fit For Trial

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A nanny charged with stabbing two small children to death has been found fit for trial.

Yoselyn Ortega appeared in Manhattan state Supreme Court on Friday. She has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Ortega was examined by two mental health professionals, Justice Gregory Carro said in Manhattan state Supreme Court. Both found that she could assist in her defense in a meaningful way and that she was mentally fit to proceed to her trial. Her lawyer, who declined to comment outside court, is challenging those results.

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Authorities said that Ortega stabbed 6-year-old Lucia Krim and her 2-year-old brother, Leo, while the children's mother was out with a third child. A motive remained unclear.

LuLu Krim , Leo Krim
LuLu Krim (L), Leo Krim (R) (credit: Personal Photos)

The children were found in the bathroom by their mother, Marina Krim, when she returned home to the family's luxury apartment building at 75th and Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.

Each had been stabbed multiple times with a kitchen knife, police said.

Ortega was hospitalized for weeks with what police said were self-inflicted stab wounds stemming from the Oct. 25 incident.

Her sister has said Ortega loved the children and is a peaceful woman.

Her next court date is May 6.

Marina and Kevin Krim have established the Lulu and Leo Fund on Facebook in their children's memories, raising money for children's education and enrichment programs.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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