Amir Jennings (left) and his mom Zinah Jennings (WIS-TV)
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The attorney representing the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler says his client needs treatment more than jail time, even as police continue their frustrating search for the little boy.
Zinah Jennings has been in jail since December 29 after police say she refused to cooperate with the search for her 18-month-old son Amir.
Mother and son were reported missing by their family shortly after Thanksgiving.
Zinah resurfaced Christmas Eve when she crashed her car, but police found no sign of her missing son.
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Jennings' attorney Hemphill Pride says his client has been ruled mentally ill by the courts and ordered to take Risperdal, a drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia.
Jennings' bond is currently set at $150,000. Her attorney say the high bond amount is tantamount to denying her bond altogether.
However, the chief of police made an impassioned plea before the court to not reduce her bond, arguing that he fears she may be a flight risk.
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The judge did not make a decision Monday, saying he would take some time to weigh the prosecution and defense arguments.
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