TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County judge has appointed two doctors to examine the mother accused of leaving her daughter in the Hillsborough River to drown. 

In court Thursday, Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez appointed the doctors to evaluate Shakayla Denson. Another hearing has been set for Oct. 22 to hear the results. 

Denson, 26, faces charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse and grand theft auto charges. 

According to witnesses, the woman waded into the Hillsborough River near the Columbus Drive bridge Aug. 1, carrying a screaming child.

About halfway across the river, witnesses said she released the child into the water and then started wading out.

According to police, Je’Hyrah Daniels, 4, struggled in the water before drowning.

Divers pulled the unresponsive girl from the water a short time later. She was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital.