Cochranton woman charged with homicide in adoptive son’s death

From staff reports

A Cochranton woman has been charged with homicide in connection with the death of her adoptive son.

Mary Eileen Diehl, 62, was arraigned Monday and lodged in the Crawford County jail on a charge of criminal homicide.

Meadville state police said they were notified Sept. 6 that Najir William Diehl, 11, of 7621 Mallard Road in East Fairfield Township, Crawford County, had been found dead in his bed by Mary Diehl.

Police said blood results for Najir Diehl were obtained, and testing indicated a presence of poison in the boy’s blood.

The homicide charge was filed against Mary Diehl after further investigation, police said.

A preliminary hearing for Mary Diehl has been scheduled Nov. 23 before Crawford County district judge Amy Nicols.